Martin Newland, QPSA
July 2026 - Mark my words!
Original
About the Image(s)
This is an image of a fellow, with his glass in hand, sitting at the bus stop across the street from a local hotel. He was “on the grog” (Australian colloquialism) and he was making an emphatic point to his imaginary friend.
This is a street photo and the original image tells the bigger story, but I have cropped it into more of an environmental portrait style for Club competition use.
Coincidentally, the colour palette of red, yellow and black is the same as the Australian aboriginal flag designed by Harold Thomas in 1971.
Teck stuff: Canon R5, 1/160, f/5.6, ISO 100 with Canon 70 -200 mm F/4L lens @ 200mm with 1.6x extender
5 comments posted
Such an interesting shot, and he really does look like he is saying, "Mark my words!" Great colors and cropping, especially with the yellow framing the back. Love your street photography. Posted: 07/01/2026 19:28:10
It's remarkable that you caught expression in the face and eyes with a gesture at 320mm.... and explanation of the story by the glass of possible Australian red wine. Hopefully he has a bus ticket. Posted: 07/02/2026 00:36:58
"On the Grog". I love that phrase!
Very nice crop, it really delivers the essence of you story - although the big background of blue, yellow, red and white is certainly vibrant, (what country's flag is that color theme?) the messages are obnoxious and you did well to not include them.
Your subject tells the story. Well done Posted: 07/02/2026 19:56:40
Very nice crop, it really delivers the essence of you story - although the big background of blue, yellow, red and white is certainly vibrant, (what country's flag is that color theme?) the messages are obnoxious and you did well to not include them.
Your subject tells the story. Well done Posted: 07/02/2026 19:56:40
Jim, Australia has three flags: the Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal Flag, and the Torres Strait Islander Flag. The official Aboriginal flag has the colours of red, yellow and black. Posted: 07/03/2026 01:40:16
Martin, The old man's gesture of pointing to the side and slightly parted lips is highly narrative, as if he is telling a story, arguing, or sighing. His facial wrinkles, gray beard, and thin limbs fully present the vicissitudes of time, making it a very moving documentary moment. The hard light from the side outlines the old man's arms and facial contours, while the interplay of light and shadow enhances the texture of his skin and the folds of his clothing. The simple bus stop environment has no superfluous elements, and all the focus is on the person's expression and actions.
The red shirt, yellow backdrop, and black steel frame create a striking contrast and a strong visual impact. Coincidentally, the red, yellow, and black color scheme in the photo is the same as that of the Australian Aboriginal flag, further enhancing the local character and making it a wonderful documentary photograph.
Posted: 07/08/2026 05:15:53
The red shirt, yellow backdrop, and black steel frame create a striking contrast and a strong visual impact. Coincidentally, the red, yellow, and black color scheme in the photo is the same as that of the Australian Aboriginal flag, further enhancing the local character and making it a wonderful documentary photograph.
Posted: 07/08/2026 05:15:53