Julian Tanase
Well-Known Member
Nikn FM3A, Fujifilm 200
That look...
- Thread starter Julian Tanase
- Start date
Brian Moore
Moderator
What do you suppose she is communicating to you, Julian?
Rob MacKillop
Edinburgh Correspondent
I would have given you a similar look, Julian. Did you talk to her?
Julian Tanase
Well-Known Member
Rob, I asked her if she is all right. Stupid question, I know. When I framed this, she had her eyes closed and I thought she is asleep. She opened her eyes right before the shutter sound. She took me by surprise, to be honest.
What I believe her eyes tell me, you ask, Brian ? Looking at her now, her expression is something of a puzzle to me. She looks somehow defiant, and she dares me to judge her. She is not surprised, at least not in an angry fashion. This is not the looks of someone who is utterly defeated. In fact, I could get an almost similar look from a well-to-do lady, coming out from a shopping mall, if you get my meaning.
I begin to feel that the looks and the situation she appears to be in do not match somehow; I have seen quite a few people who were living on the streets and their looks, with exceptions, was something else entirely. She is not looking at me shy or angry or defeated; she made a normal eye contact and she smiled afterwards.
So, yes, this is a difficult question you guys asked me. What I can say for certes is that her eyes and their mute words will stay with me for a long time.
And you know what? I have learned something today. I learned that this sort of photograph is only half of the story. The other half is contained in a few words exchanged with that human being. Tell the world his/her story, perhaps we could all learn something out of it.
Many thanks for stirring me up with this !
What I believe her eyes tell me, you ask, Brian ? Looking at her now, her expression is something of a puzzle to me. She looks somehow defiant, and she dares me to judge her. She is not surprised, at least not in an angry fashion. This is not the looks of someone who is utterly defeated. In fact, I could get an almost similar look from a well-to-do lady, coming out from a shopping mall, if you get my meaning.
I begin to feel that the looks and the situation she appears to be in do not match somehow; I have seen quite a few people who were living on the streets and their looks, with exceptions, was something else entirely. She is not looking at me shy or angry or defeated; she made a normal eye contact and she smiled afterwards.
So, yes, this is a difficult question you guys asked me. What I can say for certes is that her eyes and their mute words will stay with me for a long time.
And you know what? I have learned something today. I learned that this sort of photograph is only half of the story. The other half is contained in a few words exchanged with that human being. Tell the world his/her story, perhaps we could all learn something out of it.
Many thanks for stirring me up with this !
Julian Tanase
Well-Known Member
Why would that be, Rob?
Brian Moore
Moderator
Empathy,...an attribute of a human being.
Rob MacKillop
Edinburgh Correspondent
Well, I've been in her situation, thankfully a long time ago, half my life ago in fact. It takes a few moments to emerge from your world to see that someone is interacting with you. It's just looking in itself, before the brain formulates a reaction. That's the way I was, and I recognise it in others.
And, yes, sometimes it is good to talk, but not always. Sometimes you are in that situation because you've given up communicating. It's a difficult and delicate situation for both parties.
And, yes, sometimes it is good to talk, but not always. Sometimes you are in that situation because you've given up communicating. It's a difficult and delicate situation for both parties.
Julian Tanase
Well-Known Member
Thank you for your reply, Rob. I would never know the feeling of an abandoned human being (by others or by self), so I would never presume I know what happens in one's mind, when in such dire situations. My sympathy and empathy goes to them though!
Pete Askew
Admin
It is a striking image and asks many questions. I always find these types of image difficult (please do not take this as a criticism - this subject has come up several times before) as it is dilemma over whether they tell a story, bring attention and therefore action, simply document or 'exploit' someone's misfortune. I think one falls into the first category as you have a story to tell that involves her. I suppose these are situations where talk first and shoot later would be the ideal, but that is not always possible / wise. Tricky.
Julian Tanase
Well-Known Member
Well put, Pete, I do agree. Sort of get the feeling of the moment, as it develops.
