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 on FM, it DOES help me too if you will write your impressions in this thread (or the Original Impressions Discussion thread linked below). 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. : )
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ABOUT THIS IMAGE:
This image reminds me of an "ancient" 6x6 TRI-X shot. The tones are deep and luscious with little spots of specular highlights. It made a very lovely large print.

THE IMAGE LINK: Impressions Image #1 "Vivace"
http://www.steadmanuhlich.com/impressions51/index.html

There is an interesting (to me) story behind this image. I describe it and the tools and techniques and light used to make this image in the following detailed introduction. Click the link below to see the Original Impressions Discussion. You will find a full page full of notes about the tools methods and challenges of the session/image.

THE LINK to the DISCUSSION IN THE PEOPLE FORUM: PIanist Impressions Image #1 "Vivace"
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/705476

I am posting this Original Impressions Discussion Link because you might find it interesting to see/read what others have said about this same image. Folks in the People Forum tend to look at images of People mostly (and usually in full color) and do not necessarily look at an image foremost as a "Black & White Photo." So, from a different POV, one can expect to see different Impressions. People focused on "Black & White Photos" may have a different preference (color vs. BW) and a different "aesthetic" based on seeing tones. In these examples I post, I am not looking for someone to say how nice the "color" or "black" is in the image as I find those are relatively superficial comments. I AM looking for how people see the expressions and their feelings about the person in the image. The "deeper" impressions or feelings are what I seek.

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FAQ
Why am I posting this here in the BW Forum?
I have another BW image you (or someone) might enjoy, and I am trying to "add" something to this forum (BW) since I usually shoot in BW and almost all of my images are BW. So I naturally feel an "affinity" for BW images like those displayed and discussed in this BW forum. I have been primarily focused on BW photography full time for years due to my preference for BW imagery.

Is the pianist playing the piano or posed?
In all of the images you see she is actually playing the piano. It may not look like it, but this is "still" photography. Exceptions to this are noted in the body of the Original Impressions Discussion Introduction remarks. There are very few exceptions. Almost all are playing images because I prefer them and my primary goal is to capture a pianist playing, not posing. Some of these will become original oil paintings later. (I paint too.)

What kind of light was used? What lens was used? What focal length was used? What shutter speed was used?
See the Technical Tips Tools and Methods Notes in the Original Impressions Discussion Introduction remarks (via link above).

What is an Impressions Style Image Discussion?
Good question. I have written extensively on this method or style of discussing photography. I have tips, guidance, and suggestions on how you can get the most benefit from it as a participant on any level. I also have suggestions on how it may help YOU in your own photography! Find lots of stuff by simply reading the bottom of my introduction found on the Original Impressions Discussion Introduction for any of the 67 discussions I have started so far. It IS a different approach, not like typical "C&C"
found on FM forums and lots of fun too.

Thanks for reading this far. Now just post your impression.

Interesting shot. It looks like she is taking great pleasure in her playing Still, her expression, and looking straight at the camera conveys something else. Perhaps she has a more complicated story. Humor? Showing off?

Tim ONeill wrote:
Interesting shot. It looks like she is taking great pleasure in her playing Still, her expression, and looking straight at the camera conveys something else. Perhaps she has a more complicated story. Humor? Showing off?

Howdy Tim,

Thanks for starting off the discussion again. You are a bold and brave fellow!

And a good impressionist too.

I understand exactly what you mean and you are very perceptive. Here is a clip from my Original Impressions Discussion Introduction:
CLIP

"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?"

Here's a paradox: Humble arrogance. I mean that in a positive way.

Dressed and groomed extremely "proper and ladylike," she dropped the bomb on you with her unimagined skillful playing, Steady. She "is who she is," and doesn't have to impress with words. She'd rather SHOW you what she's made of! She brags with her skill, not verbal diatribe.

I'm reminded of the great Michael Jordan. He just got it done. There was not need to grandstand with words. This earns our respect, and she has our respect!

T-bone1 wrote:
Here's a paradox: Humble arrogance. I mean that in a positive way.

Dressed and groomed extremely "proper and ladylike," she dropped the bomb on you with her unimagined skillful playing, Steady. She "is who she is," and doesn't have to impress with words. She'd rather SHOW you what she's made of! She brags with her skill, not verbal diatribe.

I'm reminded of the great Michael Jordan. He just got it done. There was not need to grandstand with words. This earns our respect, and she has our respect!

Yep...it is a paradox.

I bet you would have been surprised too if you had heard the sound of her playing (from silence to "Crashing" music and VERY LOUD when up close...about 5 feet from the 9 foot long piano)...think "concert speakers" and "right next to one" and "WOW."