Cancer Ward

[johnastovall]

I started a few weeks ago working on all the photo's I took while my wife Jeanne was fighting cancer and after wards. The best way I know to come to term with these things is to transform them into beauty (not pretty but beauty and beauty can be painful).

I'm so far sticking with B&W rather than color as I think it is better for such subjects although there are some earlier one which may be in color.

Here's where I am so far, Cancer Ward.

Your reactions to this project and am I on the right track?

[dsjsws]

John,

Having suffered the loss of loved ones myself, and having just fought the fight last year for myself - I can only give you my personal response.

Being sick and feeling miserable from any disease, cancer included, is the pits.

Death is the final escape from the pain and suffering. It just leaves those we love having to cope and miss us.

If the project helps you deal with the pain - then by all means, do whatever is necessary.

I thought about taking the camera with me into surgery. Given how vain my surgeon is, I was afraid he might have kept me awake to document the entire process. I preferred sleeping through it.

I still kind of wish I had my own photos though. His were really bad attempts at documentation.

I got into photography because it was a way for me to connect with those I loved and lost. I cherish each and every one of their photographs. I wanted to make sure that I had photographs of those that are here, so I can remember every moment.

Life is short. I try to do the best with the cards I am dealt. I use my passion in photography to muddle through. I document the mud, and enjoy the rainbows.

My technical opinion: color is too harsh for the subject matter
B & W: good option
Sepia/tri color: my prefence - it gives me a little more range, and with digital (layers and masks) - I can add in a touch of color now and then when there is a smile/rainbow.

That is what photography is for - it helps us tell our story.

Best wishes,

Donna

[erisian pope]

John, you have some very powerful photos in this series.