Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

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Archive 2008 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Steady Hand
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p.2 #1 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

jhobgood wrote:
Steady,
your feedback is invaluable but i did not read you dissertation. I will however provide you with my impressions.

1) She looks as if she was caught half way between smiling and not smiling.

2) hair blends with the background and needs separation

3) looks as if she's missing a finger

4) there is something about her eyes however. confident and powerful

Take care,
Jim

Hi Jim,

Thanks for participating in this discussion.

I agree with the "confident and powerful" comment.

Nov 08, 2008 at 03:45 AM

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p.2 #2 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

jannaweiss wrote:
What is Your Impression?

I am amazed at the things I learn from you. This is the first image of yours that I have seen. I hope you stay a very long time and continue to advise and encourage. I have not read any of the posts before mine.

What do you see in the images above? I see joy, grace and passion in this image.
What do you see in the facial expressions? Happiness.
What do you see in the eyes? Confidence.
What is your general impression? The woman is somewhere she feels very comfortable.
How does the image affect you emotionally or make you feel? I'd like to hear her music.
Does it make you remember something or someone? No.

Janna - Sacramento suburbs, CA USA

I'm on Vicodin and just off of Morphine (hospital stay) so hope I read instructions correctly!)

Hi Janna

Best wishes for a speedy recovery for you.

Thanks for adding your impressions too. I think they were very "lucid" and appropriate.

Oh...this is the first of my images you have seen? There are 50 earlier images posted since April 2008 in similar "Impressions" discussions. Simply type "Your Impression" in the search box on the forum main page (where all the People forum topics are listed) and you will find them quite easily (if you care to see them along with the discussions). Otherwise, you can simply click the link below my name or click the "profile" link (again for my name) and you will find two websites with hundreds of my portraits (and a few paintings shown too).

I am glad you see the Joy, Grace, Passion and Confidence in this young woman. I am going to tell her you see that. I am sure it will increase her confidence and make her day.

Thanks for sharing your impressions. They help me and will help her too.

Good light to you. :

Nov 08, 2008 at 03:52 AM

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p.2 #3 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

sachman wrote:
My impression is a sense of a confidence in her craft and an activity/job that she loves to do.
Great portrait btw! :-)

Hi.

Always good to get an impression from Australia!

And...always glad to meet another Impressionist.

Thanks. I am glad you see that confidence in her and I am glad you like her portrait too.

I wish I could show you more as there are several "facets" to her personality and each of the portraits shows them.

Please send me a PM with your city in Australia and a first name. That helps in my Global Impressions Project.

Nov 08, 2008 at 03:55 AM

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p.2 #4 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Hello Steady,

My first impression? She just delivered the punch line of a naughty ditty that she was playing for friends (similar to the ones Benny Hill did on his TV shows).

Steve, Colo Spgs

Nov 08, 2008 at 04:19 AM

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p.2 #5 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Bmetcan wrote:
Hello Steady,

My first impression? She just delivered the punch line of a naughty ditty that she was playing for friends (similar to the ones Benny Hill did on his TV shows).

Steve, Colo Spgs

That made me laugh.

Humor is always appreciated.

Thanks Steve. Always appreciate a different "impression" whatever it is.

Humorist: What's the difference between a "pianist" and a "piano player?"

I can think of a punchline to that...but now don't think I can write it. Perhaps others will think about it and smile when they imagine what it could be.

IF anyone feels inclined to tell the punchline (as you see it) send me a PM.

Nov 08, 2008 at 04:32 AM

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p.2 #6 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

A lovely lady and a very artful composition. Her face glows with her mastery and confidence...the great artists are defiant in their approach to the most demanding music, and nearly mock the instrument as they play. You've captured that well.

John
Seattle, WA

Nov 08, 2008 at 04:53 AM

Lee Wiren
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p.2 #7 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Lee - Hillsboro, Oregon

Facial expression: mirth
Eyes: knowledge of a private joke, at my own expense but not demeaningly.
General Impression: Laughter at the not so obvious, as a trivial thing, she can concentrate on laughing at/with you while playing the piano (not so easy for some of us)
How does it make me feel?: Like the look my grandmother would give me - the look that no matter what I am worrying about, it is ok, she knows and maybe someday, I will too. That is a look from the experienced to the greenhorn I guess. Thus answering your last question, my beloved grandmother is what that look reminds me of, combo of the eyes and mirthful expression on the face.

