Steady Hand
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Howdy Folks!
This photo is titled "Impressions 120..." as it is the 120th in a series of photos I have posted here as a series intended to stimulate attention to the "impression" an expression (facial or body) makes on the viewer. As I have posted about 120 images in this series so far, and may post more in the future, you can easily find them by searching for the word "Impressions" in the title. 
The above photo is posted in a truly friendly manner and with a friendly intent (to help this forum by posting photos that others can view for pleasure or learning). I am not trying to sell anyone here anything! I like this forum and I have 15,000 posted comments here. From time to time I just drop by to say "howdy." I hope all the friendly folks I know here are doing well, and for the newbies (I have not yet met) I hope you are enjoying your time on this forum.
As this is a global forum on the net, some people may not understand my use of the word "howdy." "Howdy" is simply a very friendly way of saying "hello" in the American West (Texas, Oklahoma, etc.). It is something I picked up doing back in the 1980s when I first moved to Texas, and it is a genuine greeting from me. It is usually given with a big smile and often the return greeting is another "howdy" from the recipient. It is common in Texas, but not limited to Texas.
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WHY I POST A PHOTO HERE
What I most enjoy about sharing photos is learning what people see and sense in the facial expressions shown in the photos or in the moment captured in the image. I call these "Impressions" and I always enjoy hearing what others "sense" of the person (the subject of the photo) based upon what they see in the portrait (and the expressions or moment shown). So, if you would like to comment on this photo, I invite you to tell me what you see or sense of the person in the photo. Simply put, tell me:
"What is your impression of the person shown in the photo?"
If you find something interesting in the subject's expression, let me know. I enjoy sharing those comments with my subjects too, and they often get tickled that someone (a stranger) likes their portrait or sees something of their character or personality. So it can be fun for everyone.
It has been a while since I posted any photos here, and despite the fact that I have posted 100 different Impressions photo posts (each with one or more photos) in the past (you can see them in the 2009 and 2010 archives here on FM), some folks seem to think I "never" post photos on the forum. I do what I can when I can.
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PHOTO TECHNIQUE
In this photo I particularly like the expression shown, as it reminds me of the subject's personality.
The photo was made using just natural light and minimal equipment; just a camera and a lens, nothing else. My favorite and most often used lens is a 50mm f1.4, but that is not the only lens I use.
In general I like to encourage other photographers to use ambient and natural light and minimal equipment. I think too many photographers get distracted and "focused" on their gear rather than their subjects. I prefer to keep it simple and natural.
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STYLING, GARMENTS, "COSTUME"
The garments (e.g. "Western costume") you see in the photo is authentic to the person in the photo. This is what they often or usually wear, and often it is what they wear on a daily basis. This is their style, their hat, etc. This is not a model in a costume chosen by a designer or others.
For those of you who don't know already, I am on a long journey across the American West. I am currently in Texas. I am photographing a number of subjects for my book projects. It has been an interesting trip, full of interesting characters and learning. I have spent many days (and nights) with horses, cowboys, cowgirls, coyotes, and characters I meet as I travel. I have even met a few photographers as I travel.
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PRESENTATION AND FINISH (Why I choose to display a toned image.)
I started my professional photography career years ago specializing in Black & White photography (portraits usually). While I do enjoy the classic look of B&W photos, my favorite finish (look) is my Golden Toned images (and it is a personal hue/tint I mixed up myself from scratch). This is my choice and how I display or present about 99% of my work.
While this toned image style may not please some of you folks, that is OK with me. I make images to please myself, and enjoy finding those people who also enjoy my work. For years I made photos in a more traditional "Black & White" style, with many variations in small details (paper, contrast, filtering light, etc.). While I enjoy B&W photos, and will make them on occasion, it is NOT my preference now. I prefer my golden hued (toned) images and that is what I make for myself and to represent my work. So, if you don't like it, that is OK with me. I make them because I make my photos to suit my personal taste and style choice, not those of other photographers.
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WATERMARKS (Why I choose to display an image with multiple watermarks.)
I only post photos online that have multiple watermarks on them. This is my choice, as a professional, for how I display my work online. This was prompted by finding many of my images being used by others on their websites without my permission and after they had cropped off my small signature/logo/watermark that I always put in the corner of an image. So, this is my choice as a professional. If you don't like that, tough.  I can see through watermarks to see the content behind them, so it does not bother me if you (or anyone) puts watermarks on their photos too.
The information shown at the bottom of the photo is something I put on any and ALL photos I post or exhibit online. This is my choice as I generally use these photos as an example to show others something. They are my "online cards" and so I include my contact information. I enjoy participating in this forum, but I do not have the time to edit an image to display it without this contact info just for this forum, so this is the only way I will post photos here (or elsewhere, even on my own website). Again, I am NOT trying to sell anything to anyone on this forum.
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SAY HOWDY BACK!
I always enjoy meeting friendly folks and friendly photographers too. I have met FM members before and enjoy putting a face to a name. As I see it, the world is a big place and we can all have a different view of it. I have found it interesting (and some fun) to see how two different photographers at the same place/event can see the same action or things differently and make different images of the same subject. So, I don't see us as "competitors" but rather as people sharing a moment or a passion for capturing moments.
You folks have a nice day!
Edited on Mar 16, 2014 at 06:51 PM · View previous versions
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different day same old stuff.