I was sad to find this man's obituary in the paper the morning this challenge opened for voting...
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"Best" is quite subjective. Any two people could look at my 2005 photos and never pick the same 'best' image. I look through my own images of 2005 and have a difficult time picking a favorite. I have several images that really stand out for me. This photograph is probably in my top 3 for the year. This photograph created a new interest and personal project for me as well. I started my "1000 Faces" project with this image. When I submitted this photo, I had exactly 100 faces in my quest for 1000. It inspired me to look for opportunities to show character in candids and impromptu portrait images of people I meet in my daily life. When I met this man, I immediately knew that I wanted to take his photo. I asked him if I could and he let me. You will never see a man like this on the cover of GQ, but this image, in my opinion, has lots of character. My personal advantage with this photo is that I know a little bit about the subject after talking to him for about 20 minutes or so. He was more impressed with the fact that I wanted to take his photo than the photo itself. I got his name and address and sent him 10 prints of it to share with his friends and family. I haven't seen him again since, but it was a treat to meet him randomly and make his photo.
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I am seeing this image for the first time tonight. I don’t spend as much time browsing the photos here as I once did but it is a pleasant surprise to stumble upon this hidden gem .
I didn’t vote on this challenge, but I would have placed this in my 10’s. The photo captured my interest instantly. The title actually made me want to study every detail of his face to see what time has done to the General. After reading your comments I can understand why you might have selected this as a “best” photo. It’s an excellent portrait and it carries the visual emotion that is so hard to capture in a photograph of a stranger.
Your comments didn’t include any information on his service record and I’m left wondering if the title was selected because it fit so well, or if he is indeed a General. Either way, inspiring work.
John,
In this image, as well of much of your other work, I appreciate the passion you portray and evoke. I'm sure that you and the "General" are better from having shared time together.
You see this face, relatively old and full of grooves and grey hairs. He must have experienced a lot by now and the dirt on his face suggest that he is working with cattle this moment and it is a hard job. But the look is a bit fearsome, like he can combat a raging bull anytime but fears to be photographed. The only other emotion that comes to mind is sadness, like he just lost someone or a calf.
Great portrait, well lit, good toning, good composition.
I had seen your image before here and on PBase and have always found it very striking. I do however find, every time I look ati it, find that the eyes are a bit soft when comapred to the sharpness/detail on the nose. Almost seems like the camera focussed on the chin / nose rather than the eyes. Excellent B&W treatment.
This a such a credit to you, as you have certainly captured him so very well.....His textured skin, every crease etched his face, and those eyes tell you a story.....WOW factor in this portrait.....
The tight, clean composition, perfect exposure, spot on focus and unembellished post-processing without any gimmicks or visual interference bring out and emphasize the individuality of this gentleman and let the viewer not only catch a glimpse of his character but also almost literally hear him tell his stories. Simply excellent!
I don't know how many have said it, but your focus really grabbed his chin here, and left the eyes rather soft. Not sure I like that effect. I can see the photographer in them though. Sort of makes it look like he's turning into a snake :)
Excellent detail and lighting. Great expression captured. Some might say that it appears a little oversharpened around the stubble on the chin, but I like it.
Was one of my favorite shots this year, an incredible portrait. The whites of the eyes look just a TAD bit too white, maybe a touch too much post-processing. A remarkable shot and sure to finish really high.
John, this is a fantastic portrait, filled with such character. The B&W work is also extremely well done, as per your usual standards. I'm sorry to hear about him passing away.
This could as easily be in a book form 1893 as today. Beautiful capture. Every crevice and line of his face is shown in detail. The post editing filter is wonderful. Great image for sure. 9
Awesome picture! Great charactor/subject - the history in those eyes, wow! Outstanding B/W conversion - demonstrates real mastering of post processing, not overdone - great textures, contrast, sharpening. This Best of is getting my best score. <10>
Great capture. I really like the focus. The only thing I think that could make it better is if the lighting was slightly different on one side of his face than the other. Did you use an on-camera flash for this?
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