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graphicfunk


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Color Studio Portrait II (Advanced Editing IV)
Collection: Portfolio
Camera: Canon EOS-20D
Lens: Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Location: home
Date: Apr 15, 2006
Aperture: f8
ISO: 100
Shutter: 200 with 3 strobes
Galleries: Portraiture, Studio
Date Uploaded: Apr 15, 2006

This is Ken. He owns one of the meanest camera collections, with several old Leicas. He loves the film format and is still refusing to go digital. He lives up the street from me and above all he is a fine gentlemen.

Well, my object here is simply to capture the spirit and as much of the essence of his fine character. This means to make the photography art as invisible as possible so as to let the subject shine through. You do not want to overwork the eyes or any one aspect. You want a linear rendition with no special lighting effects and not even a spot light, though I did work the main light to aid the highlights. So, single lightsource with reflector and one backlight on the floor so as not to cause the glamor backlight effect. No hair light, as that would have produced a different feel. This is graphicfunk without frills: just the subject.
For those interested in finer detail: the chosen light angle is the half moon and you angle light just high enough to so that the bridge of nose allows enough light on the left eye and a little detail on the cheek. You read your exposure and then you crawl light in an inch (inverse square in mind) and this allows for the defining highlights. You must be careful because burnout is only inches away.

The main light is a softbox and I made round the cathlights. Square catchlights are not my cup of tea.

Statistics
Place: 5 out of 199
Avg (all users): 6.9248
Avg (commenters): 8.4865
Avg (participants): 6.5545
Avg (non-participants): 7.1859
Views since voting: 5393
Views during voting: 493
Votes: 266
Comments: 83
Favorites: 17 (view)


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AuthorThread
04/23/2007 09:16:26 AM
2:

1: Echo MacClavey - I would like to tell you that this is a lovely image.
2: He lives up the street from me and above all he is a fine gentlemen. - those words warm my heart. I am thrilled to hear someone verbally assert that, as important as art is, it needn't top the list of what is most important in life. I would be most honored if someone were to one day think of me what a fine gentleman he is.

Message edited by author 2007-04-24 09:51:46.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/02/2006 12:35:03 AM
Everything has been said about this photo but I still want to tell you just how stunning it is to me. I would love to be able to shoot like this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/25/2006 08:32:27 AM
Very well done. Perfect exposure.
Captured his essence well I think.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/30/2006 02:18:54 PM
You've managed to capture the man himself, this doesn't even seem to be a photograph.

Brilliant work in keeping it simple, it shows your flexibility in contrast with all your other special effects pictures.

-JL
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/30/2006 02:17:55 PM
Great portrait.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/30/2006 12:26:48 PM
Great work--congratulations on 5th place Daniel! Beautiful portrait.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/29/2006 07:14:54 PM
Perfect execution. I like this image more and more every time I see it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/29/2006 07:56:22 AM
Great capture Daniel, should have ribboned! Very well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/29/2006 05:55:11 AM
Awesome portrait. Love how you captured his charecter.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/29/2006 02:04:43 AM
I missed this one in the voting Dan but what a wonderful image. The simplicity and almost stark appearance compared to the rest is just stunning.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/28/2006 06:12:11 PM
Wow, I didn't get a chance to vote on this challenge, but I'm glad someone pointed out this fantastic photo. Superb example of portraiture, really captures the subject as a person, great connection with the camera. Beautiful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/28/2006 04:24:08 PM
A wonderful portrait by a true master of light and composition. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2006 10:29:53 AM
fantastic photo. Should have ribboned in my opinion!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2006 07:23:54 AM
Congratulations Daniel on an outstanding portrait.