Thanks Steady, I didn't want to be just another part of the flotsam of everybody giving you the hoo-ra the other day, but I also look forward to your posts and agree with the general assessment of the other day, thanks for your time, effort and attitude when posting.

Lee

Nov 08, 2008 at 06:10 AM

liamh
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p.2 #8 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Hi Steady,

I like this portrait, it captures personality and character.

My first impression (without reading the background) was 'cheeky' as if she's dropped in a little 'chopstix' in the middle of a Chopin recital.

Good shooting as ever.

Liam.

Nov 08, 2008 at 08:32 AM

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p.2 #9 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Bonjour Steady,

a portrait with all I like : outstanding composition and a full story in her expression.

"Juste avant ...

Elle m'a emmené pour un voyage avec sa musique pour seul tapis volant. Le voyage m'a fait découvrir des émotions nouvelles, fortes et douces. A présent qu'elle sait que la dernière note est sous son doigt, elle guette ma chute, savourant son chef d'oeuvre"

what can be poorly translated in :

Just before

She took me in a musical journey with her music as only flying carpet. The journey let me discover new emotions, sweet and powerful. Now that she know that the last note is below her finger, she expect my fall, enjoying her masterpiece"

good light to you, Steady

Yves

Nov 08, 2008 at 09:14 AM

Daniel Heineck
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p.2 #10 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Steady,

This screams classy, and she appears as someone who would want you to pull up a chair next to her and just listen as she plays for the sheer joy of sharing music with another.

Minor (minor) nit: necklace.

Question: with window light and a reflector how on earth did you push the background so dark? Love how much she reaches out of the photo (contrast with her background)

Err... Daniel, Corvallis OR--soon to be PDX

Nov 08, 2008 at 09:23 AM

mttran
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p.2 #11 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

"Impressionist", classic black on black. Love it

Nov 08, 2008 at 02:22 PM

Steady Hand
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p.2 #12 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

FSJ_Guy wrote:
She looks like she is enjoying what she is doing and gives me the impression that she hopes I am also enjoying her music. It is a very welcoming expression on her face.

Hi FSJ Guy.

I am glad to see you here in this Impressions discussion.

I like your impression comment too.

I am glad you "see" that in her expression.

Thanks for helping the discussion and for sharing your impressions.

Nov 08, 2008 at 03:08 PM

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p.2 #13 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Pilgrimatic wrote:
A lovely lady and a very artful composition. Her face glows with her mastery and confidence...the great artists are defiant in their approach to the most demanding music, and nearly mock the instrument as they play. You've captured that well.

John
Seattle, WA

Howdy John.

Thanks very much for joining in this Impressions discussion. Your comments are very helpful and I will be sure to share them with the young woman when I see her in a few days. I am sure she will be pleased.

Thanks again.

Good light to you too.

Nov 08, 2008 at 05:37 PM

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p.2 #14 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Lee Wiren wrote:
Lee - Hillsboro, Oregon

Facial expression: mirth
Eyes: knowledge of a private joke, at my own expense but not demeaningly.
General Impression: Laughter at the not so obvious, as a trivial thing, she can concentrate on laughing at/with you while playing the piano (not so easy for some of us)
How does it make me feel?: Like the look my grandmother would give me - the look that no matter what I am worrying about, it is ok, she knows and maybe someday, I will too. That is a look from the experienced to the greenhorn I guess. Thus answering your last question, my beloved grandmother is what that look reminds me of, combo of the eyes and mirthful expression on the face.

Thanks Steady, I didn't want to be just another part of the flotsam of everybody giving you the hoo-ra the other day, but I also look forward to your posts and agree with the general assessment of the other day, thanks for your time, effort and attitude when posting.

Lee

Howdy Lee.

Welcome to the Impressionist World.

I think this is your first time to join in the Impressions discussions. And...I think you have it.

I enjoyed reading your comments above. Really. I agree with you. I liked that "greenhorn" comment too. Something about a little "pride" perhaps. Also, I liked your use of the word "mirth." I don't hear that one often and it does give a good thought.

Finally, thanks for the kind words too. You are not any "flotsam" and certainly not any "jetsam" either.

I hope you will participate in future Impressions threads, or even start one of your own with one of your own images. They can be entertaining, valuable, and fun.

Nov 08, 2008 at 05:41 PM

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p.2 #15 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

liamh wrote:
Hi Steady,

I like this portrait, it captures personality and character.

My first impression (without reading the background) was 'cheeky' as if she's dropped in a little 'chopstix' in the middle of a Chopin recital.

