the sweet light » Film photography and natural light.

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rome

{Rome, September 2009}

My husband and I had just stepped off of the Roma Termini and I was so in love with this scene, that I whipped out my polaroid land camera and pressed the shutter.  My heart sank as I realized that there were people at the bottom of the scene.

But I find that, as with a number of images I take, it has to marinate for a while.  I might not like it at the time, but after a while, it grows on me.  And that is exactly what happened here.  Does that ever happen to you?

I now love this polaroid shot, and I think that the people I captured add to the entire scene, the mood, the moment.  Exactly as I remember it.

Posted in film, polaroid, polaroid 660

  • Sharon - February 2, 2011 - 8:37 am

    It looks like it could have been taken 30-40 years ago! And yes, I think the people in the photo add personality and life. I have to keep telling myself that about my own photos too.ReplyCancel

  • christine - February 2, 2011 - 11:57 am

    having a few heads in the picture also add perspective – helping the viewer determine distance! weather (no winter hats on these people)! and energy to the scene (lots of activity)…
    just looking at your posted pic reminds me to be gentle when I crop my pictures! maybe I am too focused on the closeness & clarity of the object… & missing the story!ReplyCancel

  • Whitnee Jenkins - February 2, 2011 - 2:45 pm

    this always happens to me. always!ReplyCancel

  • Georgianna - February 2, 2011 - 7:16 pm

    Wonderful image, A, and much more interesting with the heads! Yes, I do find that some images need time to marinate – perfect term! At the time I take them, I might be disappointed as I imagined something else but coming back months or years later, I can more easily see the merits and am often pleased and satisfied that it did, after all, capture my intention. hugs, xo – gReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - February 3, 2011 - 11:40 pm

    I love Christine’s comment. And your term “marinate”. It’s perfect! I’ve also looked back on older pictures when my skills or camera equipment wasn’t as good and had to learn to love them as they are and for the journey they represent to me about my photography. Have a lovely weekend. xxReplyCancel

  • agrippina maior - February 4, 2011 - 4:30 am

    it’s funny, i didn’t even notice the people. just the light on those buildings of one of my favourite cities.

    later, seeing the people there however, i thought they looked just perfect.

    i spent my first trip as an adult to europe trying to avoid people in my shots. but now? people and their interactions with their built environment is what it’s all about for me :-)

    Just beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Trix - February 28, 2011 - 10:50 pm

    I know what you mean, some of the photos I take do grow on me, especially the ones I take on impulse. And I think having people in the frame makes the picture more interesting!ReplyCancel