Jason Poblete  

Lady in the Cemetery by Jason Poblete

April 2024 - Lady in the Cemetery

About the Image(s)


This photo captures a side of Miami often overlooked by both locals and tourists, taken in a part of the city many tend to avoid: a cemetery. I had not planned to end the morning shoot at the city-run cemetery, but I have a memento mori collection I am curating and saw a few shoots from the outside that may work for it. It was just after sunrise. Despite appearing to be going through a challenging phase in her life, her willingness to be photographed was a testament to her spirit. We talked for a bit. In fact we spoke more than I shot. She had arrived from one of the many shelters dotting this less-visited area of downtown Miami. This encounter came at the end of my morning journey; I had been out since 4:00 am, and a sunrise shoot had left me completely drenched from an unexpected turn of events. She brought a glimmer of light to the day with her unexpected presence and story, a story I will keep private, but there is a lot about it in that photo.

Tech: Manual; Fixed 35mm Nikkor lens; f/2, 1/130, RAW
Processing: Capture One 23, minimal processing, cropped

This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted

Ron Davis   Ron Davis
Hi Jason. You have outlined a very interesting story behind the lady on the concrete seat. Without your explanation I did not know it was a cemetry some object in the background maybe a cross but it is blurred and I am not sure. The look on her face, her dress and hair style, jewellery and hand bag to me contradicts she is from a shelter, she seems ok to me could easily be a middle class visiter come to see her ex or parent. The use of B&W in a cemetry is appropiate.   Posted: 04/07/2024 01:00:15
Jason Poblete
Thank you, Ron, for your input.   Posted: 04/07/2024 06:34:48
Jen Fawkes   Jen Fawkes
Hi Jason
I'm a little unsure what story you wish to tell about this lady, since, as Ron says, her dress and demeanour don't quite match the sadness that her story might generate. Sometimes when we shoot the circumstances have more meaning for you, since you were there, and you learnt about her.
The HI definition states that 'the image must include a person/s in an unusual, emotional or interactive situation'. Its worth keeping this in mind when you are selecting image for a HI section.
It is a nice portrait (although you have cut off her toes), her expression is nice and she looks relaxed. I also agree that monochrome is always good for a more sombre feeling to a cemetary image.   Posted: 04/09/2024 04:24:30
Jason Poblete
Thank you for the input; there's a narrative with all of the comments. Appreciate it.   Posted: 04/09/2024 05:57:34
Leslie Larson   Leslie Larson
The B&W is a nice touch to a good portrait. Without your commentary no one would figure out her story (as mentioned above). Cutting off the toe is an oversight on your part. 4am...are you kidding me. You are dedicated. Look forward to more of your photos. There are probably many more chances for interactive images in a cemetery and B&W would be a good choice.   Posted: 04/09/2024 10:03:39
Jason Poblete
Certain images require early rising (my wife stresses when I do these early morning walks, especially in places like Miami or Austin), for a project I am working on. The final cut for this one will be cropped a little differently, much tighter. It was an awkward moment, and I took it - I was done for the morning by the time I took this shot. Portraits are outside my lane, and I look for more candid shots. Perhaps I will add a narrative to the collection. I had not planned on it but the comments here have been helpful.   Posted: 04/09/2024 11:33:05