An Appalachian portrait, a photo from West Virginia, South

Photographer's Note

On a good day at the lake at Beech Fork State Park, you can see a group of old fellas sitting under a tree enjoying the weather, conversation, camaraderie... I was passing by them on my way home and one said. "Hey, take his picture!" I laughed and said, "For what? The FBI ten most wanted?" It's so cool to see these guys enjoying the day... You can see life in his face. A hard life.

Royaldevon, papagolf21, Didi, mcmtanyel, SnapRJW, zoomer has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jadesgran (5433) 2013-07-27 22:24

Hi Shelly
He has got a weathered face hasn`t he? and you have captured the expression beautifully.
Well Done!
Best Wishes
Gladys.

ManishaJain (524) 2013-07-28 0:07

Hello Shelly

This old man's face is full of emotions, thoughts reflecting his full life. The eyes though not completely open, want to say so much. This is a beautiful lively shot with perfect focus and sharpness.

Manisha

Royaldevon (85932) 2013-07-28 2:24

Hello Shelly,

A portrait of quality!
Even as a thumbnail, I could imagine the rocking chair and the nostalgic recollections!
Excellent facial details which suggest character and outfit details which suggest life mode.
The water makes the perfect unobtrusive b/g.

Have a lovely Sunday,
Bev :-)

wolf38 (30) 2013-07-28 3:05

Hi Shelly. An interesting and expressive portrait with an adequate text. The man with overalls and straw hat does not look directly into the camera, but perhaps shows us his best side.
Rgds, Wolfgang.

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2013-07-28 4:26

outstanding portrait photography. Like the moody expression of this elder person. Excellent colours. Low light on face is handled nicely. Excellent one. Tfs.
S

alpi1500 (1520) 2013-07-28 7:52

Hi
Great portrait.İ lke details.
Have a great week.

saxo042 (38078) 2013-07-28 7:56

Hi Shelly,
A very good portrait of this man, it is very sharp and detail and shows a very fine character. Also the background is very attractive, with all these soft green colours.
Kind regards
Gunnar

rychem (72187) 2013-07-28 8:53

Yes, you're right, we can see all his life on his face, beautiful photo with good lighting and details, well done
regards
Ryszard

holmertz (102672) 2013-07-28 10:10

Hello Shelly,
I like this fine portrait, As you describe it, he is deliberately posing but does it in a very relaxed and natural way. You handled the light in the shade very cleverly, got the sharpness perfectly on his face and were lucky that all colors, including the background, matched each other beautifully.
Regards,
Gert

papagolf21 (152607) 2013-07-28 10:27

Chиre amie Shelly,
Je suis trиs heureux de revoir vos photographies. Ce portrait est excellent et devrait inspirer de nombreux peintres sur le site.
Les stigmates sur son visage reflиtent la vie passйe.
Excellente prйsentation.
Un grand bravo. Ici, aussi, il fait trиs chaud.
Amitiйs.
Philippe

Didi (61589) 2013-07-28 10:54

Hi Dearest Shelly
Great sharp portrait of the old man with a natural expression
I feel a little green dominant and I allowed myself to make A WS for you
Warm regards
Didi

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mcmtanyel (68479) 2013-07-28 13:54

Hi Shelly,
What a beautiful portrait! I like the way you used reflections on water as b/g. Your light management is excellent, too.
Regards,
MT

lousat (139236) 2013-07-30 12:56

HI Shelly,this portrait is absolutely beutiful,there is a special light inside and a very professional work in pp to see the best details and colors,great exposure too in a difficult backlight.Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

EstudioChispa (2182) 2013-07-30 15:10

Hello Shelly...

Welcome back to TE! I love this portrait, not only for the obvious fascinating face of the gentleman, but also for your foresight in placing him against a neutral but interesting background. A great lesson for all of us!

Best regards,

Russ
Austin, Texas

cjmm (4479) 2013-07-31 7:45

Hello Shelly,

A lot has been said about this imagine, so I will only add that the mood that it conveys is amazing.

Kind regards,
Carlos

SnapRJW (31631) 2013-08-01 1:08

A portrait where the viewer can compose the narrative to this man's life Shelly. All the little details; hat, shirt, dungarees, chair ans water give extra clues as to who this man is. Top class work with a quiet poignancy. Warm regards Rosemary

adramad (72978) 2013-08-03 10:29

Hi Shelly.
Sensational portrait of this man, which conveys a sense of peace and calm, sitting there watching the time ... beautiful blurred background with these reflections on the water.
A good brightness, sharpness is also perfect.
Enjoy the weekend.
All the best.
Luis.

romanaa (8430) 2013-08-12 12:54

Hello Shelley,

it is really a wonderful portrait. The face and thoughtful look speak stories of hard life. Perfect focus and low depth. Well done

Best regards

