Miss Laura
Miss Laura has worked for the House of Representatives as a cook (among many other duties) for 33 years. She’s 82 years old, and a sweetheart of a lady. I met her several months back during an event held by the Speaker’s office. After talking for awhile, I asked if I could take a picture of her sometime soon, and she eagerly agreed. But as session raged on, we never had a chance to meet up.
Then, a week ago I ran into her while she was waiting for a cab to pick her up from work. We spoke a bit and she told me that she was still interested in posing. So today I walked over and asked if she was up for it. We shot this next to a window on the House Floor, and she was one of the best, most patient models I’ve ever had. Even with my Polaroid back malfunctioning and one of the Polaroids falling apart in front of my eyes, she pushed her schedule back to accomodate me. And I like how this shot turned out. I’m going to print it gigantic.
UPDATE: Thanks for all the kind comments, folks. I really appreciate it. However, I’d like to clear up any confusion, whether implied or not (and this is directed at no particular person… it’s more a pet peeve of mine). Laura seems to come across to people in this shot as very solemn, perhaps indignant, and downtrodden. I can’t say I know a whole lot about her background, but I do know that she is very upbeat, happy and an absolute joy to be around. She pretty much lights up a room. And our first take of this shot was her with a nice smile on her face. But smiles are hard to keep still during a long exposure and maintain a natural look. So I asked her to relax her face and try not to laugh. A more accurate portrait of her character would probably have to be taken with ISO 1600 film and a smaller format camera, because she seems to always be laughing and smiling. Still, you’re welcome to interpret the photo how you wish, but I felt that background was necessary for a little more accurate depth.
September 8th, 2005 at 7:30 pm
Outstanding portrait. Just beautiful.
September 9th, 2005 at 12:16 am
This, without a doubt, is one of the best, if not the best, picture I have seen you take. Outstanding.
September 9th, 2005 at 5:30 pm
Masterful. Outstanding portrait.
September 9th, 2005 at 9:52 pm
Stunning.
September 12th, 2005 at 1:53 am
Superb portrait. Without knowing, and I guess this is many older folk, but sure looks like there is knoweledge of the world galore in there.
September 12th, 2005 at 8:16 am
This is a wonderful piece of work. I just love the timelessness of it.
September 12th, 2005 at 8:45 am
Her eyes say so much; knowledge and wisdom beyond belief.
September 12th, 2005 at 9:50 am
simply beautiful. the light, the textures.
I would love to see the giant print.
September 12th, 2005 at 5:49 pm
Once upon a time…this picture is worth a thousand words. Miss Laura is a beautiful heroine.
September 13th, 2005 at 9:01 pm
This is so good, I aspire to this kind of portraiture. The light is great.
September 20th, 2005 at 9:19 am
This portrait is masterfully done. On my monitor there is just the slightest hint of a left eye. The texture and light is wonderful.
I’d love to see a print from the big piece of film.
September 22nd, 2005 at 12:42 pm
gorgeous. i’m such a sucker for window light. After reading your update, it makes me think of Josef Karsh’s Churchill photo. How, there is a smiling one of the energetic man and then, when he took away the cigar, you get that famous picture we all know today.
November 9th, 2005 at 4:45 am
yeah…