people in Barcelona XI, a photo from Barcelona, Cataluña

Photographer's Note

This one is between my favourites photos (I talk only about my own photos, of course).
Quickly someone will say: the face is out of focus.

And is true.
He would be right (or she... in spanish I wouldn’t have this problem with he or she, I only would write the verb, he, he, he).

But in the last year I’ve learnt that is not the technic what makes a photo different. If one photo can suggest something, some kind of feeling, then can be a good photo.
And this one makes it to me.
The way as she looks at the camara, her big and dark brilliant eyes, her innocent face (painted because was Carnaval). I like it.
And not only this: her hand. Her hand is perfectly focused when she caught the hand of her mother.
Could be two different photos: the hand and the face. But not would be the same.
Together are special, and I like it.

I cropped and converted to black and white the photo. Also added a bite of sharpness.
It was Carnaval and she was, with her mother, watching a rua of Carnaval in las Ramblas, they were part of the public (as I’ve said, the Carnaval is the reason why she has the face painted).

And well, about kids only add that Alba, the little kid who was beat up by the boyfriend of her mother continues in the hospital. The difference since the last photo? That since two days ago we have another chase of children mistreated by their fathers or boyfriend of the mother.
This time in Valencia.
This time not have, as Alba, five years old.
This time 9 months.

“Now, look at my face, look at my eyes and say me, why do you hit me? Could you do?”

I hope that you like it

People in Barcelona, children in Barcelona.

Bien, david, Cuba-Junky, srpablillo, sergio1, efigesta, pridel, andante, pitai, CRATEOS, peter1892, singuanti, quillo, peck, Elduque, Xalkida, alekpet, svo555, tcht, balatrek, marknunnerley, sHeRo, barrufeto_77 ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

giannispap (263) 2006-03-22 3:25

Carlos,
a very touching photo!makes you not even realize the mistakes you mentioned!
well done
giannis

bantonbuju (51815) 2006-03-22 3:30

hola carlos,
in some people opinion there is nothing wrong in the portraits being slightly out of focus, so no worry, my friend;
and this fantastic portrait is all about the big dark eyes, very hypnotizing, very attracting;
a powerful image, really very good;
have a nice day,
jerzy

david (3992) 2006-03-22 3:41

i love your note and i love this photo. you're right, of course, that being 100% technical is a limitation. most professional photographers shoot slightly out of foucs to make their subjects look better.

as for this photo, i can't draw my gaze away from those beautiful dark eyes. they're like deep pools of sorrow.

amazing shot. definitely one of my TE favourites too.

(for some reason, it reminds me of les miserables!)

Bien (4745) 2006-03-22 3:49

Hi Carlos, This is a very special portrait indeed with a wonderful sensibility. As you say, a photo doesn't need to be technically perfect to speak (even more, I think it often speaks less when 'too' perfect), to pass on emotion or even a message. This image certainly speaks; the beautiful eyes of this girl tell me a lot of seceret stories as does the expression on her face. The capture of the hands wrapped in one an other is so precious and gives an exceptional feel to this shot. This is a beautiful pearl, just like she is. Sabine

jasmis (58631) 2006-03-22 3:51

Fine portrait, splendid composition with holding hands. Really great. Regards.

Cuba-Junky (2817) 2006-03-22 3:54

Focus or no focus, for me a picture with lots of corazón y alma in it.

Thanks
An

gebala (0) 2006-03-22 4:00

hello Carlos, more photos like this one, exellent shot, exellent point of view, great POV, wow I wanna more, un beso

srpablillo (225) 2006-03-22 4:12

Carlos,

Tu foto es sencillamente fantástica. Transmite una sensación increible y estoy totalmente de acuerdo con lo que dices sobre el foco y sobre la mano. Creo que no tengo el suficiente conocimiento como para ver que esté desenfocado; yo la veo perfecta. Transmite a la vez calidez y la inocencia propia de una niña. La mano a mi me sugiere un contraste entre madurez y niñez, a la vez que me indica que la niña es pequeña y que hay alguien que la quiere, enfatizando tal vez esa calidez. Para mi es ideal.

