Great photo. Looks like Manet paintings. Only things which might improve this is different angle to avoid horizon cutting through head and glass.

A feast for the senses... It?s really natural, I like it a lot.

cheers

Fresh...but very intriguing!I like the atmosphere.BRAVO!Maurizio.

A very romantic capture! Well done!

I guess its just the OCD in me but I find all the picnic clutter too distracting, I feel compelled to want to clean it up. Considering what the alternative to look at is it must be a pretty strong impulse for me!

Has the ability to take hold and become powerful.

I like the clutter. It tells a story. The scene and its casual aspect reminds me of your photo, "Eve - 1." I note the date on the photo and I suspect this was not a staged event (save, perhaps, in some of the details), which gives the photo an almost nostalgic feel, reminding us of things we ourselves may have done (or wished we had done) years ago. Thanks for the image.

You're right, Barry, it was a spontaneous snap. Even the necklace, from her leaning over to pick up her cider. She was enjoying the late afternoon sun while I was shooting the landscape in the other direction and I realised the view was even nicer this way!

Thank you all for the comments. I agree the picnic was a bit messy but I didn't want to stop and tidy it or she may have wanted to tidy her dress - and I liked it the way it was.

Harsh.

I guess you mean the lighting is harsh. For me the main point of the picture is that it wasn't some technical photo-shoot, carefully posed and with reflectors etc. it is taken from real life where the direct sunlight does produce a high contrast image which reminds you of the warmth of the afternoon sunlight on your back and its contrast with the cooler out-door air in the shade along with the feeling of sitting on the meadow grass and being with your GF who is enjoying the same. I don't think set-up, artificially lit or studio pics can ever quite capture the same atmosphere.

as is - lovely as she is

I like the mood of the picture.

Hi Jonathan, I must admit that this photo has moved something inside of me, even stronger when I realised this was taken in 1974... it feels like it happened last summer!! I find it really lovely, very nice. Best regards. Adolfo.

I like this one very much. The scene is what makes it. The obvious fact that is was not setup makes it special. A special moment.

This sunlit moment of another time will grow in sweetness as years do climb/Auburn tresses of a summer's day may slowly yield to silvery gray/Yet,happily and because of art this scene lies immortal in your heart! Please accept my thanks for sharing with us and accept my apologies for any poets out there whom I may have offended!

Let me get this straight: you're sitting there with a camera. There's a beautiful, half-naked woman sitting to your left. To your right is a stand of shrubs. You only have so much film. So you . . . shoot the shrubs!!!

That, my friends, is a man with a mission.

For our sakes, though, I'm glad you finally saw the light, so to speak.

Spontaneous, but so erotic and sexy. The girl played the main role, but some other elements gave their contribute to obtain a goal, such as the glass, the picnic and the open air. Ciao.

nice!

wonderful ambience

The picnic "clutter" doesn't bother me a bit. In fact, the model's relationship to these items seems to make the photo for me.

Lovely photo, Jonathan.... she must be enjoying the warm sunlight on her back. Excellently executed....!

Someone deleted my previous comment on this photo? Incredible.

Absolutely lovely photograph! The realism and gorgeous light make this image akin to some of the best and most famous paintings ever done of a woman.

Not sure WHY someone erased my previous comment - must have had something to do with my vehement defense of the reality of the image. Nevertheless - i'm apalled by such petty manipulations by the powers that be here. ' Great photo! 8/8

making a photo is to making love is to a snap shot is to a quikie...There is a time for everything! this image warms me and it's 3 degrees outside... What clutter? You have caught the two most important things in life...Nice job!

This has to be one of my favourite photos on PN. It is just so real and unaffected and captures so much about life that is good. Sunshine, grass, company, bread, fermented beverages. Everytime I see it I have to stop for another look.

Great one.

She is so beautiful...

...i think all the men would want to join her for the pinic Jonathan. Lovely image, it makes one dreams away in the afternoon when viewing this image. Just a snapshot?!!!...and you already made art?!!!...i am jealous...;o). Warm regards, Tanya.