After reading your 'Artist's Comments' on this piece, my first ponderings about the meaning of this photo seem to have been proved correct.

I totally agree with your thoughts on literature. Writing is indeed a beautiful form of communication and is loosing it's value in today's society somewhat. Letters also, or "snail mail", are gradually dying out too. I have kept every letter that i've ever been sent, and it means an awful lot to me to recieve one. They are a reminder when i feel down, that somebody, somewhere, took the time to sit down, write to me and me alone, then seal up the envelope, stick a stamp on the front and send it on it's way.

To me, this photo signifie just that.
That special feeling of holding an unopened letter in your hand, the special way that a reading of an old letter can make you happy whereas an old e-mail can't. Material things like mobile phones and laptops are all well and good, but there is something much more special about written communication, something that can't be delted at just the click of a button.

The most beautiful part of this photo, in my opinion, is the model's face. Her expression, is so pure, yet so unreadable. I have found myself staring for far longer than i usually would. Her body language suggests she is protective of her letters, maybe even secretive or proud, yet her face shows a certain sadness, or regret. It makes me wonder if the letters are from a loved one, or somebody who has passed on. There is so much depth to this work then first meets the eye.

I wonder if a change of location would make more of an impact with this piece. The background is quite beautiful, and not distracting from the model, but perhaps if she were sitting in a dark room, alone on a bed, or at a writing desk, the concept could be more appreciated. This could, however, just be me thinking too hard into things again!

The desaturated tones of this photo give it an ethereal appearance. They create a dream like quality to the image. The model could almost be a spirit lost in the woods. The paleness of her skin adds to this idea.

Make up and costume, you have hit bang on the nail. The make up is not distracting, it just adds to the beauty of this image, and the clothing and jewelry, dark and elegant, fit the mood perfectly.

Fantastic photo!
Most enjoyable to view.