Face of Depression (We are not terrorists or harmful to society)

[brianamooney101]

http://500px.com/photo/21806097

[BobF]

How are we to know? What, about this picture tells us this person is depressed? Are you trying to convey the idea that depression is something that can affect anyone? Are you trying to say that there is no definitive 'look' to depression? If so, then a photo is never going to, really, be able to convey the concept of depression.

Aside from the conceptual issues, this picture is so heavily edited that it's really not possible to tell much of anything. It's far too dark to get a sense of detail. It's so heavily stylised that the editing is all I see and it completely detracts from any message you may be trying to convey.

[Skipper]

I don't think the OP indicated an intent to define depression across the board or to suggest who it does or doesn't affect. Nothing in the post suggests this heavy overall intent that BobF seems to have inferred. I think OP's intent is much simpler and narrower -- merely to say that this particular photo, at least to OP, was a face of depression.

I agree the photo is way too edited. Very distracting and to me doesn't even count as a photo anymore. (I realize many would disagree.) Now, IMHO, it's an illustration. I have a feeling the original photo would be strong enough on it's own. But this kind of editing certainly gives photos an artsy look and if that's what you want, go for it, who am I to say.....

[BobF]

That's why I asked the questions, Skipper. It's not clear to me what the message is.

[mrchile]

I have to agree with Bob. The title is much more specific than the image.
The first part of the title would be enough, but the part in parentheses is unsupported.
Either get something into the shot or add some text to help explain the meaning, or simply drop the second half of the title.

[brianamooney101]

This was part of the photo listed above. It was framed with the photo. It sold on Thursday.

'DEPRESSION Makes me.......'
Depression makes me feel pain
Depression makes me stupid
Depression makes me feel low
Depression makes me mad
Depression makes me sad
Depression makes me forget world
Depression makes me tensed
Depression makes me lose self control
Depression makes me hate everyone
Depression makes me think over and over
Depression makes me feel lonely
Depression makes me think wild
Depression makes me worthless
Depression makes me sick
What does Depression give me?
When it runs high…
It will make me Die - REST IN PEACE…
Annie Juliet

The problem is society closes their eyes and wishes it to go away. Only when the guns go blazing do people stand up and pay attention and that is sad and sick.
Brian A Mooney

[Skipper]

Not sure I agree society closes its eyes on depression. Certainly some people do. I think it's more that so many who suffer from depression are really good at hiding it and acting like everything's fine. Photos and art can be powerful reflections of emotions and can carry powerful messages. Often tho they are too cryptic for me as I see everything literally, mostly. Thanks for the explanation and elaboration.

[BobF]

Well that's rather a gruesome sentiment. Given my earlier comments about the photo, I don't see the obvious connection.

As far as your comment about society closing its eyes and wishing it would go away, I think you're wrong. But on that, what would you have society do? What do you want to happen? Do you want special treatment? You want to be able to park in handicapped spits? What? Nebulous, blaming statements serve no purpose. If you're trying to convey a message about depression through your photography then you need to do a better job of it, because the image you posted does your cause no obvious good. You need to define what it is you're trying to say and come up with a coherent way to make the visual statement. You haven't done that yet.

I come back to my earlier comments. Are you trying to say that all people who are depressed look like this? If so, then you're wrong and you don't know enough about the condition to articulate your message.

[Boogaguy]

I agree with the above replies when it comes to the processing. The processing covered up all details in his face. My first thought, when viewing this, was that it is a fisherman. He has a grizzled appearance, but even that grizzled look from a hard life is lost in the processing, which has covered and obscured all detail in the face. Perhaps a little context could have illustrated your idea a little better.
So judging over all, I would have to say that, when it comes to your subject matter....if you have to explain it then you didn't attain it.