Wednesday 16 January 2013

More navel gazing - Festival of BB (2)

Taken November 2012

I explained in my first post, that I now know the value of line, and perspective in a B&W image. But what of a portrait? I do so love making portraits and relating to people. I learnt a lot in the 100 Strangers project with Peter, Ann, and Cara, and the two portraits I post today go some way to showing that.

The second shot was on a bus, and I was taken by the wispy hair. Think how much better this would have been, were there any light to play between the wisps.

The first shot was at a cafe table, with the light streaming in from the right, but lighting up only one half of the subject's head. This was what 'made' the portrait from my view. The subject is my older brother, who has suffered a stroke which took out half his brain.

Taken August 2009
Click here to view other contributions to the inaugural CDP Festival of the Belly Button

11 comments:

Jim said...

Interesting post.

Joe said...

Hi Julie. For me the second image is more thought provoking than the first. Perhaps it's the light and the unknown face. J.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I prefer the second image. I think there is perfect lighting to show the wisps of hair. And the contrast of black and white is all there.

The top one bothers me because the darkness is to intense of unlit side.

brattcat said...

these are both fine portraits. i wouldn't change the light in either of them.

Julie said...

mmm ... I think one portrait is better than the other because it tells a deeper story, for starters. I also think the light is better in one than in the other. The light in the second portait is even, and adequate. But that is not what I look for in light. Even light is boring, though sufficient. Had I been able to catch a flash of light through the wispy hair on the left, the second portrait would have taken on a life of its own.

Bob Crowe said...

Thank you for your thoughtful comment on my contribution to the festival. It was much appreciated and gives me encouragement.

What a difference in these two pictures. The first one would not draw my attention if I saw it out of context. There is no modeling of space by light, no sense of character. The 2012 photo is deeper, in a few ways. Love the light on the tuft of hair on top. The pattern on the face is the classic split, although you hint at the Rembrandt with just a touch of light on the right eye and cheekbone. If you look carefully, you can see the difference in the two sides of the face. I'm guessing the stroke was right hemisphere since the muscle tone around the left eye and side of the mouth seems more lax.

I'm sorry I leave so few comments on your blog. There are so many of us and so little time. I admire your work and am very grateful for all you have done on behalf of the community.

Ineke said...

I love this portrait of your brother Julie. The depth differences and the light differences make it a very interesting and well succeeded one but also he looks like a very kind man. You can feel the love in this portrait.
I agree with Bob's last sentences. I feel bad for not coming by more often. I very much appreciate your photo's and all you do for the community!

Jilly said...

I like both these photos but yes, the first is arresting. You see the interest, the kindness of the man and I love the light. I agree Juiie had there been light showing the wispy hair in the second it would have been better. Still fascinating tho the way this guy has done his hair! First photo - tops! Photography is all about the light, isn't it?

Kay L. Davies said...

Hard to believe you actually thought you needed to learn more about photography, particularly the unposed portraiture in which you excel, but I am glad you are happy to have learned something.
Sorry I haven't been commenting much. I hope all is well with you, Kirsten, and Alannah.
Luv, K
(an e-mail to follow)

Virginia said...

I love these two portraits for different reasons. Excellent. Proof that you don't have to see a person's face to make a good portrait.
V

TheChieftess said...

Great shots...both of them...