HOME | DD

ADreamReflected — Open

Published: 2010-05-07 21:51:22 +0000 UTC; Views: 208; Favourites: 1; Downloads: 18
Redirect to original
Description I didn't feel like uploading this into the traditional darkroom category; however, I did very much shoot this with a film camera, develop the film, and print the photo myself in a hot darkroom yesterday afternoon.

I can't remember the conditions I actually took it under, but I do know [because I wrote it down] that I exposed it for six seconds, at F-stop 5.6, and added seven points of magenta. I took a picture of the print with my digital camera because I don't have a scanner, and kept the white border of the original just because I like the way it looks IRL.

This is one of the twelve photos [I'll upload the next when I'm done] that I'll be handing in for my final assignment next week. For my subject I chose to do a portraiture of Nyack itself through street photography, trying to find the spirit of that town in its buildings and people.

The woman in the photograph owns a boutique in a studio near my favorite ice cream place. We got to talking, and I asked if I could take her picture. She was immediately willing, and yet reluctantly so; she fretted about her hair, plucked at it in a nearby mirror while saying she looked a mess.

At first she smiled for the camera and I took that shot; after that she dropped the mask so many people put on in front of a lens and let her guard down, lacing her fingers self-consciously and opening up that distant, vulnerable expression on her face that was a thousand times more appealing than her smile. I snapped the shot before she could reapply her pleasant mask.

I was fascinated by the change in her and the uncertain emotions she revealed, although I hardly said as much. I love how this photo came out; I love the reality in her face and posture that is so hard to catch in a subject that knows you're taking their picture.

It took a while to think of a title, but I named it "Open" because that's what she seemed to me after the smile.

I've rambled enough, but I hope someone took the time to read my explanation. Comments, faves, and gallery visits are more than welcome.
Related content
Comments: 0