Cam Long Resting
Barry Thompson LRPS; DPAGB; BPE4*
I was particularly interested in capturing this characterful elderly lady in Hanoi in Vietnam.
As can be seen the background is very distracting.
The first operation was to manually remove the bicycle and the wall against which it is resting in Photoshop. In the year that the image was captured I didn’t have available to me the more sophisticated background removal tools in Photoshop that are available today.
The next part of the creation procedure was to find a suitable background which could be placed behind the figure. Fortunately I take lots if background images in the vicinity of my subjects.
After importing the background image and moving it about to give support to the figure I then enhanced the sharpness, brightness and contrast of the image to give a more characterful appearance to the old lady.
This image has been accepted 11 out of 12 times in British Photographic exhibitions and has been awarded bronze and gold medals.
An online critique of the image commented:
“This portrait captures an elderly woman in a candid, thoughtful moment. She sits close to the ground, knees bent, one hand resting on her knee while the other holds a small plastic bag, perhaps containing food or personal items. Her face, weathered with deep lines and wrinkles, tells a story of resilience, age, and experience. Her direct gaze into the camera conveys strength and wisdom, inviting the viewer to reflect on her life and circumstances.
The colours in this image are striking: her red shirt contrasts against the muted tones of the background, drawing attention to her as the focal point. The textures of her skin, clothing, and the worn wall behind her are captured in vivid detail, adding depth and realism. The composition and colour balance emphasise her presence and dignity while also highlighting the roughness of her surroundings, creating a powerful visual narrative.
Overall, this image is evocative and respectful, presenting the woman with authenticity and empathy. The photographer has effectively used contrast, texture, and composition to tell a story of age, endurance, and quiet strength."