Failed Suicide Note

The black-and-white was an excellent choice for this shot. It just gives emphasis to the message and the desperation that was evident in the groves in the paper from when the writer was trying to get the pen to work. By making this conscious choice of having the work be black in white, you can see these details in a more vivid light, to say the least.

As to the actual technique of having the pen run out of ink and such a critical moment in the letter, it makes me wonder that perhaps this was a good thing. Perhaps the lack of ink was the thing that was most needed; sometimes not being able to finish the goodbye letter is enough to prevent the suicide and then that individual is able find something that is worth living for. This hesitation after being unable to complete the letter, delays the actual act, perhaps indefinitely.

Now if you were ever to do a re-shoot of this piece I would lean towards the idea of changing the wording. True you can't see the beginning of the letter, but the words "cruel world" does seem to be a bit cliched; I would favor changing this to something perhaps more personal for the actual situation. It does seem to be a bit generic and lessens the impact.

Suicide is certainly very serious and this piece has given me the opportunity to reflect upon this matter. So thank you for that, and I overall I think you did a wonderful job executing the message and meaning behind the piece.