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NancyB
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« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2005, 01:15:53 PM » |
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Andrea, I like them both! BTW, a "geezer" in our lingo, is an old man, and Damien is definitely not an old man!
Nancy
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Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.
- Yousuf Karsh
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xenotar28
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« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2005, 11:41:39 AM » |
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I like both very much, but the first one most. Your young geezer looks pleased that you took the time to photograph him. It shows in his expression. You have strong portrait skills, and you know, the technical stuff can be mastered in time, but the unspoken communication between subject and photographer is mostly innate. I think you have it and it serves you well.
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Andrea
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« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2005, 11:51:46 AM » |
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Xen! How kind. Yes you are right, he was pleased to have his photo taken. As a 'mere' maintainence man he tends to get overlooked by some and ignored by many.
Please could you advise on which technical areas I should concentrate on. I want to improve!!
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xenotar28
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« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2005, 01:54:40 PM » |
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Hi Andrea,
My technical skills remark was a generalization; the good portraitist develops the technical stuff over a period of time. You already have that. What gives you the edge is your rapport with the subject. You've always had that. The portrait reveals that which the subject allows you to see. You got that by your respect of his humanity. He felt open and comfortable with you. That is the important ingredient.
I bet what you get in the darkroom is sometimes different than what you scan, and in many ways more satisfying. However, the larger audience of peers and spectators lies on the Internet unless you are famously published. The digital skills are another matter. The basics are easy to learn, the subtleties take time to master because there is more than one approach possible, but each one may present differences in its finished form. I am still learning how to use Photoshop after nine years. Have you seen Les Gediman's photos in the Rangefinder section of this site? He is someone to learn from. but so are you. Your bonkers series are excellent.
Having said all that, I love your black and white results. You seem to have a happy relationship with Rodinal and your Acculux results look very fine to me as well. Andrea, in my opinion you have all your skills in place: now go and shoot somebody. :wink:
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nelsonfoto
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« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2005, 04:04:36 PM » |
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Xen! How kind. Yes you are right, he was pleased to have his photo taken. As a 'mere' maintainence man he tends to get overlooked by some and ignored by many.
Please could you advise on which technical areas I should concentrate on. I want to improve!! These are the best types of subjects, for me. Those who flow beneath the sea of money and commerce. We never realize they're there until tragedy occurs or we need them to die in some godforsaken place. |
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xenotar28
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« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2005, 04:16:30 PM » |
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These are the best types of subjects, for me. Those who flow beneath the sea of money and commerce. We never realize they're there until tragedy occurs or we need them to die in some godforsaken place. Roger that, CE. |
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Andrea
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« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2005, 02:44:14 AM » |
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Thankyou Gentlemen. Most kind. as it happens I have no darkroom and print on an Epson R1800 [was my mouth out with soapy water!]. Having said that, while I type I have a POP print 'cooking' under what passes for sunlight at this time of year. Since I have no -tanning light, I wll have to wait till disk till I can wash and fix it.
On that vein, I am awaiting delivery of platinum toner to bring out the colour nicely. as soon as I have somehing to shout about I'll post it here.
Don't hold your breath :?
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Andrea
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« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2005, 03:23:11 AM » |
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Apologies for random lack of important letters in the above post!!!
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melek
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« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2005, 08:25:55 AM » |
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Andrea, I agree with you that No. 1 is a better composition. The only thing I might have done was bring his head up in the photo about six inches. He's just a little bit low. But I like the idea of placing him way off center -- makes for a more interesting shot.
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P C Headland
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« Reply #10 on: October 30, 2005, 08:40:28 AM » |
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Both are nice shots.
The first one is nicely unbalanced, and you seem to have captured just enough shadow detail in his face. As Mike says, perhaps a little more shoulder visible would be good, but then again maybe it wouldn't work - I don't know if you are able to experiment a little - maybe try a longer lens a bit wider open and standing a little further back? The shadows are nice as they seem to frame/constrain his head.
The second shot is nice, but at least on my monitor, the shadow area is a bit too dark, while there is a pinpoint highlight in his right eye (left side of the print).
Your portrait compositions are really nice; people photography is something I'm rarely comfortable with, whereas you seem quite at ease.
I look forward to seeing some more.
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Andrea
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« Reply #11 on: October 30, 2005, 08:46:45 AM » |
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Thanks Chaps,
Great input, much appreciated.
I was trying to keep the head of Damien [Damien's head that is :? ] in the bottom right because I had a vision of this image. You are right though, more shoulder would be better. I like the way the concourse of the velodrome curves away behind - gives the image depth [at least i think it does!].
The second does have too much shadow, I agree. That air of mystery i was looking for has been missed.
Thanks again for all the input - all appreciated and considered.
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