Registered: Dec 03, 2007
Total Posts: 13713
Country: United States
I think this FM People Forum could be a really nice community of people sharing their fun and enjoyment and challenges of photography.
To make it the best it can be, I hope folks will continue to make it a friendly place.
So when you read the following, please keep your comments "friendly" and in good spirit as that is the purpose of this thread (or topic or discussion). I am writing this with some humor but with a sincere suggestion that might make this place a friendlier place. And, the suggestion may prove a lot of fun for many people. It might also teach a number of people some things about making portraits of a challenging subject. 
I wish that I could meet many of the folks I have "met" online via this forum. Over the last 18 months I feel I have gotten to know some of you via your posts in my Impressions discussions, or via your own photos and posts and comments in other threads.
Obviously, there is a limit to what we can express via the words or images, and actually meeting someone in the flesh might be a lot of fun (and perhaps surprises too).
A few minutes ago I came back to this forum and once again found a thread that had focused on a certain fellow of the forum. You all probably know him or of him via his thousands of comments he has left on many different images over the years.
The most current posted thread (with his photos posted) has again raised the question of whether the fellow (Pilles or Paul Illes) actually exists. 
I think he does.
But, I have never met him nor have I have I ever seen him.
Others think he is just a product of someone's imagination. Some other opinions are not so generous.
So, that got me thinking of what I think would be a very interesting (and perhaps challenging) photo opportunity or photo project that could involve some FM members.
Consider this a "fun" project and think of it in that spirit.
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I will call this "The Pilles Portrait Project."
Here is the concept for this project:
IF I lived in the same area as Pilles, I would make a portrait of HIM.
I would do this FOR Pilles as an early birthday Gift (gratis) for him.
Why?
Anyone else here on THIS forum 89 years old?
I happen to enjoy photographing old folks and learning stuff from them.
While some are full of character, for others, it is a challenge to find their real character or personality and to go beyond a "smile at the camera" image.
I would probably do this for any elder photographer I met who had devoted many hours to helping other photographers. I am sure I could learn something from them and find a way to challenge myself to make a portrait of someone that age who also appreciates photography as an art or craft or profession or hobby.
But....I don't live near Pilles.
Others who participate in this forum do though.
Perhaps someone else in his area will do this. Consider it a good learning experience for everyone involved (Pilles AND the Photographer AND the forum).
Everyone might learn something from this.
Of course...there are also side benefits for the photographer who does this pro bono session....
This would be akin to getting a shot of Loch Ness Monster (or some popularly known but also doubted being).
The photographer(s) who posted that would be famous here on FM (for as long as that kind of fame lasts on a forum).
My Simple Suggestion: IF you live in Pilles area, send him a PM and arrange an Early Birthday Present photo shoot (free mind you). Make it convenient and do your best to capture a portrait of "character." We all know Pilles is a character in writing, so now show your stuff by making a portrait that shows us the physical character of the man. Challenge yourself. And have a good time (both of you) while doing it.
And...if multiple photographers (FM members) want to participate in this "Pilles Portrait Project" then make it a joint effort (arrange to do it on the same day). I suggest each photographer should be challenged to show some aspect of Pilles that we might expect to see AND some aspects that were surprises to you (and hence will surprise us too). Look at the subject from various POVs and try to show us the complex character of an individual.
A Few More Simple Suggestions for Concepts:
1. One photographer should make a portrait of Pilles with flare. It has to be a really good use of flare though. Show him how it can make a very appealing portrait. 
2. One photographer should make a portrait of Pilles with lots of negative space in the image. Good use of course....fitting the subject and all with good composition. Show him how it CAN make an interesting portrait.
3. Make a few portraits with horizontal framing.
4. Make a special BW portrait too...to show that a "colorful" character does not always have to be depicted in full color.
5. Make one with Pilles surrounded by young female models....cause....I am sure he would enjoy it.
6. Pilles in a SF tattoo parlor with his sleeve rolled up and getting inked!
7. Pilles in front of a graffiti wall in SF.
When the photographers finish their session, they should post their photos of Pilles in this forum...and in THIS thread (as it will probably have some comments). Then we would all see how Pilles actually looks, and we might also learn something more about how photographers can pull together as a community to overcome some prejudice (or resentment, or hard feelings) and create something good for the community. It might just change some people and their attitudes and foster better understanding. It is sure to create some very interesting images that many will want to see.
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So, is anyone here up to this photographic challenge?
IF anyone would like to participate in this challenge or project, please put your comments below and state whether YOU can take up the challenge to make a portrait of a character like Pilles. And, if like me, you cannot make it to the photo session (if you live far away), but you would LIKE to see the resulting photos, then post that kind of positive comment too. That should give others a little spur to consider participating and also stimulate others to think about this in a positive way.
Happy Birthday Pilles.
