This is an informal portrait of my friend Phi, taken 45 years ago in Saigon, sometime during my one year tour of duty as an Air Policeman (security) at the Tan Son Nhut airbase.
Click to enlarge
Phi didn’t always approve of the pictures I took of her. Maybe this was one of those times? I always liked this shot but struggled with an ill processed negative until now. I was finally able to pull a decent image out of that negative by using some of the digital restoration techniques I’ve learned from Ctein’s book: “Digital Restoration from Start to Finish (second edition)“.
Neat photo, it looks great!
I see a can of Carling Black Label on the counter, there’s something you don’t see every day!
She has a Mona Lisa look in her eyes.
Could this provide insight into the enigmatic look of the famous da Vinci model?
LOLL
Amazing what we can technically do nowadays… She doesn’t look that unhappy in fact ; she was a pretty woman indeed.
Definitely a Mona Lisa look in her eyes and a lot more behind the expression! Terrific capture as always and, for some reason, a very moving one for me. Hope you have a great weekend!
Sylvia
Excellent photo! I love the attitude in her face and body posture!
How wonderful that you were able to restore this shot!
I like this, and I don’t think she was unhappy that you took it…but maybe she wanted you to think she was! There is no furrow in her brow, and a slight hint of a smile on her lips, even though she kept them closed. Perhaps, as others said, Mona Lisa is a good analogy.
Isn’t it grand the things we can do with technology! You must be so happy to have been able to restore a little piece of your history. Well done.
These pictures are wonderful for us in our seventies who love to take little walks down Memory Lane. The black and white is perfect for them. This lady is so pretty…bet i=she is still gorgeous. Lovely old shots this week. Genie
You still have contact with her?
My friend went to Saigon and saw rat tunnels.
It’s a precious shot, and it’s great you learned the skills to restore the negative. But my gut says she was less than pleased to see your camera…
Great photo!
Takes me waaaayyy back.
I remember Carling Black Label much too well. I have a post on my blog that involved CBL in vietnam. If you have the time or inclination, check it out. If you don’t, it’s no problem!
http://patricktillett.blogspot.com/2009/11/vietnam-1-cold-beer-at-any-cost_27.html