Fond Memories

[Alison]

I would love to know what you think of this image. (Good or bad).

An sp of sorts. I am holding a photograph of my Mum, my sister's and myself, (the baby in the middle). The Teddy was my very first Teddy Bear.

Unfortunately, my mum is no longer around to take photographs of, she died in 1988, but she lives on in my memories.

Using window light only. 50mm 1.8 lens. Manual Mode. F/3.50. SS 1/100. ISO 100. Tripod and timer used.
Converted to an aged B&W in VP. Applied a brown vigniette.

[poker]

I like it but there seems to be three competing elements. I see the photo, the flower, and the bear. I believe the photo is the main subject so ways to reduce the emphasis on the the other items will help out subject, perhaps.

I like the idea and the color chosen. It's a beautiful shot and idea. Thanks.

[Alison]

Those were my thoughts too.
Maybe I could try a re-take but it's not easy knowing where my head is in the frame.
I did want a little bur on the teddy but the window light was being completely blown on F/1.8
I suppose I could crop out the window like I have in this shot.

[Herriot]

Alison, this is a super image and you have obvioiusly spent quite some time to reach this result. I am just wondering if you perhaps have a different photograph of you holding your teddy bear when you were little? Perhaps composing a similar shot with such an image with mirror capturing you now might be a fun idea to pursue?

Thanks for sharing
Herriot

[Alison]

Nope. I only have about 4 images as me as a child.
1 of me in a pram.
2 school images (which are awful),
and this one.
Maybe thats why I am so keen to get as many as I can of my own children.

[poker]

Maybe thats why I am so keen to get as many as I can of my own children.

This would be an interesting thread.

"Is there a correlation between childhood and your interest in photography?"

I have albums of photos as a child and now my son has as much photos.

My wife has next to no photos as a child and, if any, are not in albums but plastic bags.

So now my son has lots of photos but none of them are in albums...

To her credit, she truly wants to work on the albums but hasn't had the time.

I've resorted to putting photos in typical 4x6 albums which are not as nice as my childhood albums.

[CLKunst]

This is another of your romantically styled images Alison. I don't feel the competition of elements here. I see them as contributing factors towards the reflection of the person holding the image (I know it's you but I'm going for general here). This is the kind of image you typically find on the front of "Thinking of You" greeting cards here in the States. I like it.

[readingr]

Alison,

This is nicely set up and captured and the sepia tone is wonderful.

Roger

[Alison]

Wow! Thank you all so much. I wonder if any of the card makers would be interested in this image ;)

[gimp]

Well done in every respect. I would't change a thing.

[PlantedTao]

Wonderful tones and nice soft lighting. I like this photo and the idea is very good.
I don't like having your head in the photo...to me it looks like a mistake, oops my hair just got in the way of the shot.

I think more hands could of been better...the hands already give the idea of someone looking at it, especially the way you are holding it. Maybe more detail in the hair?
I really like the photo but that area is just not working for me.

[payn817]

Great concept Alison. I have no issues with it as is, and it has an elegant feel. The only thing I think would take this to another level was if you used an elderly person (since the face isn't showing) so the hands appear worn with time. Still, I really like it.

[mpreslar]

Very well planned and executed! I think it works well as is.

[Didache]

Hi - I've been away for a little while, so I'm just catching up on some of the posts here. I really like this a lot - I know that it might be improved a little technically (as some of the other posts have pointed out) but the concept is lovely. Also, I usually look at your pics when you post them - this is (I think) a big jump for you in concept. I really hope that doesn't come across as patronising in any way (you can beat me hands down in portraiture!) - I really mean it. This one has depth of emotion.

cheers
Mike

[Alison]

I tried just having my hands in shot but it didn't work for me.

I had wished that my profile was in the image a little more but then I thought, no. I don't want my big nose in frame lol.

No you didn't sound patronising at all. I am learning alot and feel I have improved thanks to the honest comments I receive here. And thank you so much for the compliments on my portraits.

Thanks EVERYONE for your comments.

[Ellies123]

Wow! Thank you all so much. I wonder if any of the card makers would be interested in this image ;)

Hi Alison
It certainly would be an idea to contact your local 'scrap-booking class' - it's very popular hobby at the moment. I'm sure they would love to get their hands on some truly original images ! I know the class at my local craft shop would !

I'm sure that there's one local to you.

Has anyone ever had images made into greeting cards ? They also look for good quality original compositions !