I have to make a point of stopping by here more often, Lee. So many great photos – lot’s of good memories from a great few years in Japan. Hope you’re well my friend.
Things are great mate, hoping to get back over there this year – I have a Japanese supplier now, so it’s a very real possibility, will of course let you know if it’s happening!
Excellent contrast between her and the people taking full strides in the background of this photo. I’m always amazed by these obaachan with their relentless will and theses strollers that work as bags and chairs.
Thanks. Yeah, she made for quite a sight, with the cars and other people moving past. I know. Amazing really, although this woman is in a worse state than many…
Very interesting, I mean, about analysing the sharpness of the woman compared to the blur effect on the background, is that what photographers call as focus on close elements or is it some different technique? Is there a proffessional name? It looks like the final result produces enhanced attention to the strongest part of the photo which is the woman.
Yes, I wanted pretty much all the attention to be on the old lady rather than anything else, hence the slightly out of focus nature of the background. Bokeh is the term used, although with a 35mm lens (that’s what I use), the effects aren’t too pronounced.
No problem. Lots of factors really. Focal length. Aperture. Kind of lens and so on. Seems complicated at first, but actually trying things out makes it much easier to see and understand.
Correct me if I’m wrong Lee but, aside from the focus (both physically and artistically) being on the poor old woman, the exposure was obviously set for her in the photo. As she was in shadow this resulted in the sunny street being overexposed, thus serving to highlight the subject even more. Lee has also utilised the ‘rule of thirds’ and beautifully placed the woman in the most aesthetically pleasing part of the frame. He probably did all this almost as a reflex ‘cos he’s mad talented like that.
I know, if he didn’t seem so likeable and empathic (bearing in mind that I’ve never met the chap), you’d have to hate him 😉
If you met me that could quite possibly be the case!
Yes, it was considerable darker where the lady was, so had to expose accordingly. Still had to lighten the shadows a bit though.
You are too kind. It was done fairly quickly as I didn’t want to make the woman feel bad, but as she was moving very slowly, it did make the process a lot easier.
Very interesting picture. Although I must ask if you somehow didn’t feel a bit disrespectful taking a picture of her in this situation.
Maybe professional photographers have a different perspective or “conscience tricking tools”, but personally I doubt I would have the courage to shoot a picture of such a poor lady right in front of her eyes hehe.
That’s a very fair question. A question I have to regularly ask myself too.
It’s a tough call a lot of the time, but I try and at least empathise with those I photograph. The resultant image hopefully showing their plight, rather than exploiting it. That is very subjective though, with everyone having a different view.
Neil Duckett says
I have to make a point of stopping by here more often, Lee. So many great photos – lot’s of good memories from a great few years in Japan. Hope you’re well my friend.
Lee says
Cheers, Neil. All good thanks. Hope things are fine with you.
Neil says
Things are great mate, hoping to get back over there this year – I have a Japanese supplier now, so it’s a very real possibility, will of course let you know if it’s happening!
Lee says
Ok, good stuff. Keep me posted!
Coli says
Excellent contrast between her and the people taking full strides in the background of this photo. I’m always amazed by these obaachan with their relentless will and theses strollers that work as bags and chairs.
Lee says
Thanks. Yeah, she made for quite a sight, with the cars and other people moving past. I know. Amazing really, although this woman is in a worse state than many…
AF says
Very interesting, I mean, about analysing the sharpness of the woman compared to the blur effect on the background, is that what photographers call as focus on close elements or is it some different technique? Is there a proffessional name? It looks like the final result produces enhanced attention to the strongest part of the photo which is the woman.
Lee says
Yes, I wanted pretty much all the attention to be on the old lady rather than anything else, hence the slightly out of focus nature of the background. Bokeh is the term used, although with a 35mm lens (that’s what I use), the effects aren’t too pronounced.
AF says
Thank you, Lee. That is very cool, and I did not know that existed differences with lens. I learned something new today.
Lee says
No problem. Lots of factors really. Focal length. Aperture. Kind of lens and so on. Seems complicated at first, but actually trying things out makes it much easier to see and understand.
Matt Talbot says
Correct me if I’m wrong Lee but, aside from the focus (both physically and artistically) being on the poor old woman, the exposure was obviously set for her in the photo. As she was in shadow this resulted in the sunny street being overexposed, thus serving to highlight the subject even more. Lee has also utilised the ‘rule of thirds’ and beautifully placed the woman in the most aesthetically pleasing part of the frame. He probably did all this almost as a reflex ‘cos he’s mad talented like that.
I know, if he didn’t seem so likeable and empathic (bearing in mind that I’ve never met the chap), you’d have to hate him 😉
Lee says
If you met me that could quite possibly be the case!
Yes, it was considerable darker where the lady was, so had to expose accordingly. Still had to lighten the shadows a bit though.
You are too kind. It was done fairly quickly as I didn’t want to make the woman feel bad, but as she was moving very slowly, it did make the process a lot easier.
AF says
Wow, yeah, lots of contrast to work with, and reminds me of the choices made by directors at movies and TV commercials.
D. Minnis says
Where is the “like” button for that last comment?
Lee says
Wouldn’t have a clue how to implement that, so your very kind “like” has effectively “liked” it!
Mauro says
Very interesting picture. Although I must ask if you somehow didn’t feel a bit disrespectful taking a picture of her in this situation.
Maybe professional photographers have a different perspective or “conscience tricking tools”, but personally I doubt I would have the courage to shoot a picture of such a poor lady right in front of her eyes hehe.
Lee says
That’s a very fair question. A question I have to regularly ask myself too.
It’s a tough call a lot of the time, but I try and at least empathise with those I photograph. The resultant image hopefully showing their plight, rather than exploiting it. That is very subjective though, with everyone having a different view.