100 Lights
I see nothing but some reflections out of the light that covers me. I hear only the murmur of the wind and, in the distance, the ephemeral song of a bird, invis...
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I see nothing but some reflections out of the light that covers me. I hear only the murmur of the wind and, in the distance, the ephemeral song of a bird, invisible as the air that rocks me. I am blind, but I am happy.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
I think and listen. My mind boils in thoughts and memories. Even in this dark space and so far from my youth, it seems as if the human intrigues, frivolities and grudges still reach me; remains that I thought I had left on the road.
But this darkness protects me and its shadows are strong bastions to which I cling. Like never before, now I feel the recondite steps of God, his presence. I always needed to walk deep into the woods to ward off my demons. Although I still did not fully rested there, alone in the forest I felt Him so close.
I doubt that many understand why, now that I am old and in dark, I feel so happy. The little that I came to know left me no choice but to lose myself. Even from myself. From my unwise purposes. From my memories. For opening my soul to the completely unexpected.
Deep into the God. With my thoughts in unison of my steps, I follow His invisible tracks that fuse with this darkness. Time seems to stop when I discover God's overwhelming landscapes. And now that I am far, very far away, and no longer understand anything, I feel that for the first time I am before the Truth. I can only tell you this.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Who will hear us among the infinite universes? Since their beauty is something that we humans are not able to endure, to whom we will turn up for help? Perhaps there will be some angel that will aid us to understand them. Oh, and the light, the light, when the wind full of cosmic space will invade our happy blind eyes.
All what we lived in the Earth was message. But, could we managed it? We were always distraught by expectation as if any moment were going to announce the arrival of somebody omnipotent (where we would place Him, with all our strange thoughts coming and going, and often staying for the night...).
It will be strange to inhabit the Earth no longer, not to observe births, sunrises and other things that promise so much in terms of human future. It will be hard to acknowledge the precise contours of our feelings.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
But beyond that point of wrath and tears where is imminent the menace of the shade, the angels shall find me unafraid. Because I will be able to listen the gigantic voice of God as only saints have listened it. And I will perceive the ceaseless message that forms itself out of the silent space and sweeps towards us the immense happiness of those saints who were born and died before.
The stars and I will be like birds in unison migrating. Thrust by cosmic wind, I will rest into lakes of light and will join forever that kind of music that is unaware, in its magnificence, of any weakness.
Out of the light that covers me, sunny or starry from pole to pole, I thank the God that does exists, for my unconquerable soul.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Spanish beauty close to 100 years old. The photo was taken hand held with the very sharp Sigma 50 Art lens, which has not stabilizer, focussing with the efficient (but only with daylight) live-view-touching-screen focussing method of my Canon 70D. The photo is cropped, but no photoshop at all was applied. RAW and B&W converter was Capture One 8. The source of illumination was just day light, in a sunny day of June with some clouds. The Lady was under the protection of a big cream-coloured umbrella.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
The woman is a grand-grand-mom from Aragon, a region in the North East of Spain. The ancient Kingdom of Aragon played a key role in the origin of the 'modern' Spain in 1492. During centuries, people from Aragon have been reputed for being very proud and for having very strong characters, as this old lady still has. She energically did not want me to take any photo of her. I 'robbed' this one with dificulty. I was sat close to her. Then I hand held my Canon at my knees level, opened the live-view screen and, pretending being fixing the camera, took the photo touching the screen. Once she and her family saw the result, they allowed me to publish the shot, but warning me that if her name ever becomes public, they will kill me. Strong character these Aragoneses...
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Please, visit my web: https:--josegefaell.smugmug.com
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Here are all the prizes and mentions the photo has won so far (don't miss the other winning and mentioned photos!):
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Featured in 35 PHOTOS THAT DISPLAY HUMAN SPIRIT: https:--gurushots.com-articles-35-photos-that-display-the-human-spirit-in-all-of-its-triumphs-and-tragedies
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Finalist in MARK OF TIME PHOTO CONTEST: https:--www.viewbug.com-contests-mark-of-time-photo-contest
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Finalist in TEXTURE IN BLACK & WHITE PHOTO CONTEST: https:--www.viewbug.com-contests-textures-in-black-and-white-photo-contest
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Selected as ONE OF THE BEST PHOTOS AT VIEWBUG by top photographer Maria Brander: https:--www.viewbug.com-blog-community-spotlight-photography-makes-me-feel-like-a-kid-in-a-candy-store
Read less
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I think and listen. My mind boils in thoughts and memories. Even in this dark space and so far from my youth, it seems as if the human intrigues, frivolities and grudges still reach me; remains that I thought I had left on the road.
But this darkness protects me and its shadows are strong bastions to which I cling. Like never before, now I feel the recondite steps of God, his presence. I always needed to walk deep into the woods to ward off my demons. Although I still did not fully rested there, alone in the forest I felt Him so close.