Pablo

eco (112) 2006-03-22 4:15

Hi Carlos

great portrait, fantastic crops and bw, beautiful dark eye, fantastic shot
I Like
best regards, rafal

sergio1 (12152) 2006-03-22 4:24

Hola carlos
Tambien conozco esta foto. Genial la definición y la combinación en blanco y negro que sabes que tanto me gusta. Pov buenismo.
Saludos amigo
Sergio

efigesta (12188) 2006-03-22 5:59

Hola Carlos
interesante retrato de la niña que no se esta triste o mal humor lol
bueno dof y el b/n esta muy bien
saludos
manuel

drago (4832) 2006-03-22 6:15

Hi Carlos,the kid is adorable and your catch is fantastic,it emits innocence.Well done!

sixTL (8596) 2006-03-22 6:19

Hola Carlos, very excellent portrait. I like the expression on the kids face. Very interesitng shot!

Regards Artur

feather (51130) 2006-03-22 6:46

Straight into my favourites Carlos and the B&W was a perfect choice this time.(YOU know my usual preference is colour) I read what David Smeaton said about Les Miserables and he is right. The makeup looks like dirt on her face and those huge tear-filled eyes together with her sad expression make her look like a street urchin. Perfect! Don't change a thing.
Kath

olopez (4959) 2006-03-22 8:17

Hola Carlos,
Esplendido retrato de esta niña, me encantan sus grandes ojos llorosos que has hecho resaltar con el golpe de flash.
Perfecto encuadre y composición al incluir las manos unidas, un bonito detalle.
Buen trabajo,
Oscar

evagelosm (144) 2006-03-22 9:23

Great photo Carlos. Thank you for sharing
Vagelis

ndb1958 (9289) 2006-03-22 10:37

Out of focus? I can't see that there is something out of focus. When I open the picture (and I did several times now) I look into her eyes and from her eyes to the hand holding a man's hand.
A beautiful portrait of a little girl with beautiful eyes.
Nino

MiguelP (14470) 2006-03-22 10:40

Qué tal chavalín? Hoy estamos en un día de esperanza, no por ello me gusta menos la tristeza que reflejan sus dos pozos negros. Es una foto muy lograda.

blue-velvet30 (6524) 2006-03-22 10:52

Hello Carlos!
Beautifull girl! Excellent portrait, composition and quality. Photo of full emotion and beautiful. Brawo! Great and perfect work!
TFS;-)
regards
Dorota

andante (7092) 2006-03-22 11:25

Carlos, cuando vi el 'thumbnail' lo primero que pense es que era una de las imagenes de Manuel Librodo... esta composicion, a mi juicio, tiene la misma fuerza en su presentacion. Gracias por compartir.
Enrique

asival (5307) 2006-03-22 14:24

Hi Carlos

very strong image.. beautiful portrait, the kid's expression penetrate the viewer

Well done

Assi

pitai (3985) 2006-03-22 14:41

Hola Carlos, creo que tienes razón. Una buena foto no solo se la puede juzgar por la técnica. El contenido y las emociones que pueda despertar también cuentan. En cuanto a esta foto, yo creo que captaste magníficamente la expresión de esta niña.. Conseguiste encapsular toda la ternura e inocencia en esa mirada. Yo hubiera preferido las manos un poco mas enfocadas. Y si, concuerdo plenamente que un enfoque de ese detalle (de las manos) daba para otra excelente composición. Muy bien... me ha gustao..!

CRATEOS (7278) 2006-03-22 15:02

This foto belongs to the..... varius fotos......is a mater of new era.....is a mater of 21 cent.....is a mater how WE see the OUR community....is a mater of dignity of human raice....the notas also....Gongratulations!!!!! Nikiforos

krysia (4222) 2006-03-22 15:57

Hola,
Una niña muy dulce!
Me gusta mucho tu foto.
Bien hecho.
Saludos

peter1892 (1681) 2006-03-22 17:03

It is a powerful image Carlos. Full of emotion. This kind of thing goes way beyond 'technique' - the only technique that matters here is the technique of actually using your camera & capturing the moment. Well done.

toni_al (15875) 2006-03-22 17:20

Hola Carlos
Que bonita, Sin duda para mi tu mejor foto, todo lo que pienso se resume en una palabra Magica.
Excelente trabajo
Saludos
Toni

singuanti (15250) 2006-03-22 22:52

Hi Carlos. I can certainly see why this would be one of your favorites. I wouldn't worry at all about the slight out of focus with the face. Her pouty look is so captivating. You had the perfect lens for this situation. Congrats on this incredible shot!

quillo (11858) 2006-03-23 3:48

Hola Carlos, estas fotos a los que somos padres nos toca la fibra sensible, ya solo en enlace de las manos podría ser una composición, la carita de la niña es una delicia y es lo que tiene que la gente pequeña nos enseña valores que nunca deberíamos olvidar.... : la ternura, la inocencia ..., en fin que me encanta la foto.

