David Terao  

Looking For America by David Terao

March 2023 - Looking For America

March 2023 - David Terao

Original

About the Image(s)

When I was strolling around the National Mall last month, I saw this pickup truck and Harley-Davidson motorcycle all decked out with American flags. It was quite an unusual sight! While I was looking at it, the owner was returning with a cup of coffee in hand. We started talking, and it turns out, he lost his home and has been traveling all over the country for the past year. It reminded me of the Simon and Garfunkel song, "America." I don't mean to get political, but his character and truck just screamed for an environmental portrait. He was proud of his "road home" and wanted to have his picture taken. I'm not sure if I prefer the original image or the cropped version. In post-processing, I darkened the sky in the original, lightened the face and made tonal adjustments to the overall image in Lightroom.

10 comments posted

Robert Knight   Robert Knight
In my view, the final image is much stronger because you have converted what is basically a snapshot into a portrait. The man has a very interesting and rugged face. His face stands out in the final image because of the diffused background and his eye contact with the camera is great. I look at the two images and interpret the original as telling more of a story and the final image as a fine portrait.   Posted: 03/01/2023 17:54:38
David Terao   David Terao
I'm in complete agreement. One is an environmental portrait, the other is a portrait. I only wish I had asked the man to put his coffee cup down for a minute!   Posted: 03/02/2023 09:27:43
Ray Henrikson   Ray Henrikson
This image is the person, I'd crop out all the background stuff. Real potential here, get rid of the distractions. The political/social statement is for another time.   Posted: 03/15/2023 21:56:51
David Terao   David Terao
Thanks, Ray. It's hard to keep this image apolitical. And, believe me, I wasn't trying to make a political statement. I was going for an environmental portrait - a competition topic.   Posted: 03/16/2023 07:08:17
Cindy Lynch   Cindy Lynch
David, I agree with you that the compostion of the original is an environmental portrait which would be a great PJ image. Your final is more of a portrait which has a lot of interest. Like Robert, I really like the eye contact he has with you. My only suggestion is to brighten his face just a little.   Posted: 03/16/2023 09:34:36
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David Terao   David Terao
Yes, it always helps to brighten the face! Thanks!   Posted: 03/16/2023 15:19:10
Charlie Yang   Charlie Yang
WOW, this image got some impact, there're a lot to be said in there, various rendering for different scenarios.
As for portrait, darken some more of the background, really just to show off his face, expression, his eyes.
Overall, nice captures.   Posted: 03/19/2023 11:56:21
David Terao   David Terao
Thanks, Charlie! I darkened the background and converted the image to B&W as I thought B&W would have more impact.   Posted: 03/20/2023 09:19:51
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Charlie Yang   Charlie Yang
Oh, YES! B&W Rock   Posted: 03/21/2023 07:27:37
Charlie Yang   Charlie Yang
WOW, this image got some impact, there're a lot to be said in there, various rendering for different scenarios.
As for portrait, darken some more of the background, really just to show off his face, expression, his eyes.
Overall, nice captures.   Posted: 03/19/2023 11:56:22

 

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