Uncle Tom Cobbley: Well, not exactly, but it was taken at Widecombe-in-the-Moor! We stopped to have a chat with this old boy, who was sitting outside his house enjoying a bit of...

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Well, not exactly, but it was taken at Widecombe-in-the-Moor! We stopped to have a chat with this old boy, who was sitting outside his house enjoying a bit of September sunshine.
I thought he looked the part sat there and, with Widecombe Fair coming up the following week, he was the perfectly in keeping with his surrounds.

I'll be down there again shortly so will take a print for him - hope he likes it! Let me know what you think of it if you have the time, critique is always appreciated.

(Download)

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

THAT to me is a true portrait, far more than a "good likeness:" it is a character study. I look at this portrait and I would like to meet him as he looks like a genuinely nice man! B&W works beautifully as there are no distractions whatever from his eyes, windows of the soul. Would not change one single thing!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Chuck_893 wrote:

THAT to me is a true portrait, far more than a "good likeness:" it is a character study. I look at this portrait and I would like to meet him as he looks like a genuinely nice man! B&W works beautifully as there are no distractions whatever from his eyes, windows of the soul. Would not change one single thing!

Than you Chuck, I'm glad you approve as I respect your judgement! I was lucky with the light but have had four attempts before managing a print with the tones I wanted. Not used to the printer yet.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Some might recommend adding more contrast or a bit of grunge, but I'd say it's fine the way it is. As Chuck said, the character is already there in the eyes.

Dave Chinn

magnetoman wrote:

Well, not exactly, but it was taken at Widecombe-i... (show quote)

Excellent image Dave !!! I would like to point out one small flaw though. Camera left, at the tip of his right side of the nose, there is a small white spot that I would tone down. It's not a deal breaker but once focused in it becomes a distraction for me. Overall, a vey nice image. He should be well pleased.
Dave

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

R.G. wrote:

Some might recommend adding more contrast or a bit of grunge, but I'd say it's fine the way it is. As Chuck said, the character is already there in the eyes.

I tried both RG, before settling on a more conventional look - which I felt suited this placid fellow. I also had in mind calling upon him when next there and felt, as the subject, he may prefer this look - I doubt he's seen 'grunge' effects! Many thanks for your comments, always appreciated.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

magnetoman wrote:

...and felt, as the subject, he may prefer this look....

You mean he mightn't like the "homeless" look lol?

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Dave Chinn wrote:

Excellent image Dave !!! I would like to point out one small flaw though. Camera left, at the tip of his right side of the nose, there is a small white spot that I would tone down. It's not a deal breaker but once focused in it becomes a distraction for me. Overall, a vey nice image. He should be well pleased.
Dave

Yeah, I noticed that and a couple of others after printing Dave. I'll sort them out and reprint. Many thanks for commenting, I do appreciate it.

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

Not much to add other than Wow!

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Irs actually nice to see a portrait presented in a natural way on here. Its seems the FYC norm is to push up the contrast and grunge it up as much as one can. Or giving it a faux HDR look.
I am as guilty of this as anybody so I tip my hat to ya for not playing to the audience to seek a pat on the head but going with the treatment you felt was correct. A very nice piece of work Dave and great that you have made the effort to meet your subject and engage with him.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

magnetoman wrote:

Well, not exactly, but it was taken at Widecombe-i... (show quote)

Nice portrait, I always like these informal portraits better than the ones people "sit" for. Shows loads of personality, and I like that he isn't staring right into the camera, this gives it a more natural feel. Don't know how you found a nice bland background in a yard? Want to tell us how?

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Billyspad wrote:

Irs actually nice to see a portrait presented in a natural way on here. Its seems the FYC norm is to push up the contrast and grunge it up as much as one can. Or giving it a faux HDR look.
I am as guilty of this as anybody so I tip my hat to ya for not playing to the audience to seek a pat on the head but going with the treatment you felt was correct. A very nice piece of work Dave and great that you have made the effort to meet your subject and engage with him.

Thanks Billy, glad you approve. I'll see if I can find him again later this week. I've just walked from our site to Fingle Bridge for tea, sitting by the Teign, autumn colours an' all - not trying to make you homesick of course!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

minniev wrote:

Nice portrait, I always like these informal portraits better than the ones people "sit" for. Shows loads of personality, and I like that he isn't staring right into the camera, this gives it a more natural feel. Don't know how you found a nice bland background in a yard? Want to tell us how?

Hi Min, hope you don't get this twice, I've typed it once and lost connection as I sent it!

Our man was sitting on a garden chair in his front garden, just the right distance from the whitewashed wall of his cottage (actually a creamy colour), so pure luck, just like all my decent pics! Thanks for your comments.