23 April 2008

Les Anciennes Fleuries - Célia et Sébastien


Remember Célia, the beautiful young girl doing her make-up in the motorbike mirror? And featured a day later in the 1925 Renault Torpedo?

In the small photo, left, you see a sweet young girl but in the main photo we see a sensuality that reminded me of Jeanne Moreau - somehow it demands to be seen in black and white. Amazing to me how photography can change the way we see. And what we see changes a photograph!


22 comments:

  1. deux beaux portraits b&w, une très bonne idée d'avoir mis des vêtements de l'époque de ces superbes voitures

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  2. Both photos are great, but the first one is way ahead for me. I like the large expanse of jacket which just emphasises the portrait. And you're right the expression and pose are enigmatic and could be interpreted in many ways - this is something I like in photos when we have ambiguity that makes us think twice, rather than a shot which we take at face value like the second one. No doubt that B+W brings a different quality to shots like this - tones in general but skintones in particular

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  3. I really like what you have done with this couple and the presentation is just right. Nice work with that camera, Jilly.

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  4. I love the B/W Jilly. I do think that Celia looks rather English.

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  5. Now you really are using that camera. The darkside has taken hold. Lovely tones, as Richard has already commented.

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  6. P.S. I really like the way you have handled the light in these. In both cases - the side light in the fine top photo "Listen to me" and the touch of back and top light in the bottom photo. Her black, his white, and the throw of the light onto the white. Very nicely done, Jilly.

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  7. Wonderful photos! The costumes really make the b&w photos look old. The lighting is good and there is plenty of contrast. Great job!!

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  8. What a difference.....I am not an "art" person but this could be described as "art"to me! The young lady looks so much more mature in black and white...as if your eyes are drawn to her secrets....nice one! Love how she is tweaking her gloves....so 1940's.

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  9. It does make a difference when presented in B@W. Very sultry and provocative, opposed to the sweet and demure look when in color.

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  10. She really reminded me of Jeanne Moreau when I first looked at the photo!!! Great post!!!!

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  11. So I see you are now showing us some more of you're great skills ... what wonderful photos!

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  12. I had just the same impression when I saw the thumbnail on the portal - French cinema from the 50s or 60s, moody, beautiful, a bit depressed. Superb composition. Having the young man face away from the camera makes the effect stronger.

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  13. Totally agree with strangetastes,
    French cinema,Bardot,early 60's, extremely evocative. Has to be the b&w for me. As for the hat, I bought one in Montpellier last year,wore it constantly,will have to wait for a return to France to wear again.

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  14. That's what I really call a pout.

    Brilliant composition, Jilly. The first photo could be straight out of a movie from the 50's.
    You must feel like a talent scout. The tones and the hair across the eyes, speak a million words.

    Definitely superior in B&W; you are really enjoying this camera and the fun of getting right in there.

    We certainly, are.

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  15. Having raised two daughters I have witnessed how dynamic a young girls allure can be from one moment to the next. Watching this I grew to feel sorry for the boys they dated. The male gender is such easy pray and so easily replaced by a young lady. Personally I am not sure a woman's allure is affected by the camera angle or if B&W is used. I think all a young lady has to do is show up and acknowledge those admiring her.

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  16. Hi Jilly, She is a charming model for you! The vintage clothes, the B&W, and the expressions you've captured make for great photos.

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  17. Great photos. You're obviously getting to grips with your new camera very well. And so brave to ask strangers to pose for you.

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  18. By using black & white really makes the photo special.

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  19. Love that you posted these in black and white!! Excellent!

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  20. Jilly you're right, we were definitely posting on the same theme today!

    THAT FIRST PHOTO, oh THAT FIRST PHOTO! It's worth framing! You're right, it just demands to be b&w.
    There's such a strong atmosphere there.

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  21. I must bookmark this post to inspire me to play with monochrome some more!

    It's a truly remarkable difference.

    Sunshine Coast Daily - Australia

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