Lysander and Hermia, a photo from Derbyshire, England

Photographer's Note

This couple reminded me of Lysander and Hermia from Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

A shot I took whilst wandering around Chesterfield market recently.

Lysander:

How now, my love? Why is your cheek so pale? How chance the roses there do fade so fast?

HERMIA

Belike for want of rain, which I could well beteem them from the tempest of my eyes.

LYSANDER

Ay me! For aught that I could ever read, could ever hear by tale or history, the course of true love never did run smooth...

Enjoy.

tyro, ikeharel, Royaldevon, pajaran, macjake trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

ikeharel (105835) 2016-08-02 8:06

Midsummer day's Dreaming... nice idea assumed for this portrait, Michael, and really as the English say "A penny for their thoughts".
My best regards,
Ike

tyro (30513) 2016-08-02 8:07

Hi Mike,

"O cross! Too high to be enthralled to low.."

It's lovely to read a note by an educated man of good breeding and even better if that note is accompanied by such a fine image as this one. :)

If this tender callow youth is indeed trying to "press his suit" then his efforts seem to be falling on deaf ears. Or perhaps he himself is more interested in concentrating on his mobile 'phone? A few years ago, viewing this photograph, one might have mistakenly thought that the fellow was offering his girlfriend a fag but such practices are now deemed abhorrent in our modern society.

Anyway, this is a fabulously clear and sharp photograph which works exceedingly well in black and white and it's a fascinating one too, inviting us all to ponder quite what is the relationship here between these two and what might possibly their subject of conversation other than some comments about a strange photographer whom they've just clocked.

Wonderful candid street photography!

Brilliant!

Kind Regards,

John.

Royaldevon (75252) 2016-08-02 8:18

Hi Mike,

I just wrote you a long critique, then accidentally hit useful before I posted it!!!!!

It is only when you read the words of The Bard in a modern setting that you remember just how many of his words and phrases are in everyday, modern conversation.

This is an emotional capture!
We have all been there, making tentative connections but not quite revealing exactly how you feel!
So beautifully youthful! So endearing!

I love your use of shallow dof.
Perfect for the occasion.
Perfect to focus on the mood.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

kasianowak (15760) 2016-08-02 9:57

Hi Mike
It's almost hard to believe this is a candid. It looks more like a photo taken on a film set, so perfect are these young people's poses and expressions. Black and white makes it feel even more profound. No wonder it brings Shakespeare to mind.
Greetings from a train (it is London trains, as well as buses, you meant in your comment to my last upload, isn't it? ;-)
Kasia

lousat (129865) 2016-08-02 9:59

Hi Michael,in effect you have raison,they are the perfect actors for this Shakespeare moment...ehehe...magnificent double portrait with beautiful face expressions and the usual top quality,i like it! Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

jean113 (21977) 2016-08-02 13:57

Hello Michael,I love the link that you created with the Shakespeare characters, plus their words.
A very candid shot.The b/w suits it perfectly.
I like the way that they seem totally unaware of you.
The OOF bg works really well,it doesn't distract from your work.
Excellent.
Regards Jean.

emka (152102) 2016-08-03 0:22

Hello Mike, I do not remember Lysander and Hermia by Shakespeare, but I like this black and whitepicture.

WArm regrad s MAlgo

macjake (96157) 2016-08-03 10:51

Hi Mike
what the heck is this? when I opened up your gallery page I saw 2 photos of people and I honestly thought I was in the wrong profile lol

the longer I look at these two, they look like brother and sister don't you think?

its a fine candid shot, they are completely unaware of the photographer, which i'm sure makes the scene that much better and realistic. i also like how its somewhat intimate and upclose composition wise. well done
cheers
craig