Good shooting as ever.

Liam.

Hi Liam.

I like that Britishism..."cheeky." I can see how that fits too. That is the "spirit" of how she surprised me.

Thanks for participating as an Impressionist. Your contributions are always valued and invited.

Thanks and good light to you.

Nov 08, 2008 at 05:42 PM

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p.2 #16 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Y_vdm wrote:
Bonjour Steady,

a portrait with all I like : outstanding composition and a full story in her expression.

"Juste avant ...

Elle m'a emmené pour un voyage avec sa musique pour seul tapis volant. Le voyage m'a fait découvrir des émotions nouvelles, fortes et douces. A présent qu'elle sait que la dernière note est sous son doigt, elle guette ma chute, savourant son chef d'oeuvre"

what can be poorly translated in :

Just before

She took me in a musical journey with her music as only flying carpet. The journey let me discover new emotions, sweet and powerful. Now that she know that the last note is below her finger, she expect my fall, enjoying her masterpiece"

good light to you, Steady

Yves

Bonjour Yves (and M)

As I have said many times before, I ALWAYS enjoy reading your impressions very much. First...there is the challenge to try to read them in French (not MY first language...but I do try to read them). Second is the understanding of your words in English (my first language). Then...I read the French version again.

So...it is quite an experience, a challenge, and fun.

But the words and meaning are beautiful in either language. I truly thank you for taking the time to consider the images and then to write so beautifully what you "see and sense" in the image.

I will always enjoy those words along with the image.

Thank you very much.

Nov 08, 2008 at 05:47 PM

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p.2 #17 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

Daniel Heineck wrote:
Steady,

This screams classy, and she appears as someone who would want you to pull up a chair next to her and just listen as she plays for the sheer joy of sharing music with another.

Minor (minor) nit: necklace.

Question: with window light and a reflector how on earth did you push the background so dark? Love how much she reaches out of the photo (contrast with her background)

Err... Daniel, Corvallis OR--soon to be PDX

Hi Daniel.

Welcome to the Impressionistic world.

I appreciate your comments above. Especially the feeling of "joy." I know just what you mean. I wish I could have listened to her play for hours. Her upcoming recital is on my calendar.

I hope you will take a look and participate in the upcoming Pianist Impressions threads. I have a few more that you might enjoy seeing and I know I would enjoy reading your impressions on them.

About the background. Mostly it is exposure. Many times I can get a background to go dark from carefully considering how the light is affecting a subject and from careful metering and selection of an appropriate shutter speed or aperture. This can be learned with practice and experiments. And that is situational too. But it can work for just about any subject. I often do this with my flower photographs.

In some other cases, it is a matter of using a flag (something that blocks light from a background surface), or the use of a deep space (a big room that is unlit behind the subject...and this is my favorite method) or sometimes the use of a simple black background (either fabric or paper or card). Those are commonly done in "studio" settings, but can also be done on location.

There are lots of ways during the initial exposure. Then...there is the careful use of "exposure" in the darkroom too. There it is a matter of considering how far I want to go with the B&W and how I filter the light and how I "place" the blacks. So, what might have appeared as dark gray to the camera, becomes dark black (or very dark gray) in the print. In addition, there can be selective "burning" or selective "addition" of darkness or shadow (how I think of it).

In addition...there is the matter of viewing on the web. Many of my images appear "darker" (in the background or dark/shadow tones) than they appear on a print. The reason is that the prints can show much more subtle tones of gray and there can be very beautiful subtleties in my finished B&W prints. Subtle tones that just won't show on the monitor over the internet. Really...I have some prints that BW afficianados find very "luscious" and "deep." Viewed over the web, those same prints may appear very dark in some areas as they apparently lack some "shadow detail" over the web...but it is there in the print.

Here's a tip: You might find it interesting to check out B&W "Piezography" by Jon Cone. He has a business focused on producing high-end digital BW prints and can sell you everything you need. I am not affiliated with that business at all, but I am an "early" Piezographer. And I have spent many hours in darkroom working on methods to get "deep rich blacks" and "many shades of gray" and "crisp white highlights" and such. Many hours...many prints. Many images, many methods. Many "hits" and sometimes "misses." So my eye looks for subtle tonal differences and the challenge then becomes "How do I get this into the print?" One great thing about the "digital darkroom revolution" has been the greater 'control' I have over the image. That did not exist when I was having to give up control to other professional printers and had to "take what I got" from 'their' ability to make a fine BW print. I now have control over that and it is very satisfying.

