Hold Still

fine portrait Jeff --- close to the bone as it were, loving and personal. And the pooch was a solid addition. To those in the know the years have passed and the captured expression in your son really shows the transformation; you can see in the eyes the man beginning to emerge from the child, the not so subtle shifts that have taken place. We photographers don’t miss much, and the picture shows it

OK, Jeff, I take it all back, y'know about empty hooks and worms and all that. The thing is, you don't even have to go outside your family, you can create great photos from what's around you every day. The contrast between your son, so coolly appraising you and the camera, and the dog, keyed up and bursting with unspent energy (whether out of unrestrained affection or simple nervousness) is wonderful. The tight close up is absolutely right here. I'm putting this one in my favorites. It's a classic photograph and one of your best. Kind of reminds me of Marjolein M, gone from pn for many years, who used to shoot her kids and her immediate family and came up with the most remarkable pictures. I think she had seven kids. I wonder how she ever had any time at all. Spoken like a true bachelor, I guess.

I mentioned Marjolein in the above comment and thought you might like to have a look back at some of her family pictures. She has removed her portfolio from public viewing but you can access it through any pictures of hers you might have in your favorites folder. Here's a link in case you don't have any (though I'm quite sure you must have several since she was a central figure of our little group back then) http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=10121812. Marjolein is one of my all-time favorite photographers and I'd put her work right up there with the greats - Cartier Bresson, Kertesz, Boubat, etc.

yes "Marjolein is one of my all-time favorite photographers"

Your comments induced me to return to my Favorites folder, and yes, Marjolein was living there, along with the two of you and several other PN buddies from the past.  It reminds me of a couple of things.  First, there are (or have been) some damned good photographers on PN.  Second, photography is less fun when you're taking pictures only for yourself.

 

Marjolein used to summer in Cape Cod, not far from my in-laws' house.  I recognized the landmarks in her pictures.  Sadly, we never crossed paths.  She remains an inspiration.  Her work recalls Ralph Eugene Meatyard, who used his children, wife, friends and himself as models with a similar aesthetic.

 

Carlos, he turns ten this summer.  Much bravado and machismo with this one!

Hi Jeff, Beautiful portrait of your beautiful son and his dog.  I love your clever title, as usual. Wondering are they both live wires?  Noah has such a serene face and engaging, soulful eyes.  I love the light on his face and in his eyes.  The dog looks a split second away from action.  I like the contrast of where they focus and the way it seems to exaggerate Noah's peacefulness and he dog's shpilkes.  A really nice portrait.  Amazing how Noah has grown up and changed.  I also enjoy the way one's eyes can follow the dog's white stripe right up to his (perhaps her?) forehead.  Hope you are enjoying the Spring.  

Neither are calm creatures.  The dog treats him like he's her pup with a mixture of adoration and grumbling tolerance, especially when he tries to hug or wrestle with her.  He still has a tendency of dropping bit and pieces of whatever he happens to be eating onto the ground, so she tends to follow him around expectantly, viewing him as some sort of piñata come to life.

 

By the way, I didn't know the term you used, but like it a great deal.  If ever a Yiddish 101 class is offered, I guarantee I'd be in the front row.

 

Thanks.

This is a great image Jeff. After reading through the comments above I feel a little like an intruder into a personal world but I like the image so much I had to comment. Your sons' eyes have such calm compared to the dogs somewhat nervous appearance it seems to energize this portrait, for me anyway. Great shot into my favorites as well. Take care.

Best Regards,  Holger

He's a handsome young man.

Holger.  My son's not calm.  At all.  Neither is the dog.  They make a noisy pair.

 

Emmanuel.  Thanks.  He's a good-looking kid.  I love your recent photos of your boys as well.  (I can't leave comments).

It is a very nice portraits of both of them, !The dog;s head shows how much he loves Noah ..funny how both of them are so serious looking .....;-)real nice photo.Jeff. How are all of you? It is really quite a long time!