This is Ken. He owns one of the meanest camera collections, with several old Leicas. He loves the film format and is still refusing to go digital. He lives up the street from me and above all he is a fine gentlemen.
Well, my object here is simply to capture the spirit and as much of the essence of his fine character. This means to make the photography art as invisible as possible so as to let the subject shine through. You do not want to overwork the eyes or any one aspect. You want a linear rendition with no special lighting effects and not even a spot light, though I did work the main light to aid the highlights. So, single lightsource with reflector and one backlight on the floor so as not to cause the glamor backlight effect. No hair light, as that would have produced a different feel. This is graphicfunk without frills: just the subject.
For those interested in finer detail: the chosen light angle is the half moon and you angle light just high enough to so that the bridge of nose allows enough light on the left eye and a little detail on the cheek. You read your exposure and then you crawl light in an inch (inverse square in mind) and this allows for the defining highlights. You must be careful because burnout is only inches away.
The main light is a softbox and I made round the cathlights. Square catchlights are not my cup of tea.
Statistics
Place: 5 out of 199 Avg (all users): 6.9248 Avg (commenters): 8.4865 Avg (participants): 6.5545 Avg (non-participants): 7.1859 Views since voting: 5850 Views during voting: 493 Votes: 266 Comments: 83 Favorites: 17 (view)
1: Echo MacClavey - I would like to tell you that this is a lovely image.
2: He lives up the street from me and above all he is a fine gentlemen. - those words warm my heart. I am thrilled to hear someone verbally assert that, as important as art is, it needn't top the list of what is most important in life. I would be most honored if someone were to one day think of me what a fine gentleman he is.
Wow, I didn't get a chance to vote on this challenge, but I'm glad someone pointed out this fantastic photo. Superb example of portraiture, really captures the subject as a person, great connection with the camera. Beautiful!
This is an impressive protrait, congratulations Dan! Love the Rembrandt light! You've already given us so much detail, don't you want to make a tutorial out of this one?
For what it's worth, I'd like to say that I really appreciate no frills approach to this shot. It particularly stands out against the other top 10 finishers in this challenge as having the least out of camera processing. I really admire the raw skill and forethought required to achieve this.
Congrats on your top 5. Thank you again Dan for sharing your knowledge as I have a lot to learn and your "How I did it" in the Photographer's Comments is a huge help.
One of my favorite setups. A Classic portrait, very well done. And of course all the lighting setup details are very much appreciated. Congratulations :)
Love your photographers comments, you have such finesse with words.
It really is a striking portrait. Simply and perfectly stated. Love the tilt of his head and the unequal lighting. Maybe after he sees this he may feel differently about digital. LOL
I may only still be new at photography, especially with technique, but I also feel this image is a true example of what a "studio" portrait should be.
It stand on it own merits, and you should be "congratulated" for such a masterpiece.
I gave you a "ten", which you justly deserved.....
Very nice indeed, you deserve every recognition you get on DPC not only for your brilliant photography but also your unique personality. A true gentleman. SALUTE.
This was far and away one of my favorites of the challenge, Daniel. I think it's exceptionally well done in a very classic mode. I'm glad to see the voters didn't ignore it as I feared they might, though honestly I believe it should have ribboned.
I was afraid this wasn't going to get the high marks it deserved because it wasna't a "pretty girl." Well, the DPC voters rose to the occasion and gave you what you should have gotten - a top 5. Way to go!!!
Dan, this is an AWESOME portrait. You captured him very well and I think placing this high without using a female model is most impressive. Keep up the great work. Sorry it didn't ribbon there, but Top 5 is still great.
Good shot that holds the viewers interest. Lighting may be a little harsh but nothing to knock points off for. I like the fact that you used the older camera, it really sets this shot off. Good job.
I know this is Color studio portrait but this is a shot I think would have worked much better in b/w, it´s just a gut feeling I have. What I mean is that this seems to be in colour just to be in colour, like it´s natural state is to want to be in b/w and it´s out of it´s chosen form. Heck, I don´t think I am making too much sense but I think you get what I mean :) Anyway, like the picture, gave it a 7, I think it shows off his character more than most shots in this challenge, that´s why I like it.
very nice classical portrait. Perfect lighting and focus. An old rangefinder camera (is it a Leica?) is a nice touch. A little bit of a hairlight from bottom right tpo separate the head from the background would possibly make it slightly better, but it is great as it is.
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