Some pictures can speak a thousand words …

this one definitely fits that frame.

My friend Laura Bailey shared a very intriguing photo of trumpet player Joe and his wife May taken by Henri Cartier- Brenson

Henri Cartier-Bresson photographed throughout his life well-known personalities from the world of arts and science but, also many strangers.

I was captivated by it for a while as it arrested me in the moment. I went on to experience many fleeting thoughts most significant to that era of the Jazz and Blues music.

There were a number of comments below … One that got me interested immediately was

From Pam Diller ” What a picture! Pride, strength, defiance…this shows their souls, not just their faces. The way his hand rests so lightly on her shoulder–is it love or possession?”

Another was by, Shahrizan Amir Hamzah .

” With Bresson manning the lens and such gorgeous, confident subjects, you just can’t go wrong. This is a marvellous picture.”

Personally speaking …

I saw authenticity in that frame so well composed, the reality bites of the anguish of life lived in the throes of a certain creative fervour. I do not know much about Joe and his wife …other than what is perhaps evident in here to me. A photo that captures the spirit & soul of the subject.

In the face of May …

Her eyes..distant and dreamy

It speaks of pain and anguish

Of hard-hitting times

Her demeanour projects pride

Of a spirit braving against all odds.

Of inner demons as well as the outer.

Yet her face is a picture of composure in the chaos.

Of pride amidst the prejudice.

Joe speaks a different truth

There is focus and there is dare

There is a surging stillness.

That comes when rivers are a flow within

moving in the turbulence of a vortex called life.

Captured in all is the essence of brilliance

of a keen eye for that perfect moment

Stilled and canned for posterity

that speaks poignantly in the silence.

Portraying duels raging in the hearts.

Of trials and tribulations

Of hopes and aspirations

Of desires through unspoken dialogues.

No touch ups no tricks

Just a decisive moment captured with uncanny precision.

©Savvy Raj

PS: I created the Black & White artwork’ Speaking Pictures’for this posts featured image ‘Speaking Pictures’ back in 2017 without any AI help. I simply wanted an older movies screen effect reflecting the era of the photo.

Looking at it now, I am still happy with the results. What do you think?

https://about.me/savvyraj