Tony Au Yeong  


A Smoking Man by Tony Au Yeong

February 2021 - A Smoking Man

About the Image(s)

This photo was taken several years ago in middle east in a market. An elderly man was smoking and I approached him to take the image. Luckily he did not mind to act as my model. The image was post processed in PS and Nik Collection 3. I have increased the contrast and texture.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted




 
These kinds of shots provide such insight into character. You can just get lost with your imagination into what his life has been like. :)   Posted: 02/02/2021 09:20:48



 
A beautiful portrait and lucky to be allowed to take the photo! There is so much expression in his face, and I believe your edits to enhance contrasts and textures created a strong image. Aside from age in the face and hands you captured other details in the fire of the cigarette and smoke. Very impressive!   Posted: 02/08/2021 16:55:08



Anges van der Logt   Anges van der Logt
A very nice portrait with lots of detail and texture where needed. Also like that the background is soft and not disturbing, which makes the smoke well visible. The light from the left is very nice as well, not frontal, although it seems to almost overexpose the man's hair and beard a bit on the left side. Very well executed portrait!   Posted: 02/08/2021 21:47:04



Jose Cartas   Jose Cartas
The expression of the man and the ambience created by the smoke are priceless. All works well in this portrait, where one can see his wrinkles and details in his beard and eyebrows. I commend you for the excellent lighting achieved in a street scene: everything seems perfectly exposed and you got all the tonal ranges. In my screen, the photo could benefit from a little (1/3 stop) darkening, but maybe this is not the case in your original.   Posted: 02/10/2021 21:25:47



Mervyn Hurwitz   Mervyn Hurwitz
This portrait shows the character of this man so perfectly. I am always shy to approach a subject and tend to take from further away with a long lens. You are lucky that he did not look at you with a goofy smile as most subjects tend to do.
His expression is great and the hand on the cigarette adds to the mood.
  Posted: 02/12/2021 12:39:58



Bob Benson   Bob Benson
A wonderful portrait. I would suggest toning down the bright highlights on the right shoulder (left side).   Posted: 02/17/2021 11:06:24