Photo of The Week #1

3/30/2020

Image Title: Shine On
Photographer: Jeannine Smith

My vision is to create a series/project of images from cemeteries. Since childhood I’ve roamed such places where I wonder about in contemplation feeling safe, tranquil, and at peace.

I created this image while walking around in a cemetery at sunset. I found the sun highlighting this scene created a sense of warmth, comfort, and an invitation to linger in silence.

I’d like to know what if any felt senses or spontaneous responses arise from this image.
Additionally, any constructive support, technically or artistically, is welcomed and encouraged.

23 Comments

Peter

3/31/2020 06:59:52 am

I have visited many cemeteries during my travels. I would like to see your series when you have completed.

I think I would have like to see a little more in the image-
--some of the grounds below the two tomb stone in the forground
--Crop the tree down just a bit
--perhaps bring out the highlights a bit more

Jeannine S Smith

3/31/2020 04:48:48 pm

Thank you, Peter. By looking back at some other images I took nearby this one I can envision more foreground enhancing here. Fortunately for me this location is close by so I may "try again".

archie Stone

3/31/2020 07:37:21 am

love the composition in that the trees on the left and their foliage make a square image within the image. This highlights the grave stones and shrubbery. there are also nice layers created by the markers themselves. I would like to see the image lighter as the blacks are blocked up and the image lacks in contrast range. I agree with Peter in the need for a little more in the foreground to show the base of the markers

Jeannine S Smith

3/31/2020 04:55:31 pm

Thank you, Archie. Please note my plan above that I shall try to return to capture more foreground. My editing, in B&W especially, needs more experience so I'll set the intention to increase tonal/contrast range.

Regina

3/31/2020 05:16:44 pm

I like the fact that the image is in B&W.

Jeannine S Smith

4/1/2020 05:40:26 am

Thank you Regina. Most of the images I'm choosing for this series will be B&W. Both because I feel it heightens the subject matter/intention but also because I want the experience editing.

Dave Rathbun

4/1/2020 04:22:11 pm

I’ve always enjoyed cemeteries, especially the very old ones for their monuments, intricate carvings and written memorials. Your image certainly captures the tranquility of the location. My eye was quickly drawn to the four stones atop the nearest grave stone, a Jewish ritual if I’m not mistaken.

The several rows of grave stones and shrubs adds a nice layering effect as Archie stated, but I do feel the image needs to be a bit lighter. As others have mentioned, slightly more foreground would have kept the base of the tomb stone from being cut off.

Looking forward to seeing more of your project.

Jeannine S Smith

4/4/2020 05:46:10 am

Thank you Dave. I did not know about the stones being a Jewish tradition. In brief research....not always of Jewish origin; used to prevent deceased from rising , escaping the body, and haunting/tormenting others; an indication that visitors had paid their respects; an indication that love/remembrance are strong and lasting as a rock. I'll be looking for more of these!

Mark Janke

4/2/2020 09:09:07 am

Hi Jeannine. I like the photo. B&W lends itself to the subject quite well. The photo seems a little dark to me, but that adds mystery to the mood. The photo leaves me feeling that there is something deep and moody going on.....but that could be my mood currently rather than the photo. Obviously you felt warmth and comfort where I felt the opposite, but that's fine. It had emotional impact for the both of us.

Jeannine S Smith

4/4/2020 05:57:29 am

Thank you Mark. I have a tendency to process on "the dark side". Perhaps that's cause for contemplation ;)
I really appreciate your "emotional impact" comment and the awareness of a varietal response in the eyes of a viewer.

Maryann Flick

4/3/2020 07:41:42 am

The image does evoke tranquility and the framing is pleasing. B&W is a good choice. Yes the bottom of the tombstone in the foreground probably shouldn't have been cut off. The underexposure didn't bother me that much. It is probably true to the time of day. In my view there doesn't seem to be a strong element of interest that would keep my eye in the image. The 'story' might be the small stones left by mourners but they are a minor element in this composition.

Jeannine S Smith

4/4/2020 06:05:41 am

Thank you Maryann. Your comments definitely set me to pondering (which I greatly appreciate!). If an image evokes some response (in this case, tranquility) is that "worthy" alone? Or, because there isn't a strong story line would one not linger enough to feel a response?

Maryann

4/5/2020 06:13:49 am

That is putting the responsibility on the viewer to search for a reason the image was made. I see a lovely, well made scene but nothing unique. The simple tranquility can be satisfying! But not a strong image that grabs my eye.

Jeannine S Smith

4/8/2020 06:02:42 pm

Thank you again, Maryann. Your additional words are sending me to a place of additional exploration and thought. I'm not overthinking it (really!)...just growing in this craft. :)

archie Stone

4/7/2020 03:32:22 pm

Jeannie, In my opinion not all images have to tell a story.Many times I take pictures because of the color or patterns and shapes. I guess these types of images would be described by one word, "enjoyment".

Jeannine S Smith

4/8/2020 05:56:43 pm

I agree with you, Archie - but I need to be reminded of that. I read *somewhere* that an image needs to have purpose. And that purpose can simply be to create an "enjoyable" image. Thank you for your comment!

Allison Maltese

4/9/2020 09:46:41 am

My initial response to this image was "dark" and "settled, and "calm." I like the shapes of the dark hedges echoing the shape of the tree trunks, though at a 90 degree angle to them, like fingers going up and fingers reaching out to the side. The point of view makes me think that the maker was looking in from the outside of the scene, and not a part of it. I think the tonal range could be expanded a little to open up the shadows and get a little more light and shape throughout. The cemetery certainly lends itself to further exploration. It will be interesting to see additional images from this series.

Jeannine S Smith

4/9/2020 12:06:36 pm

Thank you Allison,

Your comments sent me back to my image to look again - notably your "fingers" imagery! I find it quite fascinating listening to what viewers discover/uncover in a photo. Sharing your initial response was most helpful to me. And you are correct ... I was "looking in".

Colin

4/10/2020 12:09:26 pm

I liked the composition wherein the overhanging tree frames the scene. The darkness of the image gives a rich effect. I did feel however that if it was lighter more detail would be seen and probably not give an overbearing mood the the image. I liked the sharpness and the lines/pathways suggested by the hedges.

Jeannine S Smith

4/10/2020 02:57:16 pm

Thank you Colin. I sought a deeper mood for this thus the darker aspects and higher contrast. But I will try lifting some of the shadows and see just what that reveals.

colin reeve

4/10/2020 04:02:31 pm

I understand your view and reflections from a place of respect, peacefulness and caring. It's a great image.

Jeannine Smith

4/10/2020 06:00:21 pm

Thanks again, Colin. A number of others suggested lightening up as well so I really will try it. I appreciate and am open to everyone's constructive views!

Maryann

4/11/2020 12:28:02 pm

Agree re: a story is not necessary. Strongest images have either a story or some strong element to grab the viewer. I think this image achieved Jeannine's goal with maybe minor flaws. That makes it a good image. But I would not score it very high.

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