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 p.1 #1 · Your Impression #66 Mezzo | |
#66 in a Series of Impressions Threads: "Mezzo"
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READ THIS FIRST:
Please share your impressions. That helps me as an artist and will be appreciated and enjoyed by the subject too (i.e. the pianist) when I share your Impressions with her in a few days.
I take the time to write up many bits of technique and tips both here in my own impressions discussions (see below) and in 4,500+ posts put up by other photographers. So, while I do like helping others here, it DOES help me if you will write your impressions in this thread. It only takes a moment to give an impression that may be very helpful and will be appreciated by the subject or pianist too. And if you enjoy this image or this type of discussion, you are invited to visit any of the previous 64 Impressions images/discussions and leave your own impression on any of them too. Just type "Impressions" in the search field of this forum to find a list of them. Thanks in advance.
Put another way...Don't Just Lurk...Join In. Add value. Contribute. Share your thoughts. Help others. Post your Impression. : )
THE IMAGE LINK: Impressions Image #66 Mezzo"
http://www.steadmanuhlich.com/impressions66/index.html
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NOTES:
NOTE 1:
This image was made at the same time as the last image (Rondo 2). However, the POV is different, the eye contact is direct to the camera and the light looks different on the face (but it is the same light sources).
BIG NOTE!
For the purpose of this discussion, I would like you to give me your impressions on her natural facial expression while she was playing. What do you see in that expression?
NOTE 2 : This post is an example of a pianist "looking PAST the piano" while playing. Remember...this is "all natural." The pianist is actually playing while I photographed her. This "look" (with the eyes above the piano) is NOT as commonly seen. The "look" is of a pianist "playing." Not all "playing images" have closed eyes. But, in this case, while she is looking "past the piano" I happened to step into her line of sight (so the camera could record what she looked like while playing). So, you might think that she is looking AT me, while in reality she is looking "through" me as she was looking just like this even while I was NOT standing in this line. That is about as "natural" as one can get without having a really long telephoto or a two way mirror or a duck blind.  In short, this is the "natural expression" she had while she is playing (even when no one was in front of her). 
NOTE 3: "Mezzo" is a musical term that simply means "middle or half" and as this image POV is showing "half" of her body from "the middle of the piano", this title fits the image in more than one way. 
NOTE 4: This is the sister of the pianist shown in several other portraits (including Presto, Forte). Her sister has dark brown hair. They are both excellent concert pianists and sometimes play duets.
NOTE 5: This image, when viewed over the net may appear softer than it really is as a print due to the saving of a large file for the web. The moment I saw it after it was posted on a web page, I saw this "softening" effect. In reality, the image makes a large print that is very "luscious" with deep blacks, nice flesh tones (gray) and tiny bits of highlights that make the image as a whole "sparkle" with life. It is a very nice "classic B&W" toned image with lots of subtle shadow details (like her black dress texture and the glossy looking edges of the piano). I wish I could show you the print. On THIS image, I did sharpen it for the web, so the overall look is a little different from my print.
NOTE 6: 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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TOOLS, TECHNIQUES & METHODS
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 while she is playing. I thought her eyes were beautiful (green), 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 (Model D New York). The price is about $150,000 or so for this instrument. When played "Forte" this piano and its long strings create powerful sounds (they caused me to say "WOW") with wonderfully long resonance. A beautiful instrument and very beautiful sounds (unlike smaller pianos).
The Figure Position (Pose):
She is actually playing the piano. Her fingers are actually pushing keys.
This is not always "seen" by the camera or eye. And her gaze is up from the keys in a natural "look" sometimes (but not often) seen in photos of pianists. It is a "natural" position (in action) and not an artificial "pose." The music was beautiful and an important part of her expressions and "pose."
The Light:
All natural sunlight WITH a single spotlight. Most of my other Pianist Portraits were photographed using only natural light from a window.
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 f1.4 and shutter speed 1/800 sec and shot hand-held (in keeping with my nickname). I could use a faster shutter speed on this one image because I added light with the single spotlight to supplement the natural sunlight.
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.
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 textured (sharp) (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 hair or black garments. She is wearing black wool...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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IMPRESSIONS STYLE Basics
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 64th 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: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/649345
You might also enjoy reading the different "Impressions about Impressions" thread here:
http://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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