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 p.1 #1 · Your Impression #56 Gray & Black Arrangement | |
#56 in a Series of Impressions Threads: "Arrangement in Gray and Black"
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THE IMAGE LINK: Impressions Image #56 "Arrangement in Gray and Black"
http://www.steadmanuhlich.com/impressions56/index.html
NOTE 1: When you see this image via the link, you will also see another image right next to it. The second image is of a painting widely recognized as "Whistler's Mother." The actual title (the one the artist, James McNeill Whistler, used was always "Arrangement in Grey and Black." I have included the image of the painting in order to better share my feelings below. Consider it an illustration to supplement the following story. 
The BackStory:
While I was photographing this pianist, I noticed a particular combination of the light, the gray painted wall, the black dress, and her posture and hand position. This "clicked" in my mind and I vaguely recalled a similar composition. I made the exposures, while thinking to myself: "This looks like a painting." The funny thing to me is how similar the resulting image appears after later finding a photo of Whistler's Mother. You may not believe this, but I had not seen Whistler's Mother (image/painting) for years prior to making the photo of the pianist. That "visual memory" was vague but immediate. So when I was photographing the pianist, I could "see" a "painting" because of the tones, the composition, and the overall effect. The thoughts of a "painting" were my impressions at the moment I was photographing the pianist.
By the way, when an artist paints a painting that has visual elements of an earlier work they admire, it is usually called an "homage" (an honor to the original artwork and artist). So, while I did not look at Whistler's Mother (image or photo) as a "model" for this photo of the pianist, I like the allusion or similarity so much I will title this: "Arrangement in Gray and Black" as an homage to Whistler.
Yes...I know that I spelled it "Gray" and he spelled (or spelt) it "Grey."  That is a particular "difference" I have made on purpose and..."Gray" is an acceptable spelling variation in the USA.
In the image of the pianist, she is playing, but is in a very erect "proper" position...and she is recalling a passage of music to play. It is a very natural "NLP" look while she remembers and considers her next notes. She is looking out a large window. She is playing. And while her expression in her eyes (and mouth) is not the usual "smile at the camera" expression one might more commonly see (or the "closed eyes lost in music" expression), this is a totally natural expression of her as she plays. I like it. And I like this image so much, I will eventually paint it very much like you see here (with minor differences in composition).
When you view the photo and the painting side by side, take a look at the way each image has a large field (background) in gray/grey. Also notice the large areas of black (like blocks). Also see the shape and "blackness" of the dresses. See the hands on a "bed" of white (a contrast that draws the eyes to the hands). And notice the erect posture and "L" shape of the figures. When I placed the photo next to the painting I imagined that one was playing for the other in the same room.
Finally, there is a certain "aesthetic" to paintings that is sometimes hard to evoke in a contemporary photo. I don't mean "software painted brushstrokes" or "pseudo paint" or things like that that come from using Photoshop. I mean the underlying visual elements and "composition" (more than anything). Sometimes it is simply the expressions and sometimes the simplicity. Sometimes it is the "feeling" or the "impression." So when I photograph some subjects/people, I look at them sometimes as a photographic subject, and at other times as I would imagine them in a painting. Those can be very different "oeuvres" (French œuvre, literally, work) or "styles."
Please share your impressions. That helps me as an artist and will be appreciated and enjoyed by the subject too (i.e. the pianist).
NOTE2: Read the "Tools" and "Techniques" notes below to understand how this image was made without flash and how it captures a natural moment (not posed) as the musician is actually performing a piece of music. I wrote those sections to help you with some tips.
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My Intent or Goal:
Create a Black and White portrait of this woman that shows her unique beauty. For this image I wanted to create an image that captures her playing. I thought her eyes were beautiful (brown), her features very nice and her look refreshingly "natural." This image is one of several I made of her, so she became the subject of several "Impressionistic" images.
This particular image is one of a set to show one of those "moods." This one is one of the more "serious" portrait images. Now...what do YOU see?
The Piano (Prop):
For those of you who like pianos...I am sure you would like to see more of the instrument. This is a 9 foot Steinway Concert Grand piano. The price is about $150,000 or so for this instrument. The low notes sound like thunder and the high notes sound like crystal. Hit a key and the sound continues and continues...a lovely instrument.
The Light:
She is sitting near a large window. I prefer natural light. See the note below about the limits of web viewing this image.
The Tools:
My preference is for keeping the use of tools very simple. The image is made with minimal equipment and processing. The lens was a 50mm, set at f2.8 and shutter speed 1/160 sec and shot hand-held (in keeping with my nickname).
The Technique:
The most important things to use during a session like this is...patience and an open mind. Patience to see the image when the light and expression were just right. And while you might not think it, she is actually playing the piano for me during the moment I captured here. . I watched her play for a few moments and saw a movement or expression that I wanted to capture. I waited until I saw what I wanted (I knew what was coming) and then "click" got this moment frozen. Her hand is obviously a key element of this image. It is at the position when she is playing, but as with almost all photos of pianist's hands, they can look "awkward" depending on the particular combination of notes played at that instant. That took careful timing and careful observation. Other exposures/frames were similar but it is a matter of "timing" (knowing or anticipating when to click the shutter release) more than a matter of luck or shutter speed. I use this same method when photographing dancers where flash is not allowed. It really helps if you listen to the music before the session and understand and observe the rhythms and cadence and movements. IF you do that, you can get wonderful images that "appear" frozen at the "decisive moment" due to knowing what will happen with the figure in motion. This can work despite a relatively slow shutter speed. I hope that "tip" helps you.
