Honestly, I think this is the best I've seen from you, and that's saying a lot. Love his position/body posture, his smile, his connection to the camera, and the lighting is exquisite.
I'm not trying to be a copy cat, but I thought the same thing as Ron about this being one of your best. The very natural smile, pose, light and catch lights make this a wonderful portrait. I always feel silly nit picking on your work, but the only thing I found myself wishing, was for a little more room above his head. But I also know how thorough you are and am guessing that's how you wanted it - probably didn't want to cut off his arm and the space on the sides is just right. With square format, I guess there's not much more you could do, eh?
Thank you for sharing. I'm glad that you still shoot, after your photo retirement.
--David
David,
I am not averse to cropping so perhaps I could have pulled back some and cropped in on the sides... It's funny, I have a long habit of leaving excessive headroom, and lately I have been on the other end of the spectrum.
It's almost always nit picking to critique your images. Lighting is beautiful, it has a great play of light and dark. He looks comfortable, relaxed and at ease. However something about the crop is not comfortable to me. I believe it is too tight for my taste and it feels like he's literally in a box because of his seating position. I think a skosh more room around him would have helped. If you ever happen to be in the Chicago area I would love to commission a portrait. Or buy you a drink.
eSchwab wrote:
It's almost always nit picking to critique your images. Lighting is beautiful, it has a great play of light and dark. He looks comfortable, relaxed and at ease. However something about the crop is not comfortable to me. I believe it is too tight for my taste and it feels like he's literally in a box because of his seating position. I think a skosh more room around him would have helped. If you ever happen to be in the Chicago area I would love to commission a portrait. Or buy you a drink.
Cheers my friend! I'm in Chicago as often as I can be to eat at my older brother Andrew's restaurant. (alas, I am the less-talented sibling). I will drop you a line next time I am in town.
In retrospect, part of the tightness of the crop was trying to cut out the fun but rather distracting socks he was wearing.
Dittos, Evan, for all the positive things others have said about this beautiful portrait. I also think it's the best of yours I've seen. I love the crop. It's funny you should say you cropped to get rid of the socks. My first impression after "Oh my gosh" was that the handkerchief and cuffs were so distractingly bright. I held up one finger on my left hand and two fingers on my right hand so my fingertips just covered those 3 things and the image became perfect! That's something I would have done in post. Thank you so much for sharing a very memorable portrait.
That's amazing, Sepia has been on my list for a while but haven't been there yet. There's so many amazing restaurants in Chicago that it becomes a real dilemma for foodies.
Very fine portrait indeed. You have captured his personal charm ... and that is difficult. The lighting is perfect and is much superior to the studio portrait lighting normally seen.
Yes, this is Tri-X on the 500c/m, 150mm Sonnar around f/5.6-8 (can't recall which). I decided to use Tri-X for my trip to TX, as opposed to my usual HP5, just to mix things up.
