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!)
When I first saw your post I immediately clicked on the link and looked at the picture without reading your copy. Her expression was mischievous and said to me: "This sounds pretty good, huh?"
Then I figured I'd better read your instructions first, so I returned to FM to read your booklet, er, post. In it you describe what actually happened at the shoot, which pretty much confirmed my initial impression. But it was a plot-spoiler. It's difficult to give what you ask - a purely personal impression of a photo - after the photographer describes it.
Maybe a warning up top that says 'please look at the picture before reading further.' Or did you assume we'd click the link first since it's at the beginning? (Which is reasonable.)
Anyway, your narrative of you saying "Wow" and her looking up at you did affect my impression of the picture. Now I see her attention as split between her music (occupying the bulk of her mind) and an audience that's demanding attention (I think we've seen this look in musicians). That's what I see in her eyes now - it's all in the eyes - and can't shake the impression: her eyes are aimed toward you but the brain is preoccupied.
And by the way, I love this picture. Face, keyboard, hand, and the rest black. Especially the position of the right hand, at some musical moment, is lovely....Show more →
Hi,
Thanks for adding your impressions too. I liked your impression as I think it fits the image well too. That "Satisfaction" with the sounds or how the pianist finds the music on this instrument. I like that.
You bring up a good point about whether my description of the person has perhaps influenced your "take" on the image. I understand. I had thought about that several times. I do believe it is a good idea (and recommend it to everyone) to clearly state the "intent" of the image. So, I will generally tell something about the person I am photographing and the situation or something about how I see them and what I am trying to 'capture.' As I see it, it is a matter of stating something like a goal. Then, when one looks at the image, one can get a feel for how the goal might have been reached or how close the photo comes to the goal. Of course the other viewers may have very different "impressions" based on just the image. That is OK with me too. But....in general I think stating "intent" is a very good practice and so I include them.
How I "see" the image is something a bit different. That is my own impressions. It may be very different from how others see it.
I do know what you mean though. Most of the images posted in this forum never have a backstory or "intent" posted with the picture. Sometimes...people will post something about the picture later if the image is critiqued. But...I think it is better up front.
renpho wrote:
My first impression is "pleasantly surprised". As if a curious child has just walked up to investigate where the wonderful sound is coming from.
Mark
Maple Valley, WA
Hi Mark,
Welcome to the Impressionist World!
Now I can add a virtual pin to my map wherever Maple Valley is. Thanks, your contribution to this discussion helps.
I like your impression. Pleasantly surprised. That would be me. I think she knew exactly what she was doing when she surprised me. I had asked her to play a bit to loosen up while I was checking my camera (quickly) prior to a new "take." That was when she launched into the dramatic music. I will have to find out what that piece was. Very dramatic and powerful sounds.
I suppose that "curious child" is me too.
I wish you could have been in my shoes so you would know just what I mean.
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!)...Show more →
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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"
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
In it you describe what actually happened at the shoot, which pretty much confirmed my initial impression. But it was a plot-spoiler. It's difficult to give what you ask - a purely personal impression of a photo - after the photographer describes it.