Colorful Guy

Taken on Sept. 27, 2003. Peace Treaty celebration in Medicine Lodge, Kansas.

In the book I Heard the Owl Call My Name the author refers often to the very sad look in the eyes of the elders of the tribe he is dealing with. I see some of that here.

Very good capture.

It's so difficult to work in darkness and manage focus and timing while using on camera flash. The man is very noble looking and the mood of the image is well caught. The colors and the pose are very nice as well.

I agree with the comments above about focus and exposure. I like the composition very much. Everything seems to lead my eye toward the face. The thoughtful, introspective expression of the subject sharply contrasts with his exhuberant colors, giving the photo more impact than a simple shot of a dancer might convey.

On earlier viewing I was put off by the store-bought colors -- took me a while to get used to their contemporary authenticity.

Now at last I can focus on the picture as a portrait, and I see it is indeed powerful.