Belinda strikes a serious look at lunch.
When we headed out for our Saturday "family" lunch today I grabbed a camera that was sitting on a pile of old collectible comic books and tossed it into the car. I always take a camera with me when I go out, even if I'm feeling disinclined to do any actual photo work.
I sat across the table from Belinda at a favorite neighborhood restaurant and we chatted as we waited for our order to be delivered. While she was talking I noticed how the light came through the window behind me and to my right, flowing across her face from her left to her right, and creating just the perfect shadow on the right side. I picked up my camera from the seat next to me, metered at the speed of light (ha. ha.) and shot ten frames with it.
I was using a lens that I bought a while back but hadn't used much recently. It's a 7 Artisans 55mm f1.4 and I used it at the maximum aperture which is why the tip of Belinda's nose and both of her ears go soft in the photograph.
The image was shot on a Fuji X-Pro2 (oops! it was an X-T3) using a color profile called "Eterna" which, I've been told, was created as a video profile which would be lower contrast and less saturated, allowing videographers to deliver very nice looking files, straight from their cameras, without having to color correct (grade) them.
While I don't often post photos of the family I try to photograph Ben and Belinda all the time. As we were leaving the restaurant I remarked to Belinda that I find her much less resistant to being photographed these days. She remarked that she had come to realize all the photographs of her I had taken in her 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s made her look so beautiful. More beautiful than she imagined she was, and that looking at them was a joyful reminder of a life spent being loved (and I would say, adored). She added that the images I was taking today would very likely bring even more smiles to her face in her 80s and 90s.
Barring unforeseen events, I hope to be around to document those smiles as well.
Added: Got the original color look if you want to compare....
Added: Got the original color look if you want to compare....
12 comments:
The color image is amazing. Just amazing. It's the look you get, not the technical stuff.
OK. That’s pretty good.
I am a black and white person but I like the color this time. Color like this might get me to try Fuji again
You could bobble it, have the entire face out of focus, and those incredible, beautiful eyes would still look as if they had been laser-cut.
Kirk;
How did you manage Eterna on an X-Pro2? Or was it applied in PP?
Thanks for the great blog BTW.
Ed
Beautiful Portrait Kirk
I see no reason why this picture shouldn't bring her smiles right now, no need to wait.
I always enjoy seeing your photos of Belinda. As good as your regular work is, there is always something special in your portraits of her.
I'm a shameless fan of B&W, but for Belinda"s portrait, I'm leaning toward color. I love that you've posted Belinda photos from 30 years back to the present. I don't get to photograph my wife Susan too often. Whenever I have a camera in my hands she reacts like the Devil himself may be trying to photograph her. Which may be true...
Kirk,
Wishing you and your beautiful spouse a long and healthy life so you can photograph her 80s and 90s smiles and enjoy each other's company. I love both versions of the portrait.
The monochrome treatment works wonder here Kirk. Cheers to you and your lovely bride, you're lucky to have one another.
I think it's terrific you enjoy photographing Belinda. My beautiful wife, which I also love and adore, is my favorite 'subject' when I'm 'testing' equipment or settings. She's ever patient with me, and I've saved every photo of her and love them all. I'm particularly fond of the candids. Perhaps this is the life of a photographer's spouse, and we are blessed with their never-ending tolerance and patience. I always enjoy your photos of Belinda, Ben and of course Studio Dog. You have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing, Kirk.
Somehow, the B/W looks harsher. This time I prefer the colour photo. Congratulations to both of you. I thoroughly enjoy your writing and your photos.
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