Faces

Children in a Mexican Village

These beautiful faces are looking at you from a photo I made on a trip to Mexico in the mid 1970s.  The trip was a gift from my mother and aunt.  We traveled together, along with my cousin Chris, for six weeks.  Well, they traveled for six weeks.  I, on the other hand, changed my air ticket to return one week earlier than originally planned, because I just had to see my boyfriend! What an idiot I was.

If you think it isn't totally stupid to give up a week in Cancun (back when Cancun was unspoiled), let me tell you the rest of the story:  When I arrived at the boyfriend's door, souvenir gift in hand (a very nice leather belt), he was unwilling to invite me in because he was entertaining another female.

Do you still think I was not totally stupid? Then how about this: Before I left, in total embarrassment and humiliation, I gave him the gift. Ugh.

At least I had five fabulous weeks with my family, driving around Mexico, seeing many sights and getting some nice photos ... including one of a man who was running away from police and was shot, right before my eyes, on the cobblestone street.

Progression of a Portrait

1. What a great Face! But what a messy background! 2. Start darkening the background. 3. This looks better ... but not done yet. 4. Finished!

I spotted this little girl at a wedding reception. I love her face and I tried to get a good shot. It wasn't the kind of situation where I could go up to her and ask her to pose ... and even if I could, that would have ruined the moment anyway. This candid moment, as she's just turned her head and looked at me, is perfect. But the photo was anything but ... I was too far away and there was all kinds of clutter in the background. So, I played with Photoshop and now I'm really pleased with how the portrait turned out. Thank you, Photoshop! I thought you might like to see the "before," "during," and "after."