Dave Chinn

Taken on the streets of Santa Fe, New Mexico


FYC

'Solitude'

(Download)

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

This one is just Ok for me Mr. Chinn. I find the facial white a touch too white, and the left side face 1/2 gone gives him odd looking proportions causing his left eye to give me an uncomfortable feeling. I like the treatment otherwise.

Dave Chinn

Yea Frank, this one is just okay for me, too, only because of subject matter. I agree, the right side of his face needs some more work to be toned down some. The lighting was strongest on that side of his face and I processed it to feather the lighting for it to flow into darkness to his left side, which is what I wanted with this particular image. His eyes were closed so they were of no concern to me for the most part. However, if his eyes had been open and his head slightly turned in my direction then I would have processed it differently, and it most likely would of had a different title. As you know, most of my images of this sort will be processed similar to this. Its not for everyone, and I understand that. I do appreciate you pointing out those issues and giving me your opinion though.
Dave

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Though well captured and processed, this one has less impact than most of yours do for me. Maybe because his eyes are closed, and I don't know if he is sad, or asleep, or passed out, or what. The rest of his expression is so bland it gives me no clues. The far eye is hard to find in the darkness. While well done, which I always admire, the subject doesn't come across to me with any message, so I don't get a sense of who he is.

In spite of that, your skill shines, and I always enjoy your images.

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Funny. Without reading the other responses my immediate reaction was another big WOW! That was because it instantly made me sad, especially today (9/11). Maybe he is a survivor of a victim. He looks ineffably sad to me. I found the pose, the viewpoint, and the finishing flawless. I don't do stuff like this so I would not know what to do differently. I'm always promenading through my imaginary pictures at an exhibition, and when one stops me cold, I may not be able to say why, other than it stopped me cold. So I love it just as it is.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Greetings Dave,

I brought up the download and then I enlarged it twice. Looking at it that way, I would say your B&W conversion post processing was well done bringing out the whiskers and wrinkles such that they show detail well. The evenness of the lighting seems to flow fairly well from shirt up to his face to the hair, around his camera left temple, and even across the nose to the camera right closed eye. If I was going to offer any suggestion, for whatever it may be worth, perhaps I would tone down the brightness or whiteness of his whiskers and semi-hot spots on his face, just a tad or two. They really are not blown-out or true specular highlights, but seem to be perhaps a little over processed, or, it could also be from doing some last minute sharpening on the image that make them appear more intense - just my thoughts and hypotheses?

The drawback for interest is the fact his eyes are closed, maybe promoting that he is deep in thought, or, even sleepiness and being tired? What was the shooting situation - was he aware of you taking the shot or was it more of a candid capture? Did he have a lot on his mind, was he honoring those of 9-11, the time of day, or something completely different? Thanks Dave.

Best Regards,
Tom

Dave Chinn

I have to agree with you Minnie. This is proof that subject matter is important. He wasn't asleep or passed out. I believe it just so happens his eyes were closed at the particular moment when I pressed the shutter. However, I appreciate your comments and as with any comment it encourages me to be more aware of composition, subject matter and to improve.
Dave

Dave Chinn

Thank you Chuck !!! Your comments are words of encouragement to not give up and to keep trying no matter the circumstances. I can relate so well to what you are saying, for at most times, its hard for me to explain different circumstances and at most, will probably come out sounding inappropriate. So I really do appreciate your comments.
Dave

Dave Chinn

Thanks Tom !!! I agree, there is more work needed on this one. I can process an image and think everything is okay, put it away for a month or so, only to come back and make major changes. Thinking pattern, before, during and after the fact. I can't explain it, but it happens all the time.

This was taken in Santa Fe at an indian arts and crafts show and this guy was just sitting there waiting for someone to buy something. There wasn't much interest in me buying, so I just took .... his picture. There also wasn't much of a variety in subjects so this is what I walk away with. Live and learn. He wasn't aware of me, so therefor it was a candid shot. I appreciate your comments, as they are spot on.
Dave

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I think this is better than just ok. The strong points for me, are the detail in the shirt. Those folds add a lot to the composition. I like a fade to black and what I really like about this photo is that you retain some detail in the brim of the hat. This is a good one, I think.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Dave, you truly are an awesome person! I am so glad as well as fortunate to know you, and also to have been on shoots with you. Keep up the excellent work . . . the good shooting, and the good post processing.

Best Regards my friend,
Tom