Notes:
1. This is part of my Natural Expressions series and part of a project focused on pianists. So, while some "expressions" are very easy to see because of a broad smile, laugh, or scowl, this one is something more subtle, and depends on the body language or expression using the body. I don't expect everyone to see this.
2. This is a greatly reduced file for the web. Unfortunately, the image appears to lose some details at this reduction and also is beginning to show some jpg artifacts from all the saving for different sizes and formats I use on the web and in other media. So...the skin does not look as smooth (naturally) as it does in the actual print. In the original print (which appears sharper), the individual hairs on her head and her eyelashes are very distinct (as an example) and the skin has a completely natural texture (no smoothing). Also at this size on the web, the contrast is not what one sees in a final print. For example, in the web view, you may see a lack of texture in the highlight areas of the skin (or they may appear 'hot') and in the shadow areas too. In the final print there is a very natural look to the her skin, hair, and the textures of her garment. In fact, in large prints (and on my calibrated monitor) one can see the very subtle tonal differences between the background and the dark hair or black garments. She is wearing black velvet...and that is very difficult to expose while keeping the white keys and highlights at a nice point. The final print has natural texture there. It is subtle but lost in the web viewing. IN short, her black garments look better in the print than they do on the web.
3. This made a very "natural" and beautiful portrait that appears very much alive and 3-D.
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Why is an Impressions Style Thread Used Here?
Short answer: To get a different kind of discussion going on a posted image, encourage lurkers to participate, and for the artist to learn something about the interpretations or impressions evoked by the image posted.
My Simple Suggestion for this forum: Contribute what you can in photographs, or comments or Impressions (as requested here) and this will be a richer viewing experience for everyone who visits.
IF you are a lurker, this type of thread is a very easy way for you to participate in the forum and you can contribute something and it can be fun. Go ahead and jump in. If you were a lurker before, let me know that too. I am hoping this type of discussion will get more people to participate here as that will enrich the forum.
I believe many people are just lurkers because they feel they cannot post "proof" of their expertise and they may be intimidated from posting anything that would not sound "smart enough" regarding photography and the technical aspects of it. I think the technical discussions are fine for those that want them (in their own threads). I also think there are many others who may not want to get technical and enjoy their photography a different way. This is NOT about technical stuff, so feel free to be poetic or "impressionistic" as that is encouraged.
The development of this new style of thread posting (Impressions) will give an opportunity to many people who do not feel comfortable discussing photos in technical terms.
This type of thread is NOT about technical things (that is "off topic" in this kind of thread), it is simply about how you "see" and "feel" things in the image shown. So, anyone from a rank beginner or newbie to an expert can participate on equal standing. Here is your chance.
A FUN Tip: It is more fun if you look at the image before reading any other Impressions posted by others. So take a look, get an impression, add your impression at the bottom (and please give your first name and city), and then take a minute to read some of the earlier postings. You might chuckle or smile as you see how others see the same image.
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How an Impressions Discussion Works:
This is the 51st Impressions Thread I have started. IF you have never read one of these before, please read the middle and bottom of this thread before viewing the photo or posting your comments.
This type of thread or discussion is NOT about technical critiques. IF you don't understand what I mean by "Impressions," simply spend a few minutes reading below or on the linked page where the image is shown. I give tips on this type of thread and answer some questions people have asked me here before.
I have put the link to the image closer to the top of this post to make it quick and easy to find. The other detailed text below the portrait introduction is for those who want to read it or need some guidance on this new approach to discussion threads here on the forum. Over time, I will reduce the amount of text as I believe others here on the forum begin to understand the intent of this type of discussion or "Impression" thread. You are encouraged to leave your Impressions (as described below) but I do ask that you leave "Impressions" as that is the topic. IF you missed the other earlier Impressions threads I started, simply look back in the forum or search for a thread with topics starting "Your Impression?" and you will find them.
IF you feel a need to debate the value of Impressions versus Technical Criticism, then please do not do it in this thread (as that is "off topic"), and instead do it in the thread where that debate IS the topic of discussion, here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/649345
You might also enjoy reading the different "Impressions about Impressions" thread here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/653643
It is very simple. Here is my request: To add positive value to this thread or discussion, please share your "Impressions" of the figure or face or expression or action or "total image" in the photo you see. Put very simply: "What do you see or sense about the person in the photo?" Also, please tell me your First Name + City when you give me your Impression. That is important for my Global Impressions Project (A few paragraphs describing my project are found on the page linked to the image page. You will find it on the second page if you want to know more.)
Also, I encourage you to post your own "Impressions" thread with a photo some time. Reading the variety of Impressions is very satisfying and helpful to any artist who is interested in how a work of art (photo) affects a viewer or viewers. So, try it some time. My Simple Suggestion: Place the word "Impression" as the first word of your topic title for the thread and then people will know you want Impressions rather than technical criticism. The rest is up to you.
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