Ok, not the most uplifting subject but I feel that this image really portrays the feeling of helplessness that depression brings. As one who has suffered from chronic depression since childhood, I have a good idea of what it is like. The depressed person feels trapped in a prison of sorrow, even though the door is not locked, or even closed. They can see the light outside and know that there is happiness to be had, but the fear of imagined tragedy or failure is always there to keep them imprisoned.
I broke a few rules here... The person is placed near the left edge of the frame to portray the feeling of being marginalized by society. I kept the image very dark to symbolize the dark feelings going on inside.
This image was not staged or posed, it happened one day when I was giving one of the Paramount Ranch interpretive talks. We were allowed to go inside the buildings because a production company was shooting a western, and I saw this scene unfold as people were taking pictures of each other being "in jail". I instantly knew what I wanted to do with the image. Topaz Adjust and Lens Effects were used.
"It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera... they are made with the eye, heart, and head." - Henri Cartier Bresson
Powerful stuff. Your image very well portrays what you've described. The zoom blur is extremely effective, and so are the bars. I'm thankful that I have no personal insight, but I have seen the effect of depression on others, and I think you've captured it very well.
It's a credit to you and to this community that you were willing to post this, here. Thank you.
Thank you Dennis, I was debating whether I should post the image due to the personal nature of the concept, but you are right about the community. I feel comfortable with the people here and know that the image will be viewed for its visual impact and not just as a personal statement.
"It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera... they are made with the eye, heart, and head." - Henri Cartier Bresson
Excellent! When I saw the thumbnail and the title, I knew I had to see this image. Powerful. Great processing. Great composition. I like the open door, the two windows, the position of the person's arms, as if beating against the window, the lines radiating to engulf the person's whole environment. The position of the person on the far left is perfect, as is the position of the person between 2 bars. I wouldn't change anything.
On a personal note, I have suffered from mild chronic depression (dysthymia) much of my life.
Thanks for posting and sharing. I wish I could capture the emotional state as well as you did.
I too had to see it when I saw the thumbnail title, and when it opened up, I thought "He nailed it!" Thanks for sharing both the image and your heart. You could not, I think, have captured this so well had you not been through it.
This is indeed extremely powerful. The zoom is a great addition. For me it conveys light going past this person and he just cannot catch it. The minimal details of the interior and the darkness further emphasize the lack of color, activity and interests that can accompany depression. And those closest bars are the only details really clear in the room; more symbols of the emotion. Thank for sharing from the heart.
Wow! A great image that conveys a powerful story! Thanks for sharing -- that is what this place is all about. The image stands very well on its own but the personal story adds a dimension we may not take time to see in images.
All has been said above - the lighting and effects are just wonderful!
Kerry...I haven't had much time to participate in OOTB lately, but like Anita and Hazel, when I saw the thumbnail I really wanted to see your image. I agree with all the comments, and appreciate your sharing. Perhaps a future bi-weekly theme could center around a specific feeling or emotion....I think it would challenge all of us.
Greetings. That is quite an image and thought provoking. Thanks for posting. I've run across a thread which involves the locking up of creativity and the slow damage that follows. For me, your image and story pulls at that thread and, too, gives a glimpse of the transcendent nature of creativity.
Kerry, as a fellow bearer of the blues, it has taken me a while to respond to your image. The dark tones and stark environment convey the state of depression. If I were staging the image, the subject would be slumped in a chair oblivious to the light and indifferent to the possibility of escape. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Kerry, Thanks for posting this very powerful image. I love the mood and the slight zoom blur.
Did I ever suggest that you do The Work of Byron Katie? You might want to check it out here.
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I think everyone has covered all the bases already. I particularly like the composition. It's very well done and very powerful. I have also had a bout with depression but not life-long or almost disabling except during the period in the 90s when all four of our parents were in nursing homes in bad shape at the SAME TIME.