The Rose Unfolds

[purplehaze]

I had set out to make a hopeful image, but what I ended up with is rather more ambiguous, and perhaps rather more in keeping with my world view. Dragonboat season is drawing to a close and my team of breast cancer survivors held a rose ceremony last week to remember those of our members who have passed. Rather than toss my rosebud into the river, I chose to bring it home and nurture it, along with my hopes for a member who recently learned she may have a new cancer to contend with. I noticed a couple of days ago that it had bloomed beautifully and I resolved to capture that beauty on camera and share it with my friend, but I didn't have a chance to shoot it until tonight. Maybe it was the colour of the rose, maybe my choice of lighting, maybe my nature, but whatever, what came out was something quite different than I intended, something less suited for her at this time than for me. Those of you who are facing a cancer diagnosis may be comforted to know that there may be a time in your future when you need to remind yourself of that which you feel all too keenly now.

[IMG]_DSC7053 - Version 2 by Janis Hughes, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]_DSC7051 - Version 2 by Janis Hughes, on Flickr[/IMG]

C&C welcome.

[gregj1763]

Beautiful Janis, the first is a photo of a gorgeous flower, the second, to me is the mystery of what lies beyond.
My best wishes to your friend.
Greg

[FootLoose]

Cancer sux but these images rock!

When I first clicked on the thread I was struck by the eroticism of the rose, but I quickly moved beyond that. The spiral has drawn me right in. It has made me think about life....

Great work, Janis.

[Shadowman]

Image does seem to represent more than just a flower, adventure or mystery. Gives the viewer chance to consider theme. Nicely captured.

[Ziggy]

Both very nice.

[DanK]

Beautifully done. I like the first more. Best wishes to your friend.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Janis,

In my view it is the lighting that really makes these work - that and the shapes, colour, exposure and focus.

Regarding the two images, well that's another 'can of worms' (in the nicest possible way) - let me explain that before I offend.

First I looked at 7053 (V2) and thought "well, if mine; I might take a slither off the left hand side, but on the other hand ..."

Then I looked at 7051 (V2) and thought "Hmmm, that one works because of the larger hole in the middle" - to me, it gives a more intimate feel and there's more of an unknown regarding what's ahead for your friends (or any of us really)

Not sure that helps you, because I cannot say which I prefer - each is very valid, not to omit "beautiful".

Well done, Dave

[Mike Buckley]

The first one really draws me in mostly because of the composition, depth of field and display of texture without losing the softness of the flower. A wonderful photo to complement your compelling narrative.

[Max von MeiselMaus]

Those are beautiful images. Like Greg, I was put in mind of the sensuous nature flowers (which are, after all, the flowers reproductive organs) and roses can be a symbol of romantic love. They reminded me of the work of Georgia O'Keeffe. However, that is not all they convey and the rich colours and close focus make these quite contemplative images that are both sombre and hopeful.

Technically, I think you have done very well to balance what could have been a distracting black hole in the middle with some deep shadows at the edges. That works very well.

And that colour... That texture... Wow. Lovely work.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Janis, #1 is excellent for me

[purplehaze]

Thank you all for your comments. I don't mind at all that some of you saw a measure of eroticism (love Georgia O'Keefe). My head wasn't there last night, but I can appreciate that now. Dave, your comparison of the two images was interesting, as they do say different things to me. I was thinking on the way to work this morning that the title of the first could be The Rose Unfolds, and that of the other could be What the Rose Knows. I got quite philosophical about the meaning of them both, sitting there on the bus, and almost missed my stop, but suffice to say I am glad to have had the opportunity for some reflection.

[IzzieK]

I hope your friend is OK...I just had my mammogram last week and I received a letter to make another appointment for "further" test on my left breast and a sonogram for my right...and I am scared. I don't have any member of my blood family who died of breast cancer or any other cancer now known to man so I shouldn't be scared really but before I agreed to this test (first in 5 years) I have some sort of pain near my left breast a week before we had our annual general exams and I knew our primary care doctor will demand a mammogram. She does that every year but I never want to go until recently...anyway...I like the first shot very much...I was thinking it must be because I like the pronounced edges better or something...or thinking of something else...

[Dave Humphries]

Thank you all for your comments. I don't mind at all that some of you saw a measure of eroticism (love Georgia O'Keefe). My head wasn't there last night, but I can appreciate that now. Dave, your comparison of the two images was interesting, as they do say different things to me. I was thinking on the way to work this morning that the title of the first could be The Rose Unfolds, and that of the other could be What the Rose Knows. I got quite philosophical about the meaning of them both, sitting there on the bus, and almost missed my stop, but suffice to say I am glad to have had the opportunity for some reflection.

Thinking on it some more, especially in the context of cancer and hospitals, even the 'clinical' white balance works - if that were a warm, pre-sunset glow, it would 'say' something completely different.

My thoughts are with anyone suffering, or in fear of, cancer (or any other illness).

Hoping for good health to all, Dave

[purplehaze]

Hey, Izzie, two things I'll say for general consumption, and the rest in private:

1) They say that there is no pain associated with a lump, but it was pain on exercise that caused me to find mine.

2) Scared is normal. Scared is what, in the event of a positive diagnosis, gives you strength to fight.

Hugs to you and anyone else in this situation; I will PM you later today.

Jan

[IzzieK]

Thanks for the PM...got it..

Hey, Izzie, two things I'll say for general consumption, and the rest in private:

1) They say that there is no pain associated with a lump, but it was pain on exercise that caused me to find mine.

2) Scared is normal. Scared is what, in the event of a positive diagnosis, gives you strength to fight.

Hugs to you and anyone else in this situation; I will PM you later today.

Jan