arizona Sundog

Here's the "caretaker" that I've mentioned in a couple of the other photos. He said that his name is "Sundog". I can't (not "won't", but "can't") really write here about the conversation that he and I had. It was rather surreal ... and very amusing to look back on! I'll send out an e-mail with "the story" (and some photos that I *can't* post here) for those of you who are interested ... let me know.

 

Anyway - this guy was from California, and probably in his 50's. He has gorgeous blue eyes, and I'll upload the color version of this so that you can compare. I really like portraits in B&W, though, and with the textures in his face and beard, I really wanted to keep this monotone. The lighting is natural, and I will admit that it's not "tack sharp" (bummer!) ... he wasn't really thrilled about getting his photo taken ... but agreed because it appeared that he liked me. :-D What are your thoughts on this image?

Here is the color version. Oh, those eyes!!

Please read my comment on this image. Any critiques or ratings are

greatly appreciated! :-)

I too prefer B&W for most all shots like this. However, I must admit the color version is more striking to me. Maybe it's the shirt or the hectic background that takes away from the face, which is quite interesting. Caretaker for what? I'd like to know the rest of the story.

Dave - Ruby is a ghost town in Arizona - Sundog is the caretaker who lives on the property and takes the entrance fee. I'll e-mail you the story in the next couple of days. In the meantime, take a look at some of the other photos from Ruby in this same folder. Thanks for your visit! :-)

Beautiful portrait, Lou Ann! So... you are roaming the ghost towns in Arizona? I hope it's not too hot out there!

Hi Brad! No - that was back in April/May. I don't tend to do much post-processing or uploading WHILE I'm traveling. But - it WAS hot in May, except that up in the mountains (where this ghost town is located) it's not as DRY as down in the desert. :-)

Better B&W, more suitable to the overall look and impression!

 

PDE

What a great face and all round subject. The lighting is great and I don't think tack sharp is important in this case. I think you are right to convert to B/W as it minimizes the distraction of the background.and we can easily focus on his face. Can you put me on your list for the story behind the story as well? Thanks!

You got it, Kim - by the way, funny thing about the background. Even in the "color version" above, I had to "desaturate" several spots because the bright colors were distracting. This is how his house was, though - complete clutter! I simply HAD to shoot him in HIS environment.

I prefer the color version, also if B/W can be improved!...Ciaomau!

 

 

 

 

After looking at both the B&W and color versions, I have to say that I love the color version best. The various tones of gray in his bandanna, shirt, and beard mixed with those amazing blue eyes......it's a very striking combination, I think. I love the B&W version also, but at least on my monitor, the color version looks sharper, which is more appealing to me. You've really got my curiosity aroused about your conversation with him. Please share.....I'm sure he's quite a 'colorful' character. :)

Well he has philosopher's eyes and you did a good job with the portrait.

 

You can email me the story because you have that knack for making folks curious and with a name like Sundog, What type of story will it be? Sincerely curious, ~Sky

Lou Ann, i love the color of his eyes, shirt and bandana as well, but agree that the background is distracting. what about adjusting the background using layers and masks? i've done just a quick rough adjustment.

Linda - I like it a lot! Thanks ... I definitely struggled with it. I need to work on my "mask" skills. I have a GREAT book ... but not enough time in a day to play with it! (sigh.....)

Hi lou Ann, really nice portrait, I think that each has merit even I like a bit more the colored one.. I like as well the adjustment that linda did as the BG is a bit a competition for the nice portrait.

 

I hope you are well.