jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

So, I'm working on a series of portraits of fathers and their sons, and because I'm only allowed to post one at a time (this one being the father) I'll post the son under the heading '…and sons' so please take a look. I have a long way to go to get into the Graham Smith category, I know that, or the PalePictures category, but I'm trying, and I would appreciate knowing what you like, find compelling, and don't like about these two father and son portraits.

Thanks in advance for looking and for taking the time to comment.

Nightski

This is a wonderfully unique portrait, jonsommer. I feel the warm and friendly demeanor of this man coming through the image. I love the angle you caught him at. I feel as though he's leaning over to shake my hand. I like that you left the space on the right side, giving a feeling of where he was before he leaned towards me. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

The composition, as mentioned above, is very nice. I get a feeling that this is a very warm and caring individual. That comes from the glint in the eyes, I believe. The picture of the son is all business. Very stoic in comparison. Am I reading too much into it to say that the father is satisfied with where he is, while the son still has trepidations about the road ahead?

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

Nightski and ebrunner, thank you for your comments, and you made my day. When these two photos were shot, that family had just experience The accidental loss of the wife and mother. Just a few weeks before that, husband and wife had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, where I had the privilage of being the event photographer, and where I was quite taken with the love that existed between the husband and wife. It filled their lives, their marriage and their home, and, even I, a hireling for the event, felt like a member of the family by the end of the day. I lingered at their event as long as I could because I wanted to absorb as much of what I felt, as I could, and bring it with me to my own home. It was an amazing day, needless to say.

When I had the opportunity a few weeks later to do these portraits, I wanted to try to photographically capture the warmth and love that existed within the heart of this amazing man - and based on your comments, I may have gotten close to accomplishing my goal.

I'm presenting these portraits to the family this weekend, and your observant comments are both encouraging and confidence building.

And, yes, the sons life is very different than his fathers, he's in a tough business where there are serious, long-term consequences for actions committed - he's exposed to the ugliest side of the human experience on a daily basis, and I felt that experience was important to try to capture, photographically, as well.

Again, thank you for your comments.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I wanted to comment on this one this morning but ran out of time. The father looks like he could be a talker. Someone who makes everyone comfortable. Someone who looks for the good in others and situations that he is thrown into. I am not sure that I am overly fond of the tighter crop that this image has, though maybe it makes the photo more personal if that makes any sense. A looser crop might make him feel more distant. I wish I was better with words. :) I am sure that they will like the portraits that you have done of them.

Nightski

You know CM, I love this crop. And I usually pick on photos that cut off the head. But for this guy..I like that he's right up in my face. Because he's so friendly. I think both ways would be fine. It's just a personal preference thing.

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

Country's' mama and Nightski, I really worked the crop on this shot for a long time, and I usually want to see the whole head, as well - but a looser crop just didn't seem to bring this face close enough, I wanted him to intentionally violate our personal space, make the viewer just a smidgen taken aback, and then have them realize that this may just be the kindest man in the state, maybe the region, and they have no reason to avoid the inquiring look in his eye - unless they have something to hide.

Again, thanks for your comments, they are much appreciated.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

The philosophy in portraiture is to make it look like it was lit by a single light source. (In nature we only have the sun as the main light source and other sources are reflections that are always less intense than the main light)
This image has two light sources of the same intensity. The light from camera left is in such a position as to cast a flare in the glasses of the subject.
When I was taught studio lighting, my mentor made me work with a single light until I had that mastered, then I was allowed to add a reflector . . and when he was satisfied that I had a full understanding of the use of that main light, he let me add a fill light.
Even today when setting the lights for a portrait session, I place only one light at a time starting with the main light, with all others turned off. Only then can you see the effect of each light.
My suggestion would be to practice for awhile with only one light, and possibly a reflector. Take a few hundred shots like that and when you are happy with your results . . add the second light.
Here's a typical set-up with one light (the reflector is optional, but a good idea)
Hope that helps . . . .

One light portraiture

Nightski

Thank you, Wedding Guy. Your expertise and patient explanation is greatly appreciated here in the PC&C Section. The OP is not the only one that has benefited from your willingness to share today.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

You are quite welcome . . glad to help.

I might add another small point on this image. The glare on the skin is caused from the light being aimed directly at the subject. Note that in the diagram above that the main light is aimed across the front of the subject, using the feathered edge of light coming from the soft box. Nice light, less harsh, and tends to "wrap" the subject with light better.

Hope that helps . . .