Hoshedar Cooper
April 2026 - The Long Gaze
About the Image(s)
This was shot on my last visit to a camel farm. The subject is a camel keeper on a farm and hails from Pakistan. I liked the features on his face, his long hair and the depth of his eyes. He was pleased to pose for me. Monochrome has always been a challenge for me and hence look forward to the feedback from fellow group members. Shot on my Z9, F7.6, Shutter speed 1/800, ISO 2000. Would like to know what works in the image and what could be improved. My first thought was that his hair on the right takes a bit of attention away from his face and yet is one of the distinguishing factors of his personality and the sun was just rising from his right.
9 comments posted
Hoshedar, I've long believed that people love looking at interesting faces and this is a very interesting face. The sidelight on the hair is excellent. It creates separation from the background and gives the image a kind of halo effect without feeling artificial. The subject's face is compelling -strong eyes, weathered skin, full beard, and that flowing hair all contribute to a sense of story. This absolutely invites the viewer to wonder who this person is. That's a big win in competition. Best of all, the direct eye contact anchors the image it is extremely engaging without being aggressive. It literally pulls the viewer in and holds you there. The catchlights are subtle but present-
In my VF I toned down the hair on the left of the frame, and brightened the face, eye sclera, lips and eyebrows - What makes this image so appealing is that it combines impact with visual interest - terrific job Hoshedar
Posted: 04/05/2026 18:27:26
In my VF I toned down the hair on the left of the frame, and brightened the face, eye sclera, lips and eyebrows - What makes this image so appealing is that it combines impact with visual interest - terrific job Hoshedar
Posted: 04/05/2026 18:27:26
Thank you Butch, much appreciated. I will try and do the same. Posted: 04/13/2026 19:56:49
(Groups 4 & 31)
Hi Hoshedar
I agree with everything Butch has said,this gentlemen so holds your gaze,I was thinking of lightening the eyes slightly but there are great catchlights in both eyes so I would leave at that,the light hair is wonderful rim lighting but as already said I would darken it slightly and for the darker areas of the hair I would just lift the shadows a touch as I am sure they may be a touch of detail that could be brought out in it,a wonderful engaging portrait.
I hope you don't mind I just reduced the highlights and opened the shadows to reveal some lovely detail in the darker area of the hair. Posted: 04/06/2026 18:31:34
I agree with everything Butch has said,this gentlemen so holds your gaze,I was thinking of lightening the eyes slightly but there are great catchlights in both eyes so I would leave at that,the light hair is wonderful rim lighting but as already said I would darken it slightly and for the darker areas of the hair I would just lift the shadows a touch as I am sure they may be a touch of detail that could be brought out in it,a wonderful engaging portrait.
I hope you don't mind I just reduced the highlights and opened the shadows to reveal some lovely detail in the darker area of the hair. Posted: 04/06/2026 18:31:34
Thank you Ian, you have improved the image specially with the opening of the shadows in the darker part of his hair. Much appreciated. Posted: 04/13/2026 19:58:27
To See you nailed the exposure for monochrome. The subject's eyes are the story. He looks engaged, smart and probably kind. The bright hair draws me to the photo and then I see his eyes and am interested in the usage. Posted: 04/11/2026 21:38:42
Thank you Barbara. Yes, we had some interesting interaction with him. He is ambitious and told us that he wanted to be the "Sheikh" (read Lord/owner/ Big Man) of the place where he worked. We wished him luck...!! Posted: 04/13/2026 20:00:29
Very good portrait.The light in the hair at the right of the man ,the eyes and the look. Posted: 04/15/2026 11:17:33
Great image - good interesting subject and well handled exposure. Great monochrome going all the way from black to white. I just tinkered with lightening midtones everywhere except that left hand side, which I actually made a little bit darker. I think this draws the eye more into the face? B Posted: 04/16/2026 09:09:35
Great image and subject. He is centered and looking straight at us, which works well in this image, and with a good background. Obviously everyone really likes the image from the comments and the time spent on making suggestions. The suggestion that I like the best is Judith's. Posted: 04/18/2026 15:20:38