Hard Knock Life

[xerubus]

I have had the absolute pleasure to get to know this special little girl. She is beautiful and has been through some of the most terrifying circumstances you could ever imagine. Hearing her story really makes you think twice about how insignificant your own problems are.

For me this shot portrays a very minute glimpse of what she has been through.

Comments and critique more than welcome, and appreciated.

Technical details are as follows:

Nikon D80 with 18-70 @ 40mm 1/60th f/4.5. Home made snoot roughly placed on to a spotlight for vignette effect.

cheers

-Mark

[shakey]

Is she in hospital? She's had open heart surgery in the past. For me there is a sort of a look of sad resignation in her face and the photo is very poignant. I hope her future is fulfilling and makes up for any suffering she has endured.

[xerubus]

She is no longer in hospital and is being loved by some absolutely amazing foster parents. She has had open heart surgery twice now, but it is nothing compared to what she has suffered. A very strong Australian, and a true champ.

The sad resignation you mentioned is exactly what I wanted to capture. From the short period of time I have known her she has always been bubbling over with joy, and reacts gleefully to the smallest things. From time to time you see this little window of sadness, which breaks your heart, but also makes you glad that she is now in a 'happy place'.

Thanks for the comments.

[Manta]

Mark, I can't add anything to what my namesake has very eloquently stated. I wish her luck for a brighter future and a blurring of the bitter memories over time.

Thanks for sharing this with us. I'm off to kiss my kids goodnight.

[W00DY]

I'm off to kiss my kids goodnight.

Twice... and to apologise for yelling at them just becouse they wouldn't stay in bed!!!

Images like this put you right back in your box.

Thanks for posting.

[xerubus]

Cheers Simon and Andrew. It's always nice to have a little reminder of how good things are isn't it

cheers

[mickeyjuice]

Great image. Captures … everything … perfectly.

Someone was thinking of this when they said "A picture is worth 1000 words".

[xerubus]

Cheers Juice. Appreciate the comments.

[zafra52]

Your image is superb! You captured the beautiful expression of innocence of her eyes, and as mentioned before, resignation and even an air of hopelessness. I like the black and white treatment, which I think complements her skin complexion giving her elegance and dignity. The visible scar of the subject insinuates that life so far has been hard and perhaps there are stories to be told. In short, I love the natural expression of this image, which is so hard to capture. By the way, do you have permission to use the image?

[blacknstormy]

Mark - it is fantastic to see you are back to taking more photos, and what a poignant image it is !!!!
Superb and a great treatment. She must be a strong little sweetheart - I bet she has an amazing future - this little one will be one to watch as she gets older - if she is that strong now, imagine what a strong young woman she will become !!
Hugs

[xerubus]

Thankyou Zafra52. Appreciate the feedback. And yes, I have permission.

Thankyou Rel. I am so happy to be back taking photos, and I really enjoyed the break. I now have a different perspective to work with. She does have an amazing future ahead of her, and she is as tough as nails.

cheers

[Travy]

Excellent capture!!

[xerubus]

Thankyou Travy.