I hope these comments and tips help you.

Nov 09, 2008 at 05:38 AM

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p.2 #18 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

I wrote the following before reading the description of how the picture was taken:

I get the impression that the subject is a professional piano player, a concert pianist or teacher. Her garb appears to be semi-formal, but more important is the precise tilt of her back and head, which imply a certain trained strictness of form. Her expression is unmistakably one of pleasure in mastery, and I detect also that she may be satisfied or proud at the reaction of someone in the room (you?).

Her hand is exquisitely poised; if she is posed and not actually playing I think you did a wonderful job, as the attitude of the hand and fingers shows a relaxation of tension, as if her hand is leaving the keys. I feel that the position of her right ring finger is very important for this picture, as it makes the hand position less mechanical and more like she is caressing the keys.

I love it! - Jeff from Boston

Nov 10, 2008 at 04:58 AM

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p.2 #19 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

mttran wrote:
"Impressionist", classic black on black. Love it

Hi Michael,

I am glad you like it. And..that you added your impression to the mix.

"Black on black" is something I always enjoy as a challenge (photographically) and enjoy the results too when the various tones of black and gray make a very subtle and deep image.

Keep your "Impressionist" beret on, another Pianist image will be posted soon.

Nov 10, 2008 at 03:27 PM

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p.2 #20 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

jvarszegi wrote:
I wrote the following before reading the description of how the picture was taken:

I get the impression that the subject is a professional piano player, a concert pianist or teacher. Her garb appears to be semi-formal, but more important is the precise tilt of her back and head, which imply a certain trained strictness of form. Her expression is unmistakably one of pleasure in mastery, and I detect also that she may be satisfied or proud at the reaction of someone in the room (you?).

Her hand is exquisitely poised; if she is posed and not actually playing I think you did a wonderful job, as the attitude of the hand and fingers shows a relaxation of tension, as if her hand is leaving the keys. I feel that the position of her right ring finger is very important for this picture, as it makes the hand position less mechanical and more like she is caressing the keys.

I love it! - Jeff from Boston

Howdy Jeff,

Thanks for adding that very well written impression note. I really enjoyed reading it (a few times) as it gave me a chance to see the image through your various impressions.

I really like that you wrote: "Her expression is unmistakably one of pleasure in mastery."

That is something I sense/saw/felt too.

And that part of the "pride or satisfaction" of pleasing someone else in the room is right on the impression I felt too. Very perceptive of you.

I really enjoyed hearing her play for me...and I got the sense she got enjoyment from playing for herself...AND playing and pleasing an audience. I am glad that comes across in the image.

I do hope you will participate in future Impressions threads. You made a very good contribution to this one.

Thanks again.

Nov 10, 2008 at 03:32 PM

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p.2 #21 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

My impressions of the person in the photograph "Pianist #1":
1. Intelligent with a nice sense of humor.
2. Warm and fun.
3. Loyal.
4. Stable but fragile.
5. I think she leads a simple and pleasant life but has complex inner emotions about self, society, spirituality, etc.
6. I wish I had more friends like her.

I was affected by all 5 photographs posted in this "Impressions" series even though I made a conscious effort to mainly concentrate on the B&W "Pianist #1" image.

Name: Bif
Location: Nagoya, Japan.

Nov 10, 2008 at 06:03 PM

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p.2 #22 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

She looks French and reminds me of a wartime pianist in a French bar. She looks a bit bemused? Maybe this was one of your first shots of her before she got into the music somewhat

Nicola
Manchester
England

Jan 30, 2009 at 08:06 PM

papageno
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p.2 #23 · Your Impressions #51 Pianist 1

I don't agree with your mandate to read your comments before viewing. This is a picture, and it has to work as a picture if you sat atop a flagpole for 40 days in the snow to take it.

That said, the pix work fairly well, with number two being (to me) the weak sister because it makes her look like a cocktail pianist where you always get a friendly greeting because the playing is on auto pilot.

Calling the third pic Liszt 1 is odd to me because that's a concerto, yet she is alone--but that's neither here or there.

I'd also like to see more separation around the blouse.

As to the artists face, which is a major challenge here, you have done extremely well. The solutions are tactful and dignified, not silly. Five stars for that. I am reminded of Alfred Brendel, a wonderful pianist who is hard to shoot in a way that reflects the grace with which he plays.

Jan 30, 2009 at 08:51 PM


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