'Jean' (Tribute to Bruce Gilden)

This is Jean, told to me to be secretary to a high politician in

Ukraine, shot with a friend bazaar seller at a local bazaar-- and I

have no knowledge if that was a jest or not. This photo is a tribute

to Bruce Gilden, photographer, who collects unusual faces in his

photographs. Your ratings, critiques and observations are invited and

most welcome. If you rate harshly, very critically or 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

Who has outstanding people skills, by his own 'admission',and who collects 'unusual faces' what some call 'interesting characters'.

He's a Magnum Photographer, the agency that's the founding creme de la creme of agencies.

john

John (Crosley)

Please don't let the unusual viewpoint influence you, this is a kind, gentle, high class woman, visiting a friend who is the life of the party, herself the queen of the bazaar - a woman bazaar seller who is well below her own station because of her fantastic personality.

They were just visiting.  Is she the secretary to a high Ukrainian official?  I don't know, but she was dressed to the nines and seemed very refined; I would enjoy spending time with her, but I'm a photographer, and I'm always looking for an unusual view, no matter the station of people.

People sense that honesty in my photography and in me, but I also do not try to denigrate - and comments are prat of the process -- I tend to see the inner and public worth of people and if a photo doesn't seem to represent that, I try to 'right that'.

I do that here.

john

John (Crosley)

What a great photograph, I cant believe it is not getting a lot more attention. Well done

I post 'em, and sometimes some people see why.

I know on Photo.net a photo like this will be unpopular but this may be the best of the entire folder, or even the year from an artistic point of view or a street point of view.

You and I see things alike, but don't expect others to agree.

I was prepared for the lowest rates; even predicted it in a post prior or simultaneous to posting it with fellow Photo.net member Meir in comments under another photo.

Yes, I'm proud of this one, and hope it doesn't offend this nice woman.

Thanks for the kind comment (and obviously it jumped in ratings, so I suppose you rated it well.)

john

John (Crosley)

This photo is not for everyone; some may hate it; a few will think it's brilliant.

Welcome to my side.

john

John (Crosley)

John I ave been following quite a few of your imagesand perhaps the reasons other dont see them as great images is because it challenges them to much, or perhaps they dont have the artisitc capacity to see really good work when its put in front of them, Let them be sheep and follow the masses, i think your work is great and look forward to seeing more.

Great John

As Richard said you have to see it.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

One thing that is against my favor in being 'recognized' most anywhere is that this is a 'club' and I treat it as such, and for me it's a 'testing ground' of popularity of each image.

I also have a great deal of FUN.

That means I feel free to post just about anything that interests me or tickles my photograph fancy.

Just look at the three images posted within the last 24 hours.

1. A horizontal photo, elongated, of four very blue eyes of two young girls, with no other facial features, rather high key but in color, cropped from a street photo -- a departure for me.

2.  A more traditional 'street photo' of a  very old (stary) woman walking with two canes, obviously moving very slowly and posted both for subject AND composition.

3.  This photo of an expression and showing both expression and heavy use of maquillage (cosmetics), for an interesting expression, also outside my usual fare, if in fact my 'usual fare' is capable of being defined except more and more it's black and white, but I take everything digitally in color and much I can post also in color.  In fact this looks terrific in color -- and in retrospect, I would have posted this in color.

It may show on another site some day in color as some of my other b&w work does.

I have fun, and I challenge those who do enjoy my work also to enjoy themselves and to see me having fun on the street, making images . . . doing so seriously but not taking myself too seriously . . . . . after all I do it for free and don't have megabucks hanging on anything.

An occasional 'nod' from someone who pronounces themselves 'challenged' and enjoys it, is fine reward for me - perhaps some day these will be collectible and maybe even profitable -- even exhibited in high class venues.

I hope. 

I'm working for it.

I missed one chance as my prize, world renowned curator became disabled and no longer can open the promised doors in the photo and art world nationwide, even worldwide, he showed me once first hand he could open. 

Sadly.

He needs to be replaced.  Maybe he's irreplaceable as so many people tell him to his face including famous photographers, artists and gallery owners.

john

John (Crosley)

Welcome to my side.

It doesn't have to be crowded here to be a fun place.

Six ratings and sevens are not required.

Just a sense of good fun and understanding of what I feel makes an outstanding image -- and the enormous sense of pleasure inside I get when I capture something that has great potential, and again when a few choice critics recognize it.

;~))

john

John (Crosley)

Bruce Gilden is famous for using the term 'characters' for his photos which are populated with out of the ordinary people.

john

John (Crosley)

I like your images, mainly the one taken in the street, they have a strength that is not usual. Your choice of using black and white to increase the dramatic effect is not random, and I appreciate your way of getting close to the subjects without using "special effects" like many others do. I am sorry I can't explain exactly my concepts, due to my poor English Anyway, well done!

You have done an excellent job of explaining yourself.

No false modesty need be pleaded.

Thank you for the fine compliment.

john

John (Crosley)