Chan Garrett
About the Image(s)
I was sitting at an information table at a recent event at our clubhouse with my camera in my hand. The room was well lit and the crowd was not yet large. As I turned to the man sitting next to me I decided his face was of too much interest for me not to take a "street photography" style portrait. I gave him no posing instructions, and by the time he realized what I was doing, I had composed and pressed the shutter button.
Hand held using only available room lighting.
Canon EOS RP with RF 24-105mm 4.0L lens at 35mm.
1/60 sec. f.4.0 at ISO 1600
PP in LrC. I realize I could have worked to "clean up" the background, but decided to stay with the more "street photography" feel.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
15 comments posted
"Dale" is very charismatic, indeed, thus making a wonderful sitter. Will brings up a fine point that needs to be addressed in post...either Burning or altogether cropping out part or all of the background window.
Next, the particular soft aesthetic you have chosen, together defining "place" is well conceived. Actually quite refreshing, as almost every portrait I come across is represented through (too) hard of contrasts...(see Linda M Medine portrait I commented last month in DD-99-Mono for a recent example). subsequently, Linda asked me to Lecture at her Camera Club.
In your featured piece I suggest maybe your presentation is, however, a bit too soft: see my two examples that only slightly increase contrast between white and black (or in this case, between the entire Midtone scale that defines Dale's face). I selectively Dodged his face, beard and shirt, while Burning (as Will suggested) the glare from the window. As always, I use a very light-touch while working. (At home, bring them up side-by-side to study differences).
I also included one other alternative in presenting Dale to the world, and that is a Square formatted portrait, that of course, only defines the sitter and takes out "place" from the composition. Actually, your featured version (and my slight-cropped version) that invites the viewer to share the space he resides in, is my favorites.
Thank you for posting this fine portrait and discussion starter!   Posted: 01/02/2022 05:49:09
  Posted: 01/02/2022 14:25:09
I really enjoy your image - I like the flat/low key/low contrast appearance - for me that creates a feeling of calm/warmth. I imagine Dale is a warm/friendly person - easy to talk to.
The bright window doesn't bother me - although it's the brightest spot and right at the edge. For me - it's part of the place - perhaps Dale's face is interesting enough that it holds my attention. In my opinion, toning it down slightly as Lance has done keeps the feel of the place - and improves the overall image.
I think Lance's square crop is too tight . . . misses the place and also part of Dale; right down to his shirt pockets and fishing logo - all of which contribute to who he is.   Posted: 01/02/2022 09:24:42
I really like your portrait of Dale! I agree with the comments about the bright window, and it could be darkened, but I don't think it's a major problem. I especially love how relaxed and natural Dale looks! Great job!   Posted: 01/07/2022 10:51:26