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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Eighty-two: A city portrait -- impressions of Havana, Cuba. > Gesture, Havana, Cuba, 2012
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08-MAY-2012

Gesture, Havana, Cuba, 2012

Early morning shooting is based entirely on the color, intensity, and angle of the light itself. While photographing from a downtown Havana rooftop, I noticed a couple having a discussion as they stood between entrances to various living quarters on a neighboring rooftop. As the woman points towards one of these entrances, I noticed a shadow of her gesture touching the shadow of the man’s elbow. That shadow gives the image its power as communication – intensifying the urgency of her gesture. It is the angle of the light that produces the shadows and creates the message of this photograph.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
1/400s f/5.6 at 200.0mm iso160 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Phil Douglis30-May-2012 16:54
Shadows abstract. They also express ideas. This shadow does both. Glad you see the point, Celia. Tim, who was shooting this scene right next to me, obviously saw something I never saw -- a kiss. I am looking forward to see how you made it work, Tim.
Tim May30-May-2012 16:35
When I finally post - I have an almost opposite image of these two people giving their morning kiss. I love the shadow.
Cecilia Lim29-May-2012 19:49
It's amazing what your eyes see! I must pay attention more to shadows. They can be a powerful tool in communication, as you have illustrated here! Just wonderful!
Phil Douglis27-May-2012 17:47
So would I. Expressive photography almost always reaches out and involves the imagination of the viewer, and that is what I tried to do here. Thanks for the comment, Carol.
Carol E Sandgren27-May-2012 03:51
I would love to know just what that conversation was all about. The shadow gives a more direct approach to the feeling of what must have been going on with the two people. Intriguing image!
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