Woman at the Yeha Temple Photo

Photographer’s Note

At the Yeha Temple

This woman was sitting with the men shown in the previous photo, at the entrance to the church.

Yeah, it was tricky with the pale-coloured shawl against the white wall - not so much with the exposure, as in the original file the highlights are fine. But when I boosted the contrast to bring out the texture in her face and hands the highlights suffered a bit.
I suppose I could have made selections or masks or some such technical buffoonery to protect the highlights, but I must confess I couldn't be arsed (or maybe I just don't know how...).

Clairedelune trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

ryno (4615) 2009-04-20 1:05

Hi Ben, great to see your work again. I particularly like the upper half of this shot, her blanket is just too white and bright and consequently its texture is lost. Although, with the positioning of her hands being such an important element in this photo, I can see why you opted for this full-length version. An attractive portrait, I like her unfathomable expression.
Ryno

Budapestman (42610) 2009-04-20 1:14

Hi Ben,
You had been on special place. The face emerging from the white environment is a very effective sight, the photo has a spiritual atmosphere. Superb portrait. Congratulations! Have a nice week!
George

Polonaise (5638) 2009-04-20 4:07

A photography, ben.
Incredibly classical.
Classically incredible

greetings and salutations

g
..................

holmertz (9881) 2009-04-20 4:32

Hello Ben,
A marvellous portrait. The woman's eyes will stay in my memory for a long time. The picture is a bit split in two halves because of the whiteness of her shawl, that makes her partially disappear into the background.
Regards,
Gert

devimeuxbe (56188) 2009-04-20 4:36

Hi Ben
this is an amzing portrait. This old woman have a beautifull glance with lot of elegance. Sharpness and black and white are very nice.
Excellent report on Ethiopia
Well done
Bertrand

macondo (13221) 2009-04-20 5:17

Hi Ben.
Long time no see.
Really good portrait shot in which the face stands out superbly against the light background and white-ish folds of her garment. Perhaps the garment is a tad over-exposed and not quite distinct enough from the background, but the very slight sepia toning looks good. The face and hands are exquisitely captured and I keep wondering what the eyes reveal of her thoughts. Nicely done.
Regards,
Andrew

ViktorVaughn (1517) 2009-04-20 5:52

Very powerful shot here Ben. As people have pointed out, it's her expression that makes the shot. Her white clothing is a bit over exposed, but it really puts the focus on the hands, and face.

Regards,
David

jalab_temen (1990) 2009-04-20 8:32

Ben, shockingly impressive, catching face.
The white BG framed observing eye-pair is really effective.
I added it to my theme where I collected the most beautiful BW shots from TE.
Regards, Jalab

Wanda1 (11015) 2009-04-20 8:50

Hi Ben,
So that's where you have been :o)
This portrait looks like from the days of old, perfectly suited for black and white. I like the way she sits for this classic style portrait. She has great expressive features.
Regards
Wanda

Bartleby (5074) 2009-04-20 10:59

Hey Ben,
engrossing portrait, especially with this look on her face. The position of her hands is good too. One pick though, the white cloth is a bit too bright and blends itself with the wall behind it. Other than that, I do like it.

Philippe

bantonbuju (48782) 2009-04-20 13:54

hi ben,

a perfect fit: d700 and a 50mm lens... i have to practice the set in the next few days as i do love how well they "talk" to each other...

obviously - the model is excellent with the tranquility and wisdom painted nicely on her face...

best, j.

broglia (3351) 2009-04-20 16:11

Hi Ben, this has a real documentary feel to it. A straight forward, no nonsense record of this remarkable looking woman, in her environment. Strong eye contact & nice detail. The exposure does look tricky - but I think you've held it together pretty well.

All the best, Roberto

vagabondtravels (6115) 2009-04-21 1:04

Hey Ben

Excellent portrait of this woman.
Very sharp with good detail.
A classic b&w. how do you like the d700?
Well done.
Ben

azizbilgili (1714) 2009-04-21 1:27

Hi Ben,
Superb portrait.
You had been on special place. The face emerging from the white environment is a very effective sight, the photo has a spiritual atmosphere.

TFS

casperduppy (1464) 2009-04-22 13:35

Superb Ben. A really elegant portrait of this beautiful lady, made even better by your processing. Such a welcoming face and pose; very classical indeed. Best wishes, Casper

Clairedelune (4885) 2009-05-02 9:23

"I couldn't be arsed". Hmm... I had to find that "arse-verb" in the Urban dictionary to get the meaning! Ah! Well... You should learn that "technical buffoonery", dear Ben. You know why? Because your photo deserves to be taken care of! It is such a beauty!!!
Well... I am teasing you only a little. I'm not that bothered by the overexposed shawl and wall (just a bit!). I don't know how you made your black & white, but I like the 'tones' you use. Very creamy. Very soft for the eyes. I love it.
That kind of 'static' portrait is a double-edged sword. It might be the most boring one, or the most touching and "speaking" one. Yours is definitively in the second class. I love how her hands are lying on her lap, half opened-half closed.
Yes... a real beauty...
Claire

wawa (498) 2009-05-08 3:41

Incredible portrait - forget about PP. Such photos are linked to the quality of the photographer but also the subject - I hope you sent her a copy.
TFS
Warren