... vortex of details ... this beautifully plangent portrait.
Oh God, this photograph is just getting better and better as it is itself aging! I am thrilled that so many have been moved to think and write with such feeling about this extraordinary photograph.
A list of the contributing elements would not do it justice, although the bright light on the crowning white hair and the centering of the crown do seem to focus the vortex of details, but this is an after the fact observation; ubique's essay celebrates the essence of this beautifully plangent portrait.
I never even saw this one until it was brought up in another thread. It's absolutely brilliant, for the reasons Ubique outlines. It's especially poignant for me, as I just lost my mother at age 91. I see her here.
What a beautiful and brilliant image. The composition is outstanding - the surroundings are a perfect snapshot of being older. The light on the woman's head is just fabulous, as well as the POV. Everything about this photo is stunningly perfect and has a great emotional impact.
If I were one giving out ribbons, this would receive a big one.
I can understand folks wanting less clutter. Heck, I'd like less clutter. But clutter is real, it speaks, and sometimes loudly. As it does here. Marvelous composition.
An amazing capture, a complete panorama of the elderly. That single, small, fading ray of sunlight is something we all will eventually face. Most of us will not be this graceful.
This is the one for me ... Best in Challenge. For the simple reason that it is about being elderly, and not just a sentimental picture of an elderly person. Surrounded by family photographs, but alone. Sustained by a bewildering arsenal of drugs. Too much furniture in too small a space. Too many mementos, but each too precious to throw away (or even to put away, in the hope that the person involved might call by). Warmed by an embroidered granny blanket on a solo chair. So much of life; so little left. Plus she's lovely ... once pretty, still elegant and serene, and still who she was. And so I must award you the Order of the Thumb:
I love the dark tones in this but I think it could do better to be just a bit lighter to show a bit more detail on the subject. I love the clutter in this shot.
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