#51 in a Series of Impressions Threads: "Pianist 1"
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Impressions Image #51 "Pianist 1"
http://www.steadmanuhlich.com/impressions51/index.html

NOTE: This is a temporary title. Put your Impressionista beret on and if you have a title in mind for this image, tell me. This is part of the fun of considering images from different POVs.

My Intent or Goal:
Create a portrait of this woman that shows her unique beauty and engaging personality. She has fair skin, brown hair and a charming personality. 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 as I found her to be a "chameleon" who changes very easily from one "mood" to another and so she became the subject of several "Impressionistic" images.

You can't tell without hearing her play that big 9 foot concert grand Steinway, but she is VERY talented as a pianist. When I heard her start playing while I was looking down at my camera...I was completely and honestly surprised. Absolutely beautiful music (and impressive) comes from her fingers. So this "moment" is her actually playing for me and captures a moment when she looked at me as I expressed some surprise (Literally I exclaimed "WOW!") as I heard the music (from a few feet away) when she launched into a dramatic passage and let me tell you...that 9 foot long piano can really create some sound. She was probably amused at the look on MY face. So that expression you see...I see it as an expression of satisfaction at "impressing" the audience (me). Now...what do YOU see?

For those of you who like pianos...I am sure you would like to see more of the instrument. Some would want to see the "Steinway" name prominent. I understand. From my POV, this is a portrait about "her" rather than the piano. So I have purposefully cropped off parts of the original image to focus on her expression.

The Light:
She is sitting near a large window. I prefer natural light. A white reflector was used on the shadow side. 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 I recall was a 50mm and f2.8 and shutter speed 1/80sec and shot hand-held (in keeping with my nickname). 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 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 and in the shadow areas too. In the final print there is a very natural look to the herskin, brown 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 dark background and the dark hair or black garments. The final print has natural texture there. It is subtle but lost in the web viewing.

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: 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.

Mike Liberty Hill CT Impish, self concious, someone I'd like an opportunity to get to know....

Hi Steady,

I like the portrait. I've seen, heard, and played with a lot of pianists over the years and one thing I often notice are their hands. They are almost always graceful, moving like little ballet dancers over the keys. The woman in your portrait has those kind of hands.

I also know a number of very fine pianists, including a Grammy award winner that in person are very shy and reserved. It's only when actually playing that you realize they "brought a big stick" to the piano. I see shyness in the portrait as well. Kind of like you caught her in the middle of a piece, she noticed you, and perhaps slightly embarrassed, gave you a quick smile. I feel like she immediately went back to playing and is more comfortable "talking" with her music.

Nicely done.

Bob

mlenny wrote:
Mike Liberty Hill CT Impish, self concious, someone I'd like an opportunity to get to know....

Hi Mike,

Thanks for adding your impression and thanks for being the first who got the comments ball rolling.

I think your impressions are fitting too.

bob parrish wrote:
Hi Steady,

I like the portrait. I've seen, heard, and played with a lot of pianists over the years and one thing I often notice are their hands. They are almost always graceful, moving like little ballet dancers over the keys. The woman in your portrait has those kind of hands.

I also know a number of very fine pianists, including a Grammy award winner that in person are very shy and reserved. It's only when actually playing that you realize they "brought a big stick" to the piano. I see shyness in the portrait as well. Kind of like you caught her in the middle of a piece, she noticed you, and perhaps slightly embarrassed, gave you a quick smile. I feel like she immediately went back to playing and is more comfortable "talking" with her music.

Nicely done.

Bob

Howdy Bob,

Thanks for taking the time to add your impression too. I enjoyed reading your insights and experiences too.

That little "sparkle" of pride in her eyes I think comes from her mischievious moment when she surprised the photographer.

"Amusement from the Muse" might be how I see this one.

I don't doubt you would like her. She is quite nice.

Good light to you.

Steady,

There are some people that are very happy doing certain jobs/tasks/activities- this shot makes me think that she very much likes playing music. She has a non-typical facial expression for a portrait, one that makes me think she might break out laughing because she is enjoying what she is doing. Just throwing this up and asking for c/c might bring negative comments about the position of her mouth-but- showing this to her friends would certainly get comments of"that is HER!"

Thanks for the post.

Dan- Soda Springs, California

am i allowed to say it looks technically perfect? beautiful portrait, great expression, looks timeless. wow

DannyG wrote:
Steady,

There are some people that are very happy doing certain jobs/tasks/activities- this shot makes me think that she very much likes playing music. She has a non-typical facial expression for a portrait, one that makes me think she might break out laughing because she is enjoying what she is doing. Just throwing this up and asking for c/c might bring negative comments about the position of her mouth-but- showing this to her friends would certainly get comments of"that is HER!"

Thanks for the post.

Dan- Soda Springs, California

Hi Dan,

Thanks for adding that nice impression. I enjoyed reading it. I think you are right about it too. This woman has a very joyous personality and in the first few moments of meeting her, I liked her.

Now...some "serious" musicians (and she is definitely one) would want a "serious" looking portrait. I have those (of her) too. But....this really a portrait about "her" personality. So this one happens to be one of my favs for connecting with her that way. Some of the others are very beautiful (for photographic, design, or 'art' reasons), but this particular one more "personal."

