My Grandson, Nick

We were watching TV. I looked over and saw the shot. Grabbed my

camera and made 3 or 4 frames using the natural light and my long

lens. For a candid, hand held, natural light shot I think it's above

average. Do you agree or disagree?

Totally above average!! I love his smile ... very natural. Is the background the couch ... or did you get rid of extraneous stuff? He looks like you! :-)

Sweet expression, Howard. A couple of things are bugging me, though. Bright dot on his nose could be toned down and maybe a bit of work on the highlights on forehead and cheek. Also, skin texture looks a little strange to me. Otherwise, I do like the diagonal form in this and simple composition.

Played with some of the highlights.

Lou Ann and Kim are both right, I think (I believe the tweaked version's a bit better). Incredible for a quick shot, Howard. Good lookin' kid, too!

I like the original..!

I like the original too Howard, evenitis grainy Maybe because of the compression? he really has a sweet smile and he looks like you.Good diagonal composition as well. Pnina

Now that I think about it, the ISO was 800 which accounts for the graininess.

 

Thanks to all for your comments.

hey, lets not make any more or less of this than it is. first of all, its a dion, so there's an interesting composition (the angled head is great) that well isolates the subject, great tones (either version), and someone warm to the camera revealing a little about themselves. second of all, its a beautiful boy who trusts and loves his grandpa enough to let him grab the @$%@#%#@$ camera in the middle of a television program and start snapping away. (i think the latter is more important, and more revealing.) third of all, snap away howard dion, cuz before you know it he won't let you, no matter how much he loves you.

If this is a sample; gawd! I really hope you leave more than five. You fence like M. Bergerac! And clearly, with an unsullied plume!

don, i've got very little idea what you are talking about. i don't pretend to be a sample of anything but myself and i've got no interest in fencing. but i will tell you this -- for the kind of photography i do, i've learned as much for the past two years from howard's works and generosity as from anywhere else, here or elsewhere.

 

sorry, howard, looks like don thinks he should address me here instead of your picture, i hope you don't mind that i responded. say the word, glad to delete.

 

 

Ben, First, I sincerely apologize if I was cryptic. I've been impressed with Howard's work since I first encountered it, and your comment was beyond eloquent, and I wished to "second the motion". Perhaps I got carried away with my attempt to compare your prose to Cyrano de Bergerac's fencing.

Second, I am a strong proponent of spending the time to meaningfully comment, rather than rate & run, and as such, heartily approve of your Five endeavor (which I just came across).

Third, I respect you as well. No offense meant. If my comment bothers you even a little, let me know, and it's gone. I'll try to be clearer in the future.

Howard, I love your stuff. Your work inspires and challenges me. I would never wish to distress you even slightly, so Ben's offer to delete at your wish goes for me, too. Say the word: I'm gone.

Don, honestly, I just didn't know what you were saying -- as my literacy does not extend beyond the steve martin movie in this area. Seeing the link, I suspected you were being positive, but I resisted a little because I am just one of about 90 people trying now to create more dialogue, I'm not particularly an example for the "group", don't want to be, just want to be Ben S. Thank you for your understanding and leaving a further note, I really appreciate it.

 

Glad you are a fan or Howard's as well, I don't think I would be trying some of the "street" work I attempt here and there without his example. He's one of the first photographers I encountered around here who gave me the feeble courage I have mustered to approach strangers, and I have also liberally borrowed from his post processing techniques over time.

 

 

 

Having dialogue or a chat under one of my images is always welcome. As for me having influence on another's photographic output I am astonished and happy at the same time. You are both genuine human beings who share a common passion in photography.

 

On a personal note, if I helped you improve you skills or your photographic output than that's a good thing.

 

As for creating more dialogue, count me in. Actually, I have already made 4,438 comments on images since joining the site. Commenting is about forming a new habit. It takes 7 to 21 exposures to a new idea to get people to change their thinking.

 

Howard, I like the tweaked version better. High ISO would definitely account for the grain. This is likely one of those that is even better with the print version - compression on PN can be disappointing sometimes. Anyway, again I have to say this is a sweet picture and a good capture.

Howard, this is a very pleasant portrait with great expression, wonderful lighting, and right-on composition. ^_^