The next few photo entries will be about me. It is another one of those challenging assignments from Steve’s class.
Today’s entry was shot a couple of weeks ago for an on line History of Photography class I am taking through the Photographic Society of America. . After reading about the working problems of 19th C photographers we had to do a "meaningful" black and white portrait. The camera had to be set at no less than a 30 second exposure. We had to explain the problems we encountered . This is what I wrote:
Exercise: I am not sure this is a meaningful B&W portrait. I certainly would not pay money for it. However, I appreciate it so much! The problems encountered were insurmountable. I could NOT sit without moving during the 30 second exposure. . My eyes burned and watered. After 20 seconds I was gasping for breath. To get the attached image I had to brace my head and back against the wall. I added eyes drops to my eyes hoping that would help to keep me from blinking. No luck. At 30 sec. I had to set the aperture at 22f and shoot in a fairly dark room. I think I made 25-30 attempts. I was exhausted and gave up trying for that perfect shot. This image was shot in color and converted to black and white in Paint Shop Pro.
Try this sometime. You will appreciate those old tin types, cabinet cards, and Daguerrotypes that you found in your grandma's velvet album.
I'm super impressed by this. Not only would I not want to sit still for that long (over and over again), but I would never put up a picture of myself (at least not since high school). I'm the woman behind the camera for a reason.
ReplyDeleteGreat Work. And it looks meaningful to me.
You look wise and gentle. And sure of your self.
ReplyDeleteYour basement would make a wonderful photography workshop or destination!
ReplyDeleteThe beautiful fabric around your shoulders and the view from below make you look like an important woman of great dignity. It's a photograph that could go up on the wall.