As I wrote above...I think she was "tickled" that she surprised me with the "dramatic" crescendo. Sort of like sounding an air horn to an unsuspecting reader (then imagine the look on the horn sounder's face).

SeanP wrote:
am i allowed to say it looks technically perfect? beautiful portrait, great expression, looks timeless. wow

Hi Sean.

Sure. "Positive" comments (whether someone likes or not likes an image) are always appreciated.

So if it strikes you as "beautiful" that is great.

I like that you see it as "Timeless." I thought that too as I was working with her. I have another image that is considerably different and looks like it was made in 1930 or so. Very "other era" look to it.

On the "technically perfect" thing/comment: This WAS a tough "black on black on black" exposure situation for these reasons:

1. Natural light (single source)
2. Black velvet garment (jacket)
3. Black satin trim
4. Black "prop" (piano)
5. White keys
6. Reflective surfaces (gold metal bridge in the piano case..it looks light in this image)
7. Dark hair
8. Dark (black) depth of background
9. BIG prop to include (some of it at least)

Thanks for adding your impressions. They do help and I will share those nice words with the woman too.

Good light to you.

What I see when I look at this photograph is a very warm and caring piano instructor (and good looking too!). The lighting is very flattering and the wa her black shirt fades into the background is lovely. I also love the B&W conversion. This is a nice classic, portrait. I would even use i as a comp-card.

Hi Steady

This lady is sophisticated; however she dresses conservatively, she wears minimal jewelery and maybe dislikes the hassle of it. Her makeup is minimal but pleasing to the eye. Her hair is clean and healthy but kept simple. This lady is busy, but not obsessive of her appearance.

Her glance over to you indicates her delight and pleasure in surprising you with her ability. She loves the audience reaction and feeds on the atmosphere of the moment.

She oozes confidence in what she does best.

Title:

Satisfaction

Alan

What I see is someone sitting at a piano simply posing for a photographer. That's what her smile and glance toward the camera says to me. Hi, I am taking a picture and the photographer instructed me to look at the camera and smile. This truly was my first and lasting impression and I went back a looked at the shot a few times.

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I just did a portrait of a pianist for the inside of his self published CD. He refused to pose with a piano in the picture though.

fstop212 wrote:
What I see when I look at this photograph is a very warm and caring piano instructor (and good looking too!). The lighting is very flattering and the wa her black shirt fades into the background is lovely. I also love the B&W conversion. This is a nice classic, portrait. I would even use i as a comp-card.


Hi.
Thanks for that nicely worded impression.

I will share it with the pianist and I am sure it will make her happy. (me too).

Thanks for participating in this Impressions discussion and adding to thoughts.

Hi Steady,

I so enjoy your photos.

My impression:
Elegant woman who appears to step into her element when she plays the piano.

Title: "Inspiration" (?)

Michelle

Alan Young wrote:
Hi Steady

This lady is sophisticated; however she dresses conservatively, she wears minimal jewelery and maybe dislikes the hassle of it. Her makeup is minimal but pleasing to the eye. Her hair is clean and healthy but kept simple. This lady is busy, but not obsessive of her appearance.

Her glance over to you indicates her delight and pleasure in surprising you with her ability. She loves the audience reaction and feeds on the atmosphere of the moment.

She oozes confidence in what she does best.

Title:

Satisfaction


Alan



Hey...I like that title suggestion: "Satisfaction" Good one.

And I also like teh way you described her too. Very accurate.

"Delight" is another good impression too. I think that was it.

And...she is confident. Much more than I expected. I am sure you would enjoy meeting her, even if the music is not the reason for meeting.

Thanks for adding your contribution to this Impressions thread.

Ray Chopp wrote:
What I see is someone sitting at a piano simply posing for a photographer. That's what her smile and glance toward the camera says to me. Hi, I am taking a picture and the photographer instructed me to look at the camera and smile. This truly was my first and lasting impression and I went back a looked at the shot a few times.

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I just did a portrait of a pianist for the inside of his self published CD. He refused to pose with a piano in the picture though.

Hi Ray.

Thanks for participating in this Impressions discussion. Even though your impressions are not the same as mine, you are welcome to share how you see it. I don't expect everyone to "see" the images the same way.

I suppose most people are so used to seeing "put on smiles" for a camera that they don't expect a "real and genuine and spontaneous" smile to happen in a portrait session.

This one is genuine and as natural as can be. I actually never tell my subjects to smile. So...each one is the natural result of them feeling good or their sense of humor...or their reaction to something I might have done. I don't like "fake" smiles.

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.

seechelle wrote:
Hi Steady,

I so enjoy your photos.

My impression:
Elegant woman who appears to step into her element when she plays the piano.

Title: "Inspiration" (?)

Michelle

Hi Chelle.

You have a nice impression that will definitely make this woman feel good.

Thanks for sharing your impression on the image (and for the earlier kind words too).

Yep...I think she was really in her element at the bench. I was a little intimidated by that 9 foot long concert grand piano. She "connected" with it like she had owned it for a lifetime.

"Inspiration" is a good thought too. I have another image (of her) that really fits that title. Perhaps I will show it later.

Thanks again and Good light to you.

Hey Steady,

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.

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

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

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!)

Mitchell Carter wrote:
Hey Steady,

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.

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.

Anyway...it is a matter of choice and compromise.

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

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.