'Can You Read My Mind Too?'

This pleasant man who shows a full range of expressions, caught for

a moment looking sinister and suspicious, readily states he believes

others can 'read his mind', which, as he states is different than others

reading his thoughts . . . in some way. Your ratings, critiques and

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

critically or wish to make an observation, please submit a helpful and

constructive comment; please share your photographic knowledge to

help improve my photography. john

Thanks!  Enjoy!

john

I can't read his mind, let alone his thoughts. In spite of the dark hood I don't think he looks at all sinister. In fact I see a smile lurking there somewhere, under those whiskers. That said, this is a great portrait of an interesting character. Those are penetrating eyes, large and liquid. It could be the most attractive aspect of the man. He also has a well sculpted nose. I think you've done very well by him. He should be well pleased with the portrait.

Right now I see this man with some frequcncy, and beause of that and because I am proud of this photo, he has seen it several times including the edited (Photoshopped) image.  He's proud both of the thumbnails of many of his captures, but especially so of this one, in which he self labeled a 'sinister' look, a look I labeled 'suspicious'.  So there you go.

He does have a good sense of humor, though, although 'mind reading' by others is a special sign to those in the know, and he leads an unconventional but harmless lifestyle, trench coat and all (that's the upper part, the hood, over his head in this photo). (Think Columbine shooters and the 'trenchcoat Mafia' for a US reference to those who wear black trenchcoats and the message they seem to send which is special in the USA, but I don't seem him as part of that danger.)

I'm proud of this one, and see raters agree, though largely without comments, and not too many viewers.  I think it's one of my better portraits, taken at 1/15th of a second hand held at f 5 at ISO 2500 which didn't seem to degrade the image then lowered in post processing by three stops from metering to keep it from being 'bland' and to highlight the face.  Heavy backlight thgrew off the meter somewhat.

I'm satisfied with this, and it turns out as a youth the man was a model; small wonder, hunh?

He endorses your opinion about this particular capture.

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts.

john

John (Crosley)

Beautiful portrait, very expressive eyes! This man does not look "sinister." He looks more like a hermit or monk.

I and he both felt the eyes made him look suspicious or sinister, but you are right about the gestalt of the photo -- he does look and indeed almost live the life of a hermit or monk though he has social interactions and does well with them but on his own terms.

Very well read!

john

John (Crosley)

I like the face surrounded by black and  blank background.

Thank you for commenting.

John

John (Crosley)