I doubt that many understand why, now that I am old and in dark, I feel so happy. The little that I came to know left me no choice but to lose myself. Even from myself. From my unwise purposes. From my memories. For opening my soul to the completely unexpected.
Deep into the God. With my thoughts in unison of my steps, I follow His invisible tracks that fuse with this darkness. Time seems to stop when I discover God's overwhelming landscapes. And now that I am far, very far away, and no longer understand anything, I feel that for the first time I am before the Truth. I can only tell you this.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Who will hear us among the infinite universes? Since their beauty is something that we humans are not able to endure, to whom we will turn up for help? Perhaps there will be some angel that will aid us to understand them. Oh, and the light, the light, when the wind full of cosmic space will invade our happy blind eyes.
All what we lived in the Earth was message. But, could we managed it? We were always distraught by expectation as if any moment were going to announce the arrival of somebody omnipotent (where we would place Him, with all our strange thoughts coming and going, and often staying for the night...).
It will be strange to inhabit the Earth no longer, not to observe births, sunrises and other things that promise so much in terms of human future. It will be hard to acknowledge the precise contours of our feelings.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
But beyond that point of wrath and tears where is imminent the menace of the shade, the angels shall find me unafraid. Because I will be able to listen the gigantic voice of God as only saints have listened it. And I will perceive the ceaseless message that forms itself out of the silent space and sweeps towards us the immense happiness of those saints who were born and died before.
The stars and I will be like birds in unison migrating. Thrust by cosmic wind, I will rest into lakes of light and will join forever that kind of music that is unaware, in its magnificence, of any weakness.
Out of the light that covers me, sunny or starry from pole to pole, I thank the God that does exists, for my unconquerable soul.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Spanish beauty close to 100 years old. The photo was taken hand held with the very sharp Sigma 50 Art lens, which has not stabilizer, focussing with the efficient (but only with daylight) live-view-touching-screen focussing method of my Canon 70D. The photo is cropped, but no photoshop at all was applied. RAW and B&W converter was Capture One 8. The source of illumination was just day light, in a sunny day of June with some clouds. The Lady was under the protection of a big cream-coloured umbrella.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
The woman is a grand-grand-mom from Aragon, a region in the North East of Spain. The ancient Kingdom of Aragon played a key role in the origin of the 'modern' Spain in 1492. During centuries, people from Aragon have been reputed for being very proud and for having very strong characters, as this old lady still has. She energically did not want me to take any photo of her. I 'robbed' this one with dificulty. I was sat close to her. Then I hand held my Canon at my knees level, opened the live-view screen and, pretending being fixing the camera, took the photo touching the screen. Once she and her family saw the result, they allowed me to publish the shot, but warning me that if her name ever becomes public, they will kill me. Strong character these Aragoneses...
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Please, visit my web: https:--josegefaell.smugmug.com
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Here are all the prizes and mentions the photo has won so far (don't miss the other winning and mentioned photos!):
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Featured in 35 PHOTOS THAT DISPLAY HUMAN SPIRIT: https:--gurushots.com-articles-35-photos-that-display-the-human-spirit-in-all-of-its-triumphs-and-tragedies
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Finalist in MARK OF TIME PHOTO CONTEST: https:--www.viewbug.com-contests-mark-of-time-photo-contest
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Finalist in TEXTURE IN BLACK & WHITE PHOTO CONTEST: https:--www.viewbug.com-contests-textures-in-black-and-white-photo-contest
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
Selected as ONE OF THE BEST PHOTOS AT VIEWBUG by top photographer Maria Brander: https:--www.viewbug.com-blog-community-spotlight-photography-makes-me-feel-like-a-kid-in-a-candy-store
Read less
Dec, 2014Views
19825
Likes
Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Elderly Photo Contest
Featured
Contest Finalist in Mark Of Time Photo Contest
People's Choice in I Swear I Lived Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Textures In Black And White Photo Contest
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Genius
Virtuoso
Love it
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Categories
BlazeIrish
December 30, 2014
This is a wonderful shot! So much character just shows through! Great job!
Platinum
PRO
PRO+
dano
January 03, 2015
Oh what gay memories lay hidden behind this deep stare and natures forced mask of age......as we must all in time display.
unniwilliams
January 04, 2015
Quite outstanding portrait full of chacter and pride, very well captured
Premium
teetee1852
January 07, 2015
This B/W photo has EVERYTHING a perfect photo should have and the story behind is wonderful to read!
JoanLoBo
January 10, 2015
I love the view point from below, the sharpness and expression, everything is working together to make this a impactual portrait.
