As I said in the previous post I thought I would make a comparison of the digital ‘smiling’ version of the portrait of Gwen with the 5×4 ‘serious’ film version. Here are the two photographs side by side:
So how do I think these images compare. First some general observations. For this portrait I much prefer the 4×5 aspect ratio. The 35mm 6×4 ratio seems a little hemmed in at the sides. I did take some shots from further back but this then leaves a lot of space at the top (or bottom) of the frame. I also prefer the tonal range of the film version…I didn’t spend a lot of time on the digital version and I’m sure there is scope for improvement. The film version is pretty much how it came off the scanner. I added some sharpening, a little noise reduction, a small tweak to contrast and a slight post corp vignette.
But now I’ll move onto the real issue the question of how the subject comes over. In the smiling digital version what one sees is a sunny personality. Gwen’s expression is leading you to this conclusion. But is this closing off other possible readings? In the film version the smile is gone and Gwen’s pose is more difficult to read. She seems less relaxed with a little tension in her face a little particularly around the mouth. Her expression is more neutral and her gaze more penetrating. Her mouth still has a hint of a smile (I think this is how she looks naturally). The reading of her face is more ambiguous in the film version and as such leaves open more questions about the person we are looking at. That said she still looks posed, its just not so clear what the pose is….it reminds me a little of the kind of pose which executives adopt for corporate shots.
The tilting of Gwen’s head to her right and slightly forward in the smiling shot also seems more welcoming, almost like an acknowledgment of our prescence. In the serious version her head is very slightly tilted away from us – does this suggest a more aloof demeanour?
In the film serious version there also seems to be more tension in the fingers of her right hand which is touching her face. The fingers are straighter and less relaxed. It does seem that asking someone who naturally smiles not to smile coupled with sitting them in front of a large view camera makes the subject more self conscious and tense.
Critical photography needs to ask questions rather than present a closed narrative or reading. The aim is to give the viewer the space to interrogate the photograph and to consider alternative readings. In this regard the smiling portrait of Gwen is more closed and is likely to result in a more superficial response from a viewer.
Photographs trigger memories and associations. For me the smiling version reminds me of great times with good friends. The serious photograph takes me back to my formal working environment, which was an altogether more sobering and serious experience…
Catherine
February 1, 2013
I find both images appealing. I can certainly see more ‘depth’ in the film version in terms of the texture of the photograph itself. In terms of comparison wouldn’t it be more accurate if each version had the same pose?
Keith Greenough
February 1, 2013
Thanks Catherine. Really I was trying to compare what effect the different poses have on how a viewer might read the portraits….I think my going on about the technical differences may have confused the issue….
vickiuvc
February 1, 2013
Interesting comparison, side by side. Like you I prefer the 4×5; and for the same reasons that you suggest. Like Catherine I am seeing more depth in the film one—especially on the jacket where so much more seems visible. Overall, it also seems a little sharper—hands, face and hair. So for more comparing film and digital—interesting.
Regarding the poses—film wins outright in terms of allowing more interpretation. The smiley is a typical corporate headshot—no judgement intended. But you can look at it and move on. The film invites far more consideration of her face and hand positioning—and her personality. I think the film one actually shows more; in the digital, the smile is a barrier. In the film, you can look more closely at the mouth and eyes—the hint of the smile and strength in her eyes says far more. Well, I think so—anyway. More to think about!
Keith Greenough
February 1, 2013
I think we are viewing the photo in the same way….it is good to get alternative views from different people….thanks for comments….hope all is well with you.
malc-sf
February 2, 2013
Love your blogs and hope your doing good with your studies “I’m sure you are”, I did the Communication Photography degree course in my late 50s at Bradford Uni and know how time consuming it is as well as enjoyable. To get to the point This months “Journal of Photography could be of interest to you and your studies.
Keith Greenough
February 2, 2013
Thanks for the tip….will follow it up…regards