Loves Americans
China’s Quinghai Province 2007
We visited this woman’s home and I tell the whole story here: http://www.rosemarysheel.com/archives/chinese-peasant
This is a great portrait because her smiling face and “thumbs up” illustrates the old adage of “a picture is worth a thousand words”. The day was rainy and the soft light was kind to her face; it smoothed out her wrinkles. Overcast days are great for portraits no matter whether your subject is old or young. Colors appear brighter and more saturated. Since there are no strong shadows, you can photograph your subject wherever you like. In harsh sunlight, you should take your subject into the shade, or maybe shoot backlit with a fill flash. Oh, that is so much trouble! Take them into the shade is what I would do.
I didn’t remove the clothesline crossing the photo behind her because it contributes to the story of her life. She has an umbrella and other paraphernalia on the porch as well but that is typical of a simple farm house. The yard is often cluttered. Sometimes, I want to neaten the photo but I only take out things that detract from the ‘story’ I want to tell.
Photographs don’t necessarily tell the truth. Even before the days of Photoshop there were darkroom methods of changing the photograph. You can create different impressions just by your choice of viewpoint…including something or leaving something out. Take the impression given by photos with a grain of salt.
BTW Chinese women have fabulous skin even past middle age. They avoid the sun, preferring to have their skin as pale as possible. If you want a beautiful complexion follow their method of wearing long sleeves, sun hats, masks and gloves. I suppose they have some special creams as well.
When I was a young and in nursing school, we were given similar advice by a dermatologist who lectured to us. This was before the days of sun block. I decided then and there that I was not going to forego being in the sun just so the pathologist could look at my cadaver on the autopsy table and say, “look at how great her skin is”.