John Syron, 1998.

Very nice expression, great DOF, smooth contrast & very good grey tones, another perfect capture, Emmanuel!!! Best regards

This portrait, in all its simplicity, is one of my favorite

pictures. As I got older, I began to notice a shift in my methods.

Some of it, of course, was due to a limitation in equipment. I

simply got busy--and poor--and did not have the wherewithal to set

up elaborate studios like I did in Portland. Yet, in looking at

these casual street portraits, I find myself admiring them more, not

because I somehow believe that austerity necessarily equals more

purity or any such exotic ideas, but because I discovered that in

the impromptu moments between my pulling out my tine Nikon Em and

the subjects realizing that I was serious about taking their

portraits right where they were, they often reacted in much more

natural ways, and we, so to speak, cut to the heart of the matter

much faster.

 

John Syron, who I worked with at the Cooley Law School Library for

two years, is, quite possibly the shyest man alive, and anybody who

knew him and saw this portrait usually remarked: "Well, that's

John." That, to me, is the highest compliment, and a realization of

that which I had in mind when I set out to take this picture. Oh,

sure, I can dress him up in exotic accoutrements and set him up in

more spectacular surroundings. I have done that in the past, and

continue to do that, but somehow, I doubt that I would ever derive

the satisfaction I get from looking at this picture of John if I

took a thousand other pictures of him.

Great job on this portrait, emmanuel!

 

Best regards!

Very good portrait with beautiful blurred background!

Regards,Jim

Great portrait, beautiful tones :)

A wonderful picture and a wonderful and eloquent explanation with it. Thank you.

I'm novice photographer; however, I must comment on how perfectly you captured your subject. I know. I am married to him. And I think this is perhaps one of the best pictures I've ever seen taken of him...for its simplicity and because you were able to capture his essence on film. Exquisite and moving.

 

Thank you for sharing this photo.

Wow! I knew John was married, but I don't think I ever met you. You know I shot HUNDREDS of these portraits at Cooley. I have a few up. John has this serene look about him, truly a gentle sul. I'm glad you saw that. Is he still at Cooley? I really haven't kept in touch with the Circulation staff. You know you can send me an email. I look forward to seeing your pictures. Regards.

Found out this morning of John's passing. He was always a cool guy to me, and had a wry sense of humor that belied his always somewhat dour disposition. RIP and condolences to the loved ones.