Un abrazo Coco.

Paco

rosaline (0) 2006-03-23 4:48

Hi Carlos
This is a beautiful portrait. I love the eyes, nice and glistening. The expression is brilliant too. Good B&W treatment and nice framing. Good work.
Aubrey

cherryripe (21033) 2006-03-23 9:07

Hola Carlos
Que ojos tan oscuros tiene ! Me gusta tambien el hecho que su cara esta pintanda y como tiene su boca. Parece que estaba llorando. Es precioso como las manos se enlacen. Una imagen muy fuerte.
Saludos Nikki

Polonaise (5802) 2006-03-23 9:34

Out of focus ????
There is one thing more important than all other things in this world...Her eyes.
And those are brightly clear and incredibly focused.
Brilliant photo.
No but's and if's.
George

I'll come back with smiley

ALSOM (6616) 2006-03-23 10:23

Beautiful look, Carlos.
She looks scared but a helpful hand is there.
Nice b&w. Have you used any flash ?
Thanks, Alain -

Jribeirosantos (1924) 2006-03-23 16:26

Just ... perfect!

Who cares about the focus ?

Joana

peck (2779) 2006-03-23 20:17

Hi Carlos,
I like this portrait so much :)) really well taken!!
thanks and regards
Gregory

Elduque (624) 2006-03-25 3:32

Hola Carlos,
Una foto excepcional, de concurso (y de ganarlo). Ni desenfocada, ni nada, yo la encuentro perfecta.
Además el detalle de las manos es la "guinda".
Felicidades.
Antonio

keribar (43841) 2006-03-26 2:23

Hola Carlos,

This a prize winner for sure Carlos, The two hands which were carefully included in the frame make it unforgettable, let alone the other assets.

Many thanks - Izzet

jjbach (9326) 2006-03-26 6:55

Hi Carlos,
Wonderful portrait!! Her face and her expression are so lovely. Excellent work, I just love it!

Regards John

cessy (13647) 2006-03-26 11:37

very nice portrait of her, Carlos
she looks sad and angry
the expression is well captured
and I love her eyes, so captivating

Xalkida (11744) 2006-03-28 15:54

Ola Carlos

Excellent portrait of this child. The expression of this young lady is like an angel. Very fine B&W tones, fits perfect. TFS!

nika (0) 2006-03-29 15:41

Una foto muy emocional y seria dificil buscar un error en ella o explicarla mas. Simplemente diria que me encanta muchisimo!
Muy buena foto Carlos!
Buenas noches!

alekpet (4663) 2006-03-31 2:14

Hi Carlos.

This is really an outstanding photo.
I would have appreciate it a lot even withou your beautiful note.
It says a lot, non explanation needed.
And the note, really makes you think.
B/W is definitely a great choice, it adds to the sad feeling.
I think you are right when you say photos are great if they awake emotion. I think it was Capa's photo of the death of a Loyalist that the best describes it. It is techically not very good, but has so much emotion that it is probably the best photo in the 20th century.
This is one of the best on TE in the 21st century, just for that fact, emotion.

Aleks

premels (2400) 2006-04-02 7:39

Hi Carlos, Very powerfull and expressive portrait, it goes to my favorites. I appreciate your choice of B&W and I agree with your own appreciation of your picture: Her bright eyes, the hands, her shy attitude, ... it's all great.

fabio_ts (13696) 2006-04-03 6:31

Great picture Carlos, full of atmosphere, your use of B&W is perfect, well composed too.. bravo!!

have a nice week,
Fabio.

Tristan-z (1053) 2006-04-03 19:41

Il est extraordinaire ce cliché ! Bravo!

