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blackdog

13 May 2008 • 266 views

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Arvo Part 003

This is the third of five portraits I will post over the next few weeks. For those who missed the first one it is here

http://blackdog.shutterchance.com/photoblog/Arvo_Part_001_/

http://blackdog.shutterchance.com/photoblog/Arvo_Part__002_/

And just in case you didn't get the bit about the scenario, they are each listening to the same piece if music for piano called Für Alina by composer Arvo Part. I cannot see the sitter and press the shutter randomly 10 times whilst the short piece of music plays. This is the pick of the 10 shots for this particular sitter. Like I said before, not my idea, but I was curious to experiment and try it for myself.

camera	unknown
exposure mode	full manual
shutterspeed	unknown
aperture	f/0.0
sensitivity	unknown
focal length	0.0mm
resolution	600x750 pixels

This is the third of five portraits I will post over the next few weeks. For those who missed the first one it is here

http://blackdog.shutterchance.com/photoblog/Arvo_Part_001_/

http://blackdog.shutterchance.com/photoblog/Arvo_Part__002_/

Ginnie

Atlanta, GA, United States

13 May 2008, 05:54

I have looked at all three poses again, Mike, and am really finding this experiment extraordinary! For one thing, this time I moved my laptop screen backwards and forwards and was able to get a different perspective on each pose. I am especially liking the hand placement, as well as the listening eyes.

But I have a question: You say you can't see the sitter. Do you mean you can't see the sitter "perfectly?" I've wondered how you've known where to shoot!

blackdog: The camera is on a tripod and the sitter sat behind a makeshift desk with a white curtain behind. All taken on different days Ginnie hence the lack of consistency in set up - as I didn't note positions for everything. I have a long cable release and I cannot see the sitter at all. I sit and listen to the music at the same time and just press the release 10 times at random. From the 10 I do get to pick the best one though.

Astrid

vacation.....on Texel....

13 May 2008, 05:57

I said this before too, I love he experiment, this on has some drama in it, the way she clenches her hands and looks down, I love the faded light.
Nice experiment, it is so....NOT you at all.

blackdog: Good morning Astrid - are you off out running and getting lots of fresh air??? Thanks again, two more to go ;o)

pyracantha

without the pillows

13 May 2008, 06:14

When I changed the background to white it made it for me...She is floating with no boundaries and there is also defencelessness about her. But I know she is a strong woman!

blackdog: Good morning Mine ;o) Glad to see you without your pillows ;o) Yes I agree the black is a bit harsh and the all white suits the subject - and idea better. Thank you ;o)

chad

In front of a computer

13 May 2008, 08:04

Without the explanation of the composer's name this title could be misconstrued a little.

blackdog: Yes unfortunate I know, but didn't want to include the sitter's names, so a compromise ;o)

Catalpa

Newcastle

13 May 2008, 08:28

A very reflective Ingrid. Mine is right, it works much better against white.

blackdog: Yes I agree the white is better.

Bill Phillips

Droitwich

13 May 2008, 08:33

It is really interesting now to put all three on tabs and flip back and forth. I can't wait for the last two.

I think this one looks the least affected by the music. She is listening but without any great emotion.

blackdog: Thanks Bill, glad they are growing on you ;o) Yes I guess I have only considered them as a series, so it is probably hard to look piecemeal - but did't want bore everyone with a block posting ;o)

Richard Trim (T)

Leicester UK

13 May 2008, 08:57

For me, it's the hands that are doing the talking. richard

blackdog: Exactly - and I think that will be reinforced with the next two.

anniedog

Great Britain (UK)

13 May 2008, 09:09

It would be good to see the whole series blown up large on the wall in a completely white space - I think it would make quite an impact. This sitter looks like she is clenching her hands to quell her natural impatience!
Ingrid

blackdog: Well yes it would but as it isn't an original idea I doubt if I will find any takers - I do love a white space ;o)

Clenching hands - do you know a thing or two about hand clenching or perhaps it is the natural impatience?

Richard Standley

France

13 May 2008, 11:48

I agree with Richard here, her hands are doing the shot!

blackdog: Exactly - and I think that will be reinforced with the next two. Thanks Richard.

Chris Phillips

Bath: England

13 May 2008, 13:21

This is very enigmatic Mike: rather nice actually. Had you thought of sepia?

blackdog: Thank you Chris - glad the series is winning you over, seems Chad still has his doubts!

Tracy

Great Britain (UK)

13 May 2008, 15:18

I love the way you did your experiment Mike

The shots you have chosen are thought provoking

blackdog: Thanks you Tracy - I am glad the seriousnous of them comes across.

tim

leeds uk

13 May 2008, 17:39

i did say this wasn't my cup of tea Mike but the more you study said portraits the more i am starting to love the idea and your delivery of them, very well done

blackdog: Thanks Tim, that is really nice of you to say so - very pleased they are quietly growing on you ;o)

Martin

United States

14 May 2008, 01:05

She is clearly enjoying the music. Why did you decide to process these shots in such gentle tones? It works, just doesn't seem like an obvious choice to me.

blackdog: The white background and vest was chosen for all the shots, but on account of the different lighting situations it was a way of staying with the aesthetic and harmonising the images as a group. Curious to know your choice?

Ellie

England

14 May 2008, 14:34

This lady is, I think, less comfortable with the situation than the others.

blackdog: I don't think so Ellie, perhaps just the moment I caught makes it seem that way.

Digi - Alistair

www.digiphotology.com

16 May 2008, 10:17

Great piece of music and a very stimulating idea for experimentation, very evocative. Definitely has to be on the white background, the hi-key effect is so appropriate. Well done.

blackdog: Thanks Alistair. We are agreed on the white - it was an integral part of the idea.

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