PRO+
martyleclerc
January 10, 2015
This is exquisite ....you have captured her beauty and life.... in both your photo and your words .... there is a lot of respect in both also....
bronfebey
January 11, 2015
A fabulous image with great composition that draws one into the subject to study the detail... well done :)
PRO
PRO+
LucyLoo
January 13, 2015
I love the millions of stories you've captured in this most amazingly beautiful face.Such a wonderful photo and woman. Thank you so much for sharing all the info too: fascinating reading. :-D Great :-D
juancarlosalonsobouza
January 14, 2015
Cada instante es nuevo pero hemos de estar bien atentos como ella
Platinum
michaelallen_0367
January 14, 2015
A lot of living in this face, she has seen many things change in her life time.
sylviahealy
January 17, 2015
I love this shot, I can see beauty and love behind those eyes.somehow I think she is thinking of a lost love .
Platinum
michaeltillman
January 17, 2015
Hi Gefaell, I just love your shot of this beautiful senior citizen. Even as far into her years as she appears to be; there's a certain attraction in her face she still possess. I also like the way you captured the character in her face, and manicured nails. I just love black and white; and pictures like this is why. Fantastic shot. By the way, I like the side note and I feel the same way.
Willowsdaddy6439
January 17, 2015
Its not hard to see how this elderly woman must have been a true beauty in her younger days.
Platinum
gswell
February 01, 2015
love images of older people, just imagin the stories she would have to tell
Platinum
Platinum
vkola
February 18, 2015
Very captivating and emotional image. The subject appears to be in deep thought pondering her life's accomplishments.
Platinum
Rolenz
February 18, 2015
We are all judged by our face, it is what faces the world. This lady has had a world of experience, which shows. Another example of your camera skills. Look forward to seeing more of your art.
PRO
michelealexandra
February 19, 2015
I love her face. Her features, a road map of her life lived. Absolutely stunning picture! Her eyes...I am wondering what her thoughts are.
PRO
peterbayliss
May 29, 2015
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
RustiGardener
June 15, 2015
A great photo and an awesome story to go with it. Love the character and strength. Well done you.
PRO
pamelalynn
July 05, 2015
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
pamelalynn
July 05, 2015
Write a commentThere is so much beauty with the aged face....All the stories, experiences of life!!! Great Shot!
Platinum
goodmary
October 17, 2015
oh the history this implies, fabulous. Thanks for all the technical info as well on how you captured it, so glad they allowed you to share
PRO
PRO
paulaanasimoes
February 24, 2016
what an amazing portrait and after reading how you came to 'steal it " it even more impressive
PRO+
naturisk
April 05, 2016
What an exceptional portrait, and under such iffy conditions, too. It's beautiful, and because she is.
PRO
PRO+
Essex
September 08, 2016
I'm so glad you have several shots of this beautiful lady in your gallery. Fabulous portrait.
Platinum
David_Blakley_Photography
October 15, 2016
Excellent candid photography. I also enjoyed the history of the Kingdom of Aragon - thank you.
Premium
cyrillinegoodman
October 17, 2016
AWESOME IMAGE! Beautiful lines. Wonder what she is thinking about in her pensive mood? Congratulations on you win - Outstanding Portrait!
Platinum
llowzz
November 06, 2016
WOW,This is one of the best portraits I have seen.She really is beautiful in a way that only age can truly show. You have captured the moment perfectly.Bravo !!
PRO+
PRO+
Platinum
Platinum
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
Spanish beauty close to 100 years old.Time
Around 17:00 h.Lighting
The source of illumination was just a sunny day of June with some clouds. The Lady was under the protection of a big cream-coloured umbrella.Equipment
The photo was taken hand held with the extremely sharp Sigma 50 Art lens, which has not stabilizer, focussing with the efficient (but only with daylight) live-view-touching-screen focussing method of my Canon 70D.Inspiration
The woman is a grand-grand-mom from Aragón, a region in the North East of Spain. The ancient Kingdom of Aragón played a key role in the origin of the 'modern' Spain in 1492. During centuries, people from Aragón have been reputed for being very proud and for having very strong characters, as this old lady still has. She energically did not want me to take any photo of her. I 'robbed' this one with dificulty. I was sat close to her. Then I hand held my Canon at my knees level, opened the live-view screen and, pretending being fixing the camera, took the photo touching the screen. Once she and her family saw the result, they allowed me to publish the shot, but warning me that if her name ever becomes public, they will kill me. Strong character these Aragoneses...Editing
I used the Capture One 8 as the RAW and B&W converter. Capture is an excellent tool! The photo was cropped, but no photoshop at all was applied.In my camera bag
I only has a Canon EOS 70D, an as lenses a Canon 70-300 L, a Sigma 18-35 Art and a Sigma 50 Art. I use to go everywhere with the three of them.Feedback
Have your camera always prepared, (always hanging from your neck, if possible). If you do not find good scenes, at least you will be in shape and alert. Stay hungry until you find the scene you like. I think that was Picasso who said, "Inspiration does exists, but it has to find you at work".
