Forgive me for a badly taken photo. Don't try to take pictures when the brain does not want to engage. But still when I saw this picture it made me smile because this if one of my bff's engaging all of us in a story. It is one of my favorite things about her - she is a story teller and can hold her audience attention without seeming to try. And probably her secret is she is willing to let you laugh at her. She is telling here some story about her and/or her husband. (Husband's being absent make for good subjects of stories because they can't defend themselves.) It was an afternoon of laughter and we were able to put aside our concerns and fears and just be friends laughing over silly things together and for us that was a great gift.
@vignouse I don't know if this says friendship to you but it does to me because I am honored to have her come and spend time at this busy time of the year and remove for a time the concerns of work. I mean could you not laugh with her.
oh Joan this is a wonderful photo - it captures her beautifully and is so natural - I much prefer this type of portrait to posed ones - and I love getting together with friends and laughing and relaxing and being silly
I think this is really wonderful, Joan. Your point of view is quite effective and conveys what it would feel like if we were gathered around her as she told her stories.
Hi Joan - when you asked me to set you a challenge and I suggested that you capture the essence of 'friendship', the challenge was only partly photographic. You have been, understandably, a bit down of late and I wanted to focus your mind on some of the many positive things in your life, not least of which are the many folk who love you.
With this image you have met the photographic challenge and your narrative confirms that my underlying objective was achieved as well. I'm happy for you my friend...
Yes, yet another time, when I look at a picture, love it and then read you bemoaning that it wasn't wonderful. Look at the thumbnail! It's fabulous for lots of reasons, not the least of which is that it makes me want to be sitting around telling stories with friends so badly I'm on the edge of tears!
This is a wonderful portrait, Joan. You really captured a lot of her personality with this shot and feel like I'm there listening to the story as well.
@francoise I think the focus is off on the picture it is on her blouse and not her face, I had to process to get to this point (and my mind keeps seeing what came out of the camera and my apology was meant to say to my mentor that I realize I can do better. That is why I judge so hard. Not the kind who is happy with a C if I think I can get an A, I think you might now what I mean.
With this image you have met the photographic challenge and your narrative confirms that my underlying objective was achieved as well. I'm happy for you my friend...
Well done!