Such powerful work, Robert. And I agree with Soren - I think we could make an equal case that portrait work can enhance a person's humanity and worth. It's true that a portrait can make someone feel vulnerable and seen - and many people are not comfortable with that (including me, by the way). Regardless, your work is always incredible.
You are most kind in commenting about my work, Tom. Thank you. Please see my response to Soren's observation, and I would ask you the same question about your reaction to the young woman.
Hi Robert. Your photograph taps into my emotions. I like the way you have her positioned against a dark background so that she really stands out. I notice her face is partially obstructed by the doorframe and shadow. We see one of her eyes fully, with the other partially hidden. Her expression seems forlorn. She wears what seems like a basic dress and is barefoot. All of this makes me feel empathy for her. What is she thinking, what was she doing, what was she hoping for? Can you share more about your interaction - if any - with her? And what does your own photo make you feel?
I read what you say here, though not your own quote. I disagree. All this self-flagellation.... where does it come from? You make exquisite portraits whom anyone in their right mind would love to own, including the person in the picture. Where does it come from this notion of 'theft'. Ancient peoples who avoided mirror and cameras, thinking their souls would be taken? For the rest of us, this does not apply!!
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Soren. Beyond Verhoef's intellectual notion of photography as an act of theft, did you have any thoughts or feelings about the young woman in the photograph?
I do. I find her to be very, very good, I find the image very well balanced, and also somehow in the South American tradition. It is something Bravo would do, for instance. Really good. If I were to say anything bad, it would be that I don’t understand the graffiti, and that is probably my lack of local knowledge. If it is just a doodle, then I don’t like it, if it is a political message, it means something to someone, and that may well be important. To me as a casual viewer, I do find the tag a bit distracting from an otherwise beautiful photograph.
Beautiful
Such powerful work, Robert. And I agree with Soren - I think we could make an equal case that portrait work can enhance a person's humanity and worth. It's true that a portrait can make someone feel vulnerable and seen - and many people are not comfortable with that (including me, by the way). Regardless, your work is always incredible.
You are most kind in commenting about my work, Tom. Thank you. Please see my response to Soren's observation, and I would ask you the same question about your reaction to the young woman.
Hi Robert. Your photograph taps into my emotions. I like the way you have her positioned against a dark background so that she really stands out. I notice her face is partially obstructed by the doorframe and shadow. We see one of her eyes fully, with the other partially hidden. Her expression seems forlorn. She wears what seems like a basic dress and is barefoot. All of this makes me feel empathy for her. What is she thinking, what was she doing, what was she hoping for? Can you share more about your interaction - if any - with her? And what does your own photo make you feel?
I read what you say here, though not your own quote. I disagree. All this self-flagellation.... where does it come from? You make exquisite portraits whom anyone in their right mind would love to own, including the person in the picture. Where does it come from this notion of 'theft'. Ancient peoples who avoided mirror and cameras, thinking their souls would be taken? For the rest of us, this does not apply!!
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Soren. Beyond Verhoef's intellectual notion of photography as an act of theft, did you have any thoughts or feelings about the young woman in the photograph?
I do. I find her to be very, very good, I find the image very well balanced, and also somehow in the South American tradition. It is something Bravo would do, for instance. Really good. If I were to say anything bad, it would be that I don’t understand the graffiti, and that is probably my lack of local knowledge. If it is just a doodle, then I don’t like it, if it is a political message, it means something to someone, and that may well be important. To me as a casual viewer, I do find the tag a bit distracting from an otherwise beautiful photograph.
It’s political graffiti, put up by a Sandinista activist.
Then it works and is appropriate! Nicely done!!