A Picture and a Question

I took this with a cell phone. (I'll use anything that takes a picture) The woman on the right had just broken her leg and was fairly depressed. I sat with her, had coffee & cake, and chatted. I managed to make her laugh a few times. She and her husband were the self-appointed greeters for new residents. They were always very upbeat.

Her depression increased and a few months ago she died. I look at this picture and I cry.

So: Here is my question. With just the picture and the title: "The Party" does it tell a story? Without knowing any of the back story does it communicate what I tried to capture? It was a Party and these two young women were not having a great time.



When people have to explain their photographs I usually lose interest. I know some photos have to be explained but overall they should not have to be. In my opinion.

Thanks in advance for any and all responses. Hope this isn't too much of downer during this Holiday Season. I do have some light and fluffy pictures I can put up. I even took a few Holiday pictures. :D

it's a great photograph. Does it tell a story? Hell yes. Does it tell the story you were trying to communicate? In this case that's not really important and that's why I think it's a great photograph, one can read a lot of things into it, honestly I was drawn to the photo before I even wanted to read any of the back story. That said, the title does refocus the viewer and if that's a party well I'm glad I wasn't invited.

It depicts life in an institution pretty well. My mother in law lives in a retirement place so I definitely get that vibe. Although I don't know the back story when I look at the photo, "The Party" title does make institutional life seem bittersweet.

Photos have a way of bringing up emotions, at least with me. Those are the best kind, as far as I am concerned. It is why I love working with images.........they have meaning.

It's a powerful photo. Makes me feel the sadness and hopelessness of the institutional life so many elders are condemned to in their last precious days.
A sad commentary on our society.

It's difficult to respond to something like this. When emotion is interjected. It became so hard for me to volunteer. So many wonderful-beautiful people locked in these decaying shells. And the death. Not a week went by.

Again. Thank you.
:hi:

would have taken.

with all the previous comments. It's really really good and it is very sad. "The Party" is a perfect title.

"Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Maybe not so much.