Karen Davis
August 2026 - WWII Soldier - Then and Now
Original
About the Image(s)
Date Taken: 4/10/2020
Camera: Canon EOS 6D
Lens: EF 24-105
Exposure: 1/40 sec @ f/9.0
ISO: 160
Post Processing:
Not a lot - I cropped and straightened this in Lightroom. Then, I used the new "Background" mask in Lightroom to darken the doorway and window frame behind him. I reversed that mask, so I could lighten and add some Texture and Clarity to the subject.
The story:
This is one of my "Porch Portraits" from back in COVID days. This is Ralph Lett my "Bonus Dad" who will turn 100 on 9/21/2026. He is a US Navy, WWII Veteran who was deployed to Southeast Asia in 1945-46. He is also a lifetime amateur photographer, who has some interesting photos from his travels during his service. (I've been restoring some of those photos to put into a digital frame to help him celebrate becoming a CENTENARIAN!)
I've included a B&W version and need help deciding whether to go with the color or B&W, for a canvas portrait for our upcoming camera club exhibit. That theme is "Seasons of Change." I debated with myself if that red hat distracted from the story of his weathered face, juxtaposed against his 17-year-old youthful self. Also, I wasn't sure it would fit the theme, so if not accepted, it will be a surprise present for Ralph on his birthday.
P.S. For those of you in the U.S., I'm hoping to have him mentioned on NBC's "Today Show" on 9/21!
10 comments posted
Thanks for your vote on B&W. I'm still deciding. Maybe I'll give him both digital versions and let him vote!
Thanks for your feedback!
Karen Posted: 08/14/2026 23:36:02
You are right. Now that I look at it again, I think I need to take that background down even more.
Thanks for your feedback!
Karen Posted: 08/14/2026 23:37:11
A very well taken and nicely presented portrait. My preference is the colour version, in this case the colour doesn't detract from the subject at all. The eyes immediately draw the viewer in, and the lovely smile guides the gaze down to the portrait of the young man as he was. For my eye, the visual path feels very natural: eyes, smile, younger portrait.
The red hat is definitely present and does pull a little attention, creating a touch of tension for the viewer. As a suggestion, you might try a gentle selection and slightly reduce the red - either in luminance or colour value - just enough to soften its pull without losing its character.
As Darcy mentioned, the white window frame in the background could also benefit from a little attention to keep the focus firmly on the subject.
Overall, I do prefer the colour version over the black and white (which is a strong image also) which is unusual for me but in this case it feels like the stronger image. Posted: 08/17/2026 02:40:11
I love your thoughtful analysis! I hadn't thought about the visual path as you described it. I may tone that red down a bit and go with the color version.
Thanks so much.
Karen Posted: 08/25/2026 02:42:46
I agree with all of Tom's previous comments. I also prefer the color version. It showcases a beautiful old formal portrait, which if I were to guess was hand colored. Thank you for sharing and congrats on your work with veterans.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 08/18/2026 21:37:37
I think you're right about the old portrait (1944!) being hand colored. And I plan to go with my color version as an homage to that original art.
Thanks for your feedback.
Karen Posted: 08/25/2026 02:44:11
Greetings my friend. A lovely image of portrait of the war veteran along with his younger age. This truly is a amazing concept. I like both original and the recreated version in color. Thank you for sharing. Nothing more to add.
Cheers.
Kamal.
Posted: 08/24/2026 14:24:20
Karen Posted: 08/25/2026 02:45:12