A few years ago I asked myself what were the real highs in my life, the moments when I experienced pure elation and joy, besides the obvious!
I retired from my career as a fashion photographer a couple of decades ago and moved from the city to a small island off the coast of Canada. I wanted to try rural living and hopefully contribute to the small community of farmers and artists living on the Island. It proved to be a wise move, however the taste of a home grown apple freshly picked from your own orchard did bring a sense of satisfaction but not to the degree I often experienced behind the camera in my previous career.
Looking through my camera’s viewfinder at a stunning model wearing a beautiful outfit, put together with the help of talented stylists, hair and make up artists, often in a jaw dropping location with perfect light, it just can’t be beat!
I decided to embark on a project which I hoped would recapture some of the excitement I had experienced during my career, I decided to take portraits of friends and family here on the Island where I live.
Jaime is my daughter in law, she’s a real beauty beyond her appearance. As the mother of a two year old she seldom gets the opportunity to come sit for me.
She did get her car stuck in the mud which fortunately I was able rectify, in exchange she kindly offered to organize a time where she could take a couple of hours and sit for me which I happily took advantage of and managed to shoot five different scenarios. In this shot she is wearing an outfit leant to me by a friend who had kept many of her hippie clothes from the sixties and seventies. I’m planning on shooting a series of my friend wearing her her entire hippie collection.
What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
I think I brought out the beauty in Jaime face and captured some of her quiet intelligence. I also think the photograph is successful in the use of a simple palette which to me gives the a image a dramatic appeal.
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?
Probably try and find a makeup artist on the Island!
Howard Fry shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Howard Fry, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Equipment and settings
Canon R5, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L
Einstein strobe and Century tungsten spot
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Ross
November 12, 2022 at 08:33
A really lovely portrait Howard, there’s a quiet, almost romantic atmosphere to the image, despite the 70’s gear, it reminds me of a renaissance painting portrait, a Bronzino perhaps. Very well done.
Michael
December 6, 2022 at 16:27
You captured a remarkable expression here that I can’t quite put my finger on. I stare at her and search for adjectives…strong, yet weary? Regal and humble? Fiercely quiet? Vulnerable only to one? Unapologetically protective? She looks like all of these things and many more. Exquisite.