Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

My normal technique is to stroll around using the spray and pray method of snapping knowing our ol' pal Photoshop will sort out the few keepers.
Someone wisely said on here that critique would improve if the snappers ideas and aims were outlined along with a snap. So here goes.
I was walking past a building site, some shops being built or refurbed, and just noticed this face in the dust and chaos. I knew I did not want context or background, I just needed that face. So I adjusted the battered ol' Nikon from its usual go anywhere do anything F8 to get a really shallow DOF.
So why the audience screamed? This face when I noticed it was so gentle tender and sensitive, the face of a poet or a pianist but belonging to a rough tough construction guy. Eyes that spoke to me and a mouth ready to laugh at life.
I normally only notice pretty gals faces who have eyes like deep pools of pure lust but to me this guy was special for some reason. I know what I saw and felt so cannot judge myself and therefore leave it to others to decide if anything unique or even worthwhile was captured here.
Of course when taking this shot ya mate Billy was in his usual state. Blind stinking drunk coked up to the armpits and only interested in chasing young gals.

For your esteemed consideration

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Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

and a great face it is Mr. Spad. Without all your back story I’m not sure I would be able to tell if construction worker or housekeeper, not that it matters. A human soul as seen through the eyes a wonderful capture. The lighting or treatment of it is fabulous, well done. As not to be seen as being on your buddy list for having nothing but praise, I will tell you the lower eye lash area has hints of over sharpening or needs to have a bit of the high pass filter brushed away, there are whites that show a bit too strong. I might also suggest removing the two larger white specs on our right. Your composition and dof was spot on for this shot.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Reflecting on my reply some time later, I have a personal issue with the black hair protruding from his right nostril that I did not mention and feel it would be a better image if removed. I did take some time reviewing the presentation.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

I young Frank do not have buddy lists but I have buddy's and you are on the top of that pile irrespective of what you say or feel about my posts.
However I am glad in fact very glad you see something of interest in this, it was a shot I cared about for some reason and was afraid only I would see what I was trying to achieve. I will attend to your recommendations before its printed on my next tee shirt.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

Young Billy I enjoyed your back story as much as your snap. I believe the eyes do it for me. To me the image does come off of a a person with a gentle heart Of course many serial killers project that same image. 😊

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

I have not known many serial killers so will take your word on that one. Apart from the odd humor? injection the story is as it happened. This face so gentle and kind peering out from a dim and dusty place was amazing. Glad you see what I saw and thank you for taking the time to look and comment.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Nice image of a wonderful face with soulful and expressive eyes as the main attraction. Processing is right match for the image.

I'd do away with the brightest white spot on the right, would fix the odd white bubbles at the base of the lower lashes, and mitigate the overbright dewlap which keeps drawing my eye away from the face to that less important feature. It might bear a bit of a crop on the right, unless you were purposefully wanting an unbalanced look.

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

I think I figured something out: I don't critique; I comment. Critique requires that you have some idea what you are talking about (or at least hubris enough to think you do ). I just know what I like, what moves me. Billy, this to me is an amazing picture of a human being. I call it a portrait because it indeed shows something of this man's soul, and I believe that the very best portraits show something of the soul.

Billy, you said, "This face when I noticed it was so gentle tender and sensitive, the face of a poet or a pianist but belonging to a rough tough construction guy. Eyes that spoke to me and a mouth ready to laugh at life."

The tight, off center composition directs all attention to those captivating eyes. Billy, you like to denigrate yourself, you're a "snapper" (but that's okay, just another term for photographer), but you really are an artist, with the soul and compassion and sensitivity of an artist. Every time you post one of these I see it.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I agree completely. Well said, Chuck!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I love your work, your technique is well played, and the backstory helps draw us into the image, but there's more, there's the heart and soul you've put into this. That you stopped in the first place to go out of your way to take this, that's it's not your norm, and that you wanted to make it special adds all that much more to it for me and it shows. I'm sure we've all met this person too, wise beyond years, and content with the life they lead. It's beautiful and you should be proud of the work.

I don't know enough to know enough, but there's something about the image I wish I could spell out better so I'll say it how I know it and wonder if you've thought of pulling a bit more of the blacks out. The image works as it is, but there's just something about it that wants more! I can show you if you like. S-

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

I'm quite open to edits St3v3 to go ahead my friend. I actually am going to have this printed on a tee shirt, just a one off for me to wear, so your idea may give it more impact for its intended use. I await your edit with interest and thank you by the way for your kind words.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I was just giving up the ghost for the night, but more than happy to share and will look in again sometime tomorrow. Thank you so much and thank you! S-

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Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Thank you min Glad ya liked it. I had not noticed the dewlap until you mentioned it so thanks again. The crop is unbalanced and probably breaks all sorts of fota rules but was very intentional. Seeing the face in the circumstances I did unbalanced me in a way so I just wanted to reproduce that feeling in those who view it.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Hya Chuck I am very glad you of all people see the soul and my intention to show it if I could. I think I have it right if I call you a very sensitive guy so your opinion matters on this shot a great deal. Artist, I leave others to judge for me even an old snapper gets lucky at times.
Thank you for calling by my friend.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Thank you Cathy for your continued support. I appreciate it very much.