Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Cambridge University.

Graham

Nightski

You waited for the moment, it came, you captured it. I love that you have the focus on the professor. His expression is classic. I've seen that expression many times. The clarity of the image is a beautiful thing. I love the black and white for this. It accentuates the contrast between the dark hair of the young man and the white hair of the old man. It gives it a formal feel as well.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I like the expression on the prof's face. Seems to be a very caring soul. Good to know Mr. Chips is alive and well.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I am trying to understand why someone would choose B&W over colour. I know there are various reasons, but I am wondering which of them apply in this case.

I appreciate that the original probably didn't have much colour in the first place (black cloak and jacket, white collars, bland walls). I would say that this shot is all about the expression, the interaction, and as such, colour would be a distraction. Is there more? Does B&W impart a timelessness to a shot?

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Graham, this is such a good picture yet I am uncomfortable about it. This is a wonderful character study of the old man. Such wonderful detail in the face and gown. You captured such an interesting, professorial look on him. And his hands are so part of his story. The download is so much richer than the thumbnail. And let me peek under the hood to see the metadata. I imagine all that sharpness is due to the Leica body and lens. Look at how sharp the tie and face are. You are a master of monochrome.

Initially, the composition and tonal range looked terrific to me. If I glanced at this photo as if it were a snapshot, I would have said great and moved on. However, this is such a compelling and rewarding picture that I had to spend more time with it. Upon further reflection, I love the way his face pops but the blacks are too black. Too much contrast for me. The framing does not work for me. The people to the right are distracting. The student on the right is cut off and out of focus. And then the bottom of the picture is cut off (in my opinion). I covered up the student to see if the don could stand alone. He does not: he is definitely looking at something and I want to know what that is. Hence, the student is necessary. I would like to see a framing with both men in it and without the people on the right. Alternatively, just compose the picture around the don.

Thank you for posting such good pictures.