• Photos

  • Level

  • Score

Memories

© Marvin H. Gohlke Jr.

Memories

Uploaded: March 12, 2006

Description

This picture was almost too personal to share, but I decided to post it. My Dad, brother and I went to the house, yesterday, that my Dad, 84 years young, was born in, and where he was raised. In fact, my Dad's mother was also born in this house and raised there. He had not been back there for 65 years, but the memories rolled off his tongue like it was yesterday. My grandmother, who I never knew, died when my Dad was ten years old, leaving him to help care for his four younger brothers here. I was amazed at how he recalled the exact arrangement of where everything was in this now dilapidated old farmhouse. There was no electricity, no plumbing, very primitive by today's standards.
This shot was taken utilizing only natural light coming in through a hole in the wall where a windowframe once was. I think my Dad was looking up at some shelves in the pantry, recalling how they were once packed full of various canned goods in old Mason jars, put up by his mother. The memories we

Comments

Judy V. Kennamer level-classic March 12, 2006

Marvin - What a treasure! I know your family will treasure this beautiful photograph for years to come. Wonderful shot! And beautiful story! Thanks for sharing. Judy
#407246

Daniel M. Bendjy March 12, 2006

Great light. The genuine expression is priceless. #2523047

Wende Trew March 12, 2006

Wow Marvin what a fantastic image! The detail and the light!! Fantastic job my friend!! and I love the story behind it!! Truly a wonderful image! I hope to see this one again!!! #2523140

Megan p March 12, 2006

WOW Marvin, this is just so beautiful and so full of feeling, I love the lighting and your Fathers expression, what a day you all had, what a capture you got from it!! #2523157

Kathleen Clemons March 12, 2006

This is outstanding, Marvin. The fact that there is so much of your heart in it shows thru. Excellent work, and a very special treasure for you for years to come. #2523166

Stan J. Bendkowski March 12, 2006

Beautiful portrait, Marvin! #2523275

Rakesh Syal level-classic March 12, 2006

Great portrait and expressions on his face, Marcin!!! And what a teriffic and natural day light has played its roll!! Perfect in all respect and a super winner! I will remember this image for the rest of my life!! God bless the Marvin family! #2523654

Tori A. Woods March 12, 2006

Marvin.......I am so glad you decided to share this......I know that you and your brother are glad that you gave this experience to your Dad......I'm sure he treasures it and will always....you guys really opened up a part of your own history as well....a day none of you will ever forget....now to the photo!!
how awesome, the lighting and the expression you captured on his face just show him reliving some of those moments of his younger years......great job......Tori #2523732

Trisha Moe March 12, 2006

GOOSEBUMPS!!! This is an incredbile display of the human soul!! Awesome!! #2523831

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic March 12, 2006

Fantastic capture Marvin. Love how his eyes sparkle. Wonderful story. Hope you print it out real big and frame it. Such a peaceful looking photo. Makes you wonder what he was thinking when the photo was taken. Hope to see this again. Thanks for sharing. #2523935

Pat Gamwell March 12, 2006

No words can express the power, love, compassion, heart-wrenching memories you have captured in this magnificent masterpiece! This is a true heirloom...a 'once in a lifetime' expression that can never be duplicated or erased from the memories of all who view it! Thank you for sharing, allowing us to wrap our hearts around you in this tender moment. This is a WINNER, by all standards. The lighting is perfection. SUPERB! #2524598

Ugur Erkmen March 12, 2006

It is a winner Marvin.Congratulation #2524850

Lori S. Aschbrenner March 13, 2006

OK Marvin, you need to stop it because my eyes are all welled up. (started with the other two images of yours I just commented on) What an emotional image. Even before I read your description, I knew there was just something about this dramatic portrait and the moment you captured. What an amazing heirloom image you now have to share with the stories he told you that day, to share with your son and some day with his children. Definitely a winner in my book. #2527556

Amy JACKSON March 13, 2006

Wonderful portrait, Marvin!!! I agree with all of the above.. you truly have captured a priceless moment that you will enjoy for a long time and you can be extra proud because you took this picture!! #2527928

Terrill Province March 13, 2006

So moving and beautiful.

Winner. Period. #2528694

Marvin H. Gohlke Jr. March 14, 2006

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to make your gracious comments. They are very apppreciated!! #2530562

Tiffani S. LaNeave March 14, 2006

It's so easy to see through your photography what an incredible relationship you must have with your father! When I look at him I see strength, wisdom and sincerity. This image definitely displays all of those things. I love this. The lighting is awesome as is the composition. I love your portrayal of your father in all of your images. Very well done Marvin! #2531909

Brian A. Wolter March 16, 2006

Excellent results Marv. I just love the way his shirt is so blue that it really stands out against the black background. #2537967

To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.

You &

Love It!

BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick


Copyright for this photo belongs solely to Marvin H. Gohlke Jr..
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.