This is one of a set of unusual portraits I've been putting together for an exhibition, thought I'd test it out on DPC. If it doesn't go well I know not to hang it, lol. The man's name is Arm, he runs a tattoo shop called Coat of Arms. He'd always captured my imagination, looks scary but he's a really nice funny guy. I thought finding the baby for my vision was going to be tough, but two days before the shoot I shot a house in which two very young parents were really keen to put their 3 week old baby in Arm's arms (pardon the pun) in exchange for a family shoot. It took all of 30 seconds before the baby realised it was cold outside and muslin certainly doesn't keep such a fragile little body warm, so it was my shortest shoot ever!
After the challenge - thank you SO much everyone for the brilliant comments and votes. It may not have made top 10, but I have a lot of respect for the people who commented and gave me their opinions, and now feel much better about hanging it. The exhibition goes up this week, and this shot has been printed on a huge 1m square(ish) canvas. I'm really excited about it now! Thanks again everyone :-)
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Very interesting shot, although to my taste Arm is ever so slightly soft (focus). Too, the saturation of his tattoos could be boosted a bit. Maybe even soften the background somewhat. It would be an even more striking image . . . or so I think.
great portrait. this would look even better zoomed in tighter, cropping at his waist so you can see more of his expression and the baby and his inkwork.
An excellant portrait that is crisp, sharp and properly framed and composed - a technical success in every way. From an artistic standpoint, it has significant impact being richly colored with excellant detail. This image would have worked as a black and white as well. A demonstration of the power of properly controlled light and focus. Well done.
Great shot! Interesting to see someone who looks so "tough" holding something so tender. Center composition and 3/4 lenght work well. This would make a great series if you added some close ups of the baby's face with tattoos visible and maybe the two faces close to each other. Of course I know this contest isn't about a series of photos... just offering suggestions.
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