This image was taken in 2013, very early in my photography journey. I don’t hold the view that your early work holds less value, in fact for myself sometimes I feel my earlier work was in a sense more true to who I am as a creative.
The model and I were doing some test shots completely unrelated to this image whilst I was experimenting with use of a single light. The glass was filled with water for drinking whilst I was working and sitting on a chest of drawers off to one side. It was when I was moving around observing angles around the model that I caught a glimpse of her through the glass and instantly liked what I seen. I took a series of 3-4 shots through the glass before getting back to the original task.
I work predominantly by feel and can often get slightly distracted from the original task I set myself to when something grabs me in the moment, in these instances I will always run with it, rather than try and come back to it. Moments last only fleeting seconds, they are not something you can entirely recreate.
The image to me shows a diffused self to the point where the soul is almost visible. With features no longer being the prominent point of focus we are forced to see beyond the physical and instead connect with the emotion or the soul present. Whilst the glass introduces a sense of distance I feel there is also a sense of connection.
Some may see a mystery. Who is she? What is she thinking? What is she looking back at?
Some may view it more figuratively. The glass is neither half empty, nor half full. The glass is just a glass and its content can perpetually change with your perception.
However one sees it my hope was that it would make the viewer think something.
What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
I think the elements that stand out most in the image are the mood / emotion captured and the interesting effect the water and glass give to the image creating diffusion, distance and a mirrored image in the stem of the glass.
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?
The image is no doubt technically imperfect, but there is nothing that I would change.
Sometimes imperfection is perfection. I wouldn’t want to construct the image as I think you would lose that ‘in the moment’ feel that has been captured. I also think if the imperfections such as the reflection of the light source and the light blow out were removed you would lose a lot of its character.
My biggest struggle with images, at times, is not quite knowing where to crop them, so perhaps this would be something I might give more consideration to.
JiÀhn Charlotte shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
JiÀhn Charlotte, Highfields, Australia
Equipment and Settings
Canon 7D + EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
f/4, 1/30 sec., 17mm
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Judi Neumann
August 31, 2020 at 12:43
Congratulations super image – your work is always so inspiring
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 10:17
Thank you so much Judi for the kind words and your forever encouragement and support. Means a lot to me
Colleen Parker
August 31, 2020 at 17:04
This image is certainly a testament to the power of visual instinct and the courage to follow that spark! Thanks for sharing your story!
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 10:15
Thanks so very much Colleen for the feedback and kind words. Humbled to have been asked
Louisa Day
September 1, 2020 at 00:54
Very striking image that serves as a formidable art piece. A thoroughly enjoyable read of both your perspective on the photograph itself and your process. Look forward to seeing where you go from here. Congratulations
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 10:09
Gee, thank you so very much Louisa for the feedback and generous words. Much appreciated
Viki . S
September 1, 2020 at 10:32
Congratulations! Very deserving! You exhibit great creative vision!
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 10:08
Thank you Viki for the feedback and kind words
Lenny P Allen
September 1, 2020 at 11:55
You are just a creative genius when you are behind that lens … you are the ONLY one who continues to this day to doubt this that is so obvious to so many
Just another fabulous capture of what it is to be a human being … you slayed it
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 10:07
Awwwe thank you so much! For your kind words and support and encouragement always. Means a lot to me.
Elaine Taylor
September 1, 2020 at 17:28
It’s an intriguing image – it’s great!
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 10:03
Thank you so much Elaine for your kind words
Mark
September 1, 2020 at 21:49
Such a good read JiÀhn, I feel connected to the way you talk about this image.
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 10:02
Thank you so very much Mark for the kind words and feedback
Amanda Lytton
September 2, 2020 at 20:16
A compelling image that really draws you in. Congratulations!
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 10:00
Thanks so much Amanda for your kind words
Hakan
September 3, 2020 at 16:34
A good description of your creative process and photographic vision.
JiÀhn Charlotte
September 6, 2020 at 09:59
Thank you so much Hakan
Merrill
September 28, 2020 at 17:19
Thanks for the good read. Your work is inspiring me to take my photography in a different direction. I almost never include people in my images. I’ve been the hunter/gatherer with my work and now it’s time to cultivate… Cheers!
JiÀhn Charlotte
October 17, 2020 at 22:32
Thank you so much for your kind words Merrill. What a lovely compliment. The Frames site is certainly a plethora of inspiration. Have a wonderful adventure with your new direction in photography.