VERNON

Man, what a bright smile. Like a clarion bell sounding in dark times. I'd dig deep a drop a bit in the bucket.

Warm and welcoming. How can one refuse?

maybe more contrast?

Vernon is a great man for doing what he does. Very well captured shot, Dave. Regards, LAwrence.

A very good natured photo. Perfect for the season.

The old curmudgeon softens as the crustiness flakes away. And I'm not talking about the guy in the photo.

a funny portrait. I like the sign on top saying "special offer", and right underneath is "doing the most good". I wish that kind of special offer would be everywhere, all the time. Oh, wait, another sign on the window seem to suggest that S.A. now accepts money orders, too? I appreciate your choice of B&W - it seems that in color all the bits and pieces could distract from the bells. Cheers, Micheal

Nice shot of Vernon, Dave! What detail of this image do you like the most? How about the "special offer" above the "Doing the most good" sign?

 

Have a great day!

 

Dick

Jeff: actually this guy's nickname is smiley. Can you believe that?

 

Adan: I had just given at another pot, so I didn't give him anything.

 

Asher: Perhaps

 

Lawrence: Vernon is very active in trying to do good deeds.

 

Doug: Yes, I too thought it was apropos to the season.

 

Jack: Sure the old curmudgeon breaks down now and then. But I put up a pretty damn good front.

 

Michael: Actually the black and white was a tough call. He was wearing a red Salvation Army vest that was quite colorful and seasonal. In the end I decided to just go with the essence of the image, which sometimes is demeaned by color.

 

Dick: After Mumbai and all the other manifestations of human cruelty and ignorance that seem more common every day, I just like the fact that here there is an attempt to do something good. That's what I'd like to see more of.

 

 

 

You're a good man for taking this nice shot of another good man...no BS, Dave!

 

Have a good night!

 

Dick

Thanks for the sincere compliment. I don't really know you, but I'll bet you're a pretty good sort too.

Great B@W candid of Vernon...His smile is contagious...Marjorie

I agree with my colleagues' comments entirely, so I'm just going to add one observation. "90% of your donations stay in Kingsburg to serve the needy." Does this include the people whom the store has refused to serve? (Check out the sign immediately behind the bucket.)

 

BTW, Where is Vernon's Santa Claus suit?

 

Great job on this shot.

 

michael

Glad you liked it. Still smilin'?

Jeez, man, I can't answer those questions. I'll have to get back to you on that. :) Thanks for checking it out.

Great portrait, sincere smile and expresion and elegant b/w. Warm regards.

what strikes me is the the natural and the positive connection....for me this is the key to such an engaging portrait full of energy....

Thanks for taking a look. Much appreciated.

I've known this guy for years, although he is by no means a close friend. I drove by on an errand and saw him standing out there, and knew I had to get a shot of him because he is really a photogenic guy. Fortunately when I got back there he was still on duty. I know if you don't know the guy, the pose looks kind of posed. But he is almost always grinning (guess he doesn't know any better). So even though it might appear that he was told to say cheese, it was the case, because that's really him.

From the moment I looked at this I had the feeling I knew this guy. He seems to typify an unencumbered sense of the world as a fair and decent place. A place without worry or care. I do not mean to oversimplify a total stranger but he does seem to embody that feeling. The casual stance the thumb in his pocket and that smile which seems to involve his entire face.

 

I like all of the signage, the contrast between the well wishes of the Sally Anne and the rather dogmatic and dictatorial tone of the store postings. I agree that B&W is perfect here, despite being surrounded by adverts the monochrome makes sure Vern gets center stage.

I'm going to try to initiate a discussion to which I think you would add greatly. I'm going to start it over on the image entitled, "JONATHAN." I hope you will give me your thoughts.