A caption and a photo are a unit, they help, need each other. A photo and a story however immerse the viewer in the joy of the experience as it was.

All she had.

This really was it. There was one other empty room, no wardrobe, no kitchen, no table, chair, glass, cup or bar of soap. A naked bed, a wash bowl, a towel, a twig brush, a pair of red jelly shoes and a beam of sunshine that invaded her privacy. This truly was a monastic and purely minimalistic existence.

As I passed the exterior of this little house I glanced in to see her gaze collide with mine. I held my nerve and I witnessed the smallest of acknowledgements, a tiny, no minuscule smile smile without knowledge it had left her face.

My guide and friend peered around the door and she signalled for us to enter, which we did. I stood for what seemed an unhealthy amount of time before I said a chirpy hello. She moved her hand to indicate I should sit on the day bed, I sat, more silence. A larger noticeable smile changed the shape of her face as she looked down at my camera satchel. I tapped it with my hand as if to imply “Oh, really, you would like me to take some photographs”, my recognition was huge realising the irony, another small smile from her and accompanying nod indicated the affirmative.

This was becoming a little telepathic and surreal. I took out my snapping machine of choice and spent 20 minutes taking a very thoughtful and comfortable selection of very relaxed photos.

Yes, I arranged the jelly shoes.

When we left I gave her so much more compensation than I usually do, as the money hit the palm of her hand, her fist closed around it like a clam in a James Bond movie, you could not see a corner of a banknote. The only two words uttered during this total meeting of understanding were Hello and Goodbye, by me. Was she as destitute as I thought or the cleverest lady in the village waiting for the removal ox and cart?

What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

It is natural and has social interest and taken with compassion and thought for the subject.

If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

If I could take it again, I would change nothing; life is not a studio, do not look for perfection – you will never find it.

John Lester Griffiths shared his photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

John Lester Griffiths, London, England
WEBSITE

Equipment and Settings

I don’t think it matters.