Mike
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2006 06:42:59 AM
Great Work Daniel
Congratulations on your top 5 finish
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2006 04:41:27 AM
Excellent portrait, GF! Congratulations on an fantastic finish!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2006 03:49:29 AM
This is an impressive protrait, congratulations Dan! Love the Rembrandt light! You've already given us so much detail, don't you want to make a tutorial out of this one?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 10:06:14 PM
For what it's worth, I'd like to say that I really appreciate no frills approach to this shot. It particularly stands out against the other top 10 finishers in this challenge as having the least out of camera processing. I really admire the raw skill and forethought required to achieve this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 08:19:15 PM
That is just an awesome shot. Very natural and real photo. I love the way you worked the camera in without taking away form the portrait.

Very nice Dan.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 06:28:21 PM
Thank you, congratulations to you as well.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 05:51:10 PM
Congrats on your top 5. Thank you again Dan for sharing your knowledge as I have a lot to learn and your "How I did it" in the Photographer's Comments is a huge help.

Congrats and Thanks again!

Erick
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 05:04:26 PM
Dan this is a very fine portrait, one of the very best I have seen. Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 01:48:54 PM
One of my favorite setups. A Classic portrait, very well done. And of course all the lighting setup details are very much appreciated. Congratulations :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 11:20:29 AM
Love your photographers comments, you have such finesse with words.
It really is a striking portrait. Simply and perfectly stated. Love the tilt of his head and the unequal lighting. Maybe after he sees this he may feel differently about digital. LOL
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 09:53:21 AM
Congratulations, Dan, on your fifth place with this beautiful image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 09:50:20 AM
Dan, You always shine through with rare classical form. Happy your on the front page, Laurie.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 09:25:17 AM
Super lighting Dan, congrats on 5th.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 09:10:28 AM
well done on your top 5 finish...his face exudes 'gentleman'...Ken needs to go digital!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 08:54:35 AM
I may only still be new at photography, especially with technique, but I also feel this image is a true example of what a "studio" portrait should be.
It stand on it own merits, and you should be "congratulated" for such a masterpiece.
I gave you a "ten", which you justly deserved.....

Message edited by author 2006-04-24 09:00:08.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 07:33:15 AM
Fine portrait, Dan. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 06:40:09 AM
Very nice indeed, you deserve every recognition you get on DPC not only for your brilliant photography but also your unique personality. A true gentleman. SALUTE.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 03:05:07 AM
graphicfunk, I had to add this to my fav's because, to me, it is technically flawless. I don't think a better job could of been achieved.
-SDW
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 02:17:19 AM
Great shot Dan! I'm glad this one made the front page - I too was concerned the voters wouldn't see the power in this picture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 02:16:55 AM
The humour and warmth in his eyes draw you in. This is very beautiful Dan.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 02:00:21 AM
This was far and away one of my favorites of the challenge, Daniel. I think it's exceptionally well done in a very classic mode. I'm glad to see the voters didn't ignore it as I feared they might, though honestly I believe it should have ribboned.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 01:39:54 AM
I was afraid this wasn't going to get the high marks it deserved because it wasna't a "pretty girl." Well, the DPC voters rose to the occasion and gave you what you should have gotten - a top 5. Way to go!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 12:52:33 AM
WTG Dan - congratulations on top 5! Terrific portrait - so much character.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 12:51:01 AM
when did you visit manny? ;)

