Donna Sturla
August 2026 - Mustachioed Gentleman
About the Image(s)
I was in Forest Hill, CA, up in the foothills and went into a shop to buy a Tee shirt because it was SO hot that day. This gentleman was sitting behind the cash registered and I said "I just love your mustache and beard ! Would you let me take your picture?" He said Yes, after I agreed not to post it on Facebook or other widely used Social Media.
I used my Sony RX10-iv camera which zooms from 24-600 mm; I shot it inside at ISO 800, 1/500 sec., F 4, at 219 mm.
I enjoyed this gentleman, he was very kind.
8 comments posted
I hope you are able to send him the photo. I think it's wonderful portrait and effective lighting to pick up all the fine details of his facial hair and lifelines on his face. Just looks like an honest portrait with a very engaging look in his eyes. I enjoyed this image. Posted: 08/10/2026 16:37:45
Thanks ,Susan. He was not at all interested in getting a photo from me. Funny guy. Maybe doesn't have internet. Posted: 08/15/2026 18:06:25
I agree the image of Mustachioed is unique and a keeper. Window light worked out well. Background is not distracting. No suggestions. Thanks for sharing. Posted: 08/15/2026 00:58:36
Hi Dona. I can see that you worked with natural light here, and I think it works very well for this portrait. The light gives his face a lot of character and suits the subject beautifully.
If you want to take it one step further, I might try a little selective dodge and burn. A gentle dodge on the wrinkles on the left side of his face, where the light is coming from, could bring out more character and dimension. I would also give a little more definition to that wonderful mustache. On the other side, I might slightly burn down the area around his right eye to balance the lighting across the face. Just subtle touches-the character and expression are already very strong. Posted: 08/16/2026 11:59:04
If you want to take it one step further, I might try a little selective dodge and burn. A gentle dodge on the wrinkles on the left side of his face, where the light is coming from, could bring out more character and dimension. I would also give a little more definition to that wonderful mustache. On the other side, I might slightly burn down the area around his right eye to balance the lighting across the face. Just subtle touches-the character and expression are already very strong. Posted: 08/16/2026 11:59:04
Thank you for the suggestions, Frans. Much appreciated. Posted: 08/19/2026 19:24:59
Fabulous capture. I agree with Frans's suggestions to make it even better. Posted: 08/20/2026 16:33:07
Donna lovely portrait, so much character. You can see a life well lived. It speaks to you. You also absolutely captured the glint in the eye.
I would perhaps do a bit of dodging and burning on the face to pronounce the wrinkles even more.
Your depth of field was perfectly handled and the interesting background contribute to your photo without any distraction. Great shot! Posted: 08/21/2026 17:50:48
I would perhaps do a bit of dodging and burning on the face to pronounce the wrinkles even more.
Your depth of field was perfectly handled and the interesting background contribute to your photo without any distraction. Great shot! Posted: 08/21/2026 17:50:48
Hi Donna, This is a well-captured, well-lit image of an attractive hirsute gentleman! There is a lot of facial detail here, and he strikes a meditative pose. I agree with Frans about using selective doge and burn - particularly to provide more detail to his left eye. Posted: 08/23/2026 17:34:43