Svillegas (1169) 2006-04-04 2:59

Hola Carlos
Con mi desconexión temporal se me había pasado esta foto, ooooohhhhh! esa expresión no tiene precio. A nivel compositivo muy bien.
Saludos,
Sonia

svo555 (1028) 2006-04-05 6:19

Hola Carlos,
Un retrato realmente conseguido, mostrando una gran expresividad y gran momento. Parece difícil de conseguir, justo en el momento oportuno.
Sergi

faubry (35447) 2006-04-20 6:14

très belle photo avec une expression très bien capturée, le tout avec un superbe co,ntraste, bon choix du B&W, bravo
francine

pridel (233) 2006-04-21 18:13

Hola Carlos
I like also very much this photograph for the sensitivity. the little girl has large sad eyes and her comfort is in the hand. It is a very strong photograph. The b&w suits it well.
congrats
Pascal

tcht (7565) 2006-04-27 14:25

Hello Carlos,
I just saw your picture while looking at the 55-200mm lens page(I'm planning to get one myself) and I immediately like it a lot!
It's just perfect. And the your notes make me like this picture even better as you've described it very very well. The feeling you captured is breathtaking, with her beautiful round eyes starring straight into us. And the sharpness and texture of the hands provide a good contrast to her soft and brightened up face. Thx for sharing this wonderful moment with us. and your note's very touching...Great image, first class.
Regards,
CheukHin

markpanos (1977) 2006-05-22 20:47

Carlos!!!!
Como siga faltando yo por a qui un dia te encuentro trabajando para la revista GEO y me sorprendere....
Como estas currandote las fotos hombre... tus retratos son cada vez mejores(algo en lo que yo no he conseguido mojarme todavia)

Me alegro mucho de ver estas fotos tuyas del ultimo mes,algunas son unicas,excelentes.
Comienzo por esta por que ha sido la foto quie me ha elegido a mi y no yo a ella...(creo que eso lo dice todo,no?)

Volveremos a hablar pronto amigo mio....

balatrek (7455) 2006-05-30 18:14

Saludos Carlos,

Has creado una escena cargada de sentimiento, la composición cerrada sobre el rostro de la pequeña incluyendo el detalle de las manos agarradas es sencillamente genial, los ojos con ese brillo de vida son la esencia de la imagen, buen trabajo compañero.

José

DLM (6479) 2006-06-16 15:07

Wonderful shot Carlos,fine work ,TFS
Dave.

jcdurka1 (1950) 2006-06-19 4:52

El desenfoque suaviza la foto, le da mas dulzura, contrabalanza el frió de los contrastes. El enfoque de las manos guía nuestros ojos hacia los detalles importantes: la de una mano protectora que la niña coge y sigue.
Muy buena foto, felicidades.
Saludos,
Jean-Claude

donluicu (24741) 2006-06-26 8:55

superb image
powerful and tender..;
very good catch

loic

Don_Gusti (0) 2006-08-27 12:47

One of my favorites pictures. Actually I don’t know what 2 say more, all the ppl before me said it & I don’t what 2 repeat & b boring, so I need ur help to concentrate here 4 a second. My comment will be this: combine what the 106 ppl before me said & add 100 points. B/R

Ahmad

marknunnerley (2780) 2006-11-08 13:08

Oh Carlos,
absolutely brilliant. It could have been easy to have just framed the girls pretty face but the mothers hand lifts it to new heights. B&W for these images is always the best as it is timeless. I see why it is your fav. I'm adding it to mine. Just beautiful.
Regards,
Mark

wolf38 (30) 2007-01-02 9:22

Hello of Carlo. A really impressing picture. The small serious face with the intensive view and the hand holding. Wonderfully composed and technically realizes. Really protruding and beautifully. Best regards, Wolfgang.

barrufeto_77 (28888) 2007-06-21 17:52

Soy tonto, soy muy tonto y no me he dado cuenta que me he pasado por alto tu, con diferencia, mejor foto.

No merezco ningún perdón.

El vecino de abajo (siempre por debajo de los demás).

erguvan (773) 2007-10-16 20:56 [Comment]

Show Comment

siusan (244) 2009-04-12 3:02

Hola Coco !!!
Estaba xafardeando fotos de BCN y justo me ha llamado la atención esta !! ¿es la que me comentabas en una de tus críticas??

Me encanta esta foto... me la quedo ! Genial la niña y geniales las manos... Buen trabajo !!!

Un abrazo

billakos773 (253) 2011-06-01 1:47

HOLA CARLOS!!
I LIKE SO MUCH THIS PHOTO BECAUSE HAS FEEL SO DEEP THE MOOD OF THE GIRL,PRESENTING THERE.IS REALY FANTASTIC!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
BILLAKOS