February 5, 2010

Reluctant Subject

Before I discuss today's photo, I would like to answer a question posed on my last post: ". . . if you had not had all the comments for change would you have anyway? Probably not. Why? Because I was not thinking about the photo of Terry as a "street portrait" and because I think of my blog as a vehicle to post work that I consider more "work in process" as opposed to finished photos. But, then again, maybe I would have gotten there someday!

I find photographers are usually poor subjects. This gentleman was intently photographing everyone in sight, but then, when I pointed a lens at him, he immediately reacted. His face pretty much lost all expression and he even seemed a little flustered.

I wanted this photo to be about his expression—hence the use of black and white.

I must admit, I blew my change at a Nikon sponsorship by not getting the camera in focus—too little depth of field. Oh, well, maybe next year.

Enjoy.

Camera settings: Nikon D3, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 at 200mm shot at ISO 800, f/4 and 1/350th of a second.

Post Processing:

Lightroom—Set black and white points.

Photoshop—used nik Silver Efex to convert image to black and white.

7 comments:

  1. Turn about fair play! If he was photographing everyone in sight then he may have a photo of you on his blog! :-)

    Interesting environmental / street portrait!

    Cheers!
    Barry

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  2. I think you nailed the expression. Maybe it was not the one you originally had in your viewfinder, but it does convey a captured emotion and a connection to your subject. Good exposure and composition. Nice OOF background. I do like the B&W treatment. I think it's appropriate for this photo.

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  3. Sorry you blew your Nikon sponsorship but the shallow depth of field does make you got straight to his face and his expression. Good street photography. Like Doug said, the black and white treatment is perfect for this one. Think about Canon, they would still give you sponsorship even with the camera being out of focus. You would look good in a Canon cap!
    Anne

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  4. Like it. Somewhat troubled by the hot spot in the background.
    Charles M

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  5. I always like your BW work. Good street shot. Like his expression, "you taking my picture?"
    Ted

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  6. The background is great. I surprised you got that much bocah at f4. I guess I do not understand how bocah is formed.
    Mel

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  7. Not a good photo.
    Steve

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