one of the best imo
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 12:41:48 AM
Hmmm ... elegant, classical, dignified portrait. Such a welcome relief.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 12:30:26 AM
Congratulations on top 5! Excellent lighting and a very natural and relaxed expression on your subject. Love the square format.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 12:20:42 AM
Dan, this is an AWESOME portrait. You captured him very well and I think placing this high without using a female model is most impressive. Keep up the great work. Sorry it didn't ribbon there, but Top 5 is still great.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 12:18:51 AM
another top 5 photo!
Good job and congrats, Dan :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2006 12:12:50 AM
Great picture!! Congrats on your top 5!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
04/23/2006 11:46:03 PM
Excellent shot. On my short list on the top.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2006 11:32:30 PM
Technically perfect, wonderful expression - 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2006 11:21:11 PM
Very nice lighting, contrast and focus. The composition of the pose is nice and natural, not contrived.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2006 11:17:18 PM
there is a little dogge on the hair that bother me since it shows so much outher than that quite nice.
well taken and over all well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2006 09:57:11 PM
I think this is pretty great shot you got here.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2006 07:09:35 PM
very well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2006 06:43:17 PM
Very professional looking, well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2006 04:50:05 PM
the camera is a great touch. bump
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2006 04:04:32 PM
what a great photo.....terific simplicity
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/22/2006 02:21:50 PM
Very nice. Sharp focus. I feel a little warmet tone might have made it even better. Still a 9.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/22/2006 12:00:37 PM
Very good, just enough bg/hair lighting to separate his head. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/22/2006 11:09:33 AM
Excellent portraiture. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/21/2006 01:17:44 AM
I really like the intense but gradual contrast to this photo. Masterful job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/21/2006 01:04:56 AM
very professionally done and studio-like.
like the angle where the light source is coming from.
and really good cropping. good luck.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2006 10:56:41 PM
Simple, elegant and timeless. Love the square format.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2006 04:34:42 PM
a very nice natural portrait. he looks very friendly. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2006 04:07:28 PM
Pretty much perfect in my book
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2006 07:22:56 AM
Pretty darn good shot. Lighting is just right. Nice and sharp. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2006 06:37:54 AM
I like this image. I like the shadows and how they do not obscure the clarity of the face as so many others do. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2006 02:42:41 AM
Great shot - I like it a lot - good lighting - 9 from me!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/18/2006 08:16:41 PM
One of my favorites in this challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/18/2006 07:31:01 PM
Any business man would be proud to have a picture take like this. Light, expression etc are all spot on IMHO.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/18/2006 07:03:23 PM
Good shot that holds the viewers interest. Lighting may be a little harsh but nothing to knock points off for. I like the fact that you used the older camera, it really sets this shot off. Good job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/18/2006 04:05:20 PM
Very nicely done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/18/2006 01:31:19 PM
Very nice portrait! Great pose and expression.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/18/2006 01:24:47 PM
A classy portrait.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/18/2006 10:48:51 AM
this is excellent work ... 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/18/2006 07:50:09 AM
I know this is Color studio portrait but this is a shot I think would have worked much better in b/w, it´s just a gut feeling I have. What I mean is that this seems to be in colour just to be in colour, like it´s natural state is to want to be in b/w and it´s out of it´s chosen form. Heck, I don´t think I am making too much sense but I think you get what I mean :) Anyway, like the picture, gave it a 7, I think it shows off his character more than most shots in this challenge, that´s why I like it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 10:46:29 PM
just good photography. light and shadows are balanced, expression and character match. just good photography.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 10:15:17 PM
Nicely done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 08:58:16 PM
Very nice. The hand partially cutoff doesn't bother me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 06:14:31 PM
very nice classical portrait. Perfect lighting and focus. An old rangefinder camera (is it a Leica?) is a nice touch. A little bit of a hairlight from bottom right tpo separate the head from the background would possibly make it slightly better, but it is great as it is.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 04:59:20 PM
good positioning of your model.
Lighting looks really good.
Overall a nice image.
The prop works well too.
Good luck

Kev
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 01:59:39 PM
Very nice, very good composition, lighting, and I really like addition of the prop.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 11:27:18 AM
top notch photo! hope u do well! (8)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 07:21:12 AM
Nice work
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 05:57:16 AM
Very very good. A classic studio portrait excellently done. No gimmicks, no cleverness, just professionally very good. Top marks
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 02:25:53 AM
I wish we could have submitted black and white, because I think this shot would be even better without the colour. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 01:44:13 AM
Nice honest portrait. The lighting suits it well. Well focused.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/17/2006 01:09:28 AM
Excellent, well done.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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