Melanie Hurwitz
April 2026 - On the Sidewalk
Original
About the Image(s)
I think I have said this before. Street photography in Little Havana, Miami is really quite exciting. On this trip I decided on only using infrared and there were many opportunities. I'm not sure if IR added much to this capture except for the crispness that is only achieved in IR. I enjoyed the acknowledgement gesture after I had asked if I could photograph.
I wanted to concentrate on my subject, the chair and cabinet so cropped out a lot of background which I thought was distracting.
Converted using Life Pixel Action and Black and White in Photoshop. Select color for toning and contrast. Straightening and Topas AI for noise and a little sharpening.
Sony A7 II , F10, 50mm, 1/200 ISO 200 Hand held.
12 comments posted
Melanie, this is a story, not just a photograph. For me, key elements are the hat resting nearby, partially laced shoes and the lottery tickets in his hand. The rough texture of the wood cabinet to the left side of your gentleman adds context. You've proved again that IR is good for street photography. Posted: 04/01/2026 16:16:23
Yes it is. Thanks Chuck. Posted: 04/14/2026 16:34:56
Hi Melanie,
Very strong portrait. I particularly like the hat up on the box. Great expression and gesture from your subject. All in all, really well done. Posted: 04/01/2026 17:51:12
Very strong portrait. I particularly like the hat up on the box. Great expression and gesture from your subject. All in all, really well done. Posted: 04/01/2026 17:51:12
Thank you Posted: 04/14/2026 16:35:14
Great street portrait. The IR helped in capturing shadow details and lightening the skin a little to make it stand out. Your framing and processing are right on. Nicely done. Most of my street portraits are taken after a conversation with the subject. Posted: 04/01/2026 19:29:42
I did have a small chat with him, but I admit that I am too shy to really engage. Posted: 04/14/2026 16:36:21
Melanie,
Captivating portrait. Your cropping brings the focus to your subject perfectly. He is used to sitting there it seems watching the Miami denizens stroll bye greeting them with a wave. He took his hat off to be comfortable maybe a snooze too and the hat would be a nuisance.
IR worked so well here.
Regards Emil
PS a nit, the image is tilted right as seen by the door jam. You might as well go for perfection Posted: 04/02/2026 23:31:22
Captivating portrait. Your cropping brings the focus to your subject perfectly. He is used to sitting there it seems watching the Miami denizens stroll bye greeting them with a wave. He took his hat off to be comfortable maybe a snooze too and the hat would be a nuisance.
IR worked so well here.
Regards Emil
PS a nit, the image is tilted right as seen by the door jam. You might as well go for perfection Posted: 04/02/2026 23:31:22
Thank you for pointing that out the tilt. Easily fixed. Posted: 04/14/2026 16:38:26
I agree with Charles' comments, Melanie, you have the elements here, well presented. To Emil's point you have the left and right borders showing some distortion due to perspective but it's not a big deal. Also, he's very close to appearing eyes closed, but no one was bothered by that, so I think you've got a successful portrait. Posted: 04/10/2026 01:07:34
I just looked and another image I have of him where his eyes are more open. I will work on that one. Admit I did not notice it. Posted: 04/14/2026 16:40:32
IR is so versatile, you proved it well suited for street photography. For my tastes, I don't like that his eyes are closed. Posted: 04/13/2026 17:22:32
Agreed. I do have on e with open eyes ... I will redo. Posted: 04/14/2026 16:41:19