Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

This falls into the Candid grid that ISO is discussing in a different thread. I was about 24-25 at time, walked by her and just stopped and said something like "you are the most beautiful woman I have seen here. Would you mind if I took a photograph to remember this moment?" She didn't say "no", so I swung my camera up, focused, she smiled and I clicked. I would have loved to removed her purse near her knee, the blue comb by her leg and turned her more to her left towards the sunlight. But then she might had changed her mind as she wondered why I was doing all that. Had forgotten about this shot but looking anew, still my one of my two favorite "seasoned model" photographs.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Yes - she is beautiful.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

There’s nothing wrong with candid--sometimes capturing the moment is more important than fussing with the details.

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

As I read your description I found myself going to the photo to look for the purse, look for the comb. Don't beat yourself up over those trivialities (heck, you missed asking her to remove the watch!!!). It is a great candid shot.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Agree 100% - hell, I will take an under-exposed (or over-exposed), out-of-focus, poorly composed, messy shot any day over no shot at all, especially in this day of digital. No cost to shoot, no cost to hit my "delete" button if I don't want to keep.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

John, thanks for your comments and continued viewing. The watch was jewelry. <giggle> I never beat myself up anymore - too old for that - but the reason I (and assume most others) joined this site was for the forums and to continue to become a better photographer. If we just wanted to look at pretty pictures the Internet has a trillion of them. But here we get to "speak" with the person that took the photo.

So, I think the constructive criticism of what could have been better, as well as compliments on what someone considers good, is important to the learning process. I was drawing attention to the items simply to notify I was aware of it but made a decision at the time not to address for the reason given. I make 99% of my life's decisions based on measuring the "risk against the reward" and act accordingly. In this case I went for the instant shot versus risk of losing it completely.

Past Pro Loc: Spring Hill, Florida

How long ago was this candid taken?

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Very early 1970s.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

You captured the moment, and to me, that’s why this is so compelling. Her expression is just perfect. Had you tried to perfect the scene, you likely would have lost the moment. Great image. Will you share a Download?

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Rab-Eye, this was shot with a Pentax Spot-o-matic, with probably their screw threaded portrait lens because it is so closely cropped. (I forget if it was a 120 or 135mm) Assume it was Kodacolor 25 film but don't remember. I mentioned to you early I haven't included Downloads because these are 1970s prints, being scanned on my cheap flat-bed scanner, so no EXIF data except from the scanner. Plus, not taking time to PP these old prints so if zoomed in there are dust particles, scratches, etc. from multiple moves of box or album. However, I am new here so if there is some other reason I am missing to include the Download I have no problem with doing that with most shots. Awaiting reply from anyone.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Even with the limitations you describe, the Download option is nice because we can see a bigger image. As I said, you captured a great natural moment. I would love to be able to see the larger image, flaws and all.