'Arkady'

This is Arkady, a man of some quirks, mostly seeming to involve

harmless repetitive things and otherwise seeming meek and polite,

photographed after sunset one summer's eve. Your ratings and

critiques are invited and most welcome. If you rate harshly, very

critically, or just wish to make a remark, please submit a helpful and

constructive comment, please share your photographic knowledge to

help improve my photography. Thanks! Enjoy! John

I wouldn't have guessed from what I thought I might have captured but felt I failed.  Maybe I didn't. I saw some hint of madness in his eyes, reflected also in his demeanor, but also some kindness and gentleness. If he had been painting sunflowers in France, I might have expected him to cut off his ear, maybe.

Maybe that is the part I captured, his duality?  The slight madness but with the out-of-control physical part and the slightly wild eyes, also the somewhat pervasive non harmfulness of the man (so far as I could tell in a brief encounter, but then I've had plenty of professional experience with abnormal individuals under medical care, not as a physician though, but as an attorney representing them long ago). 

Most know instinctively to trust me, because I represent no threat, and they can feel it. 

Also I am not afraid so long as they are not hostile at the outset.

I just approached this man with my new line:  'Portrait?' to which he reflected and nodded assent.  So I took several after making adjustments for backlighting.

I chose a low angle for drama and to capture the fullness and out of control nature of the beard mirrored in his hair. 

I'm super glad you like it.  And also that you told me so, or I never would have guessed.

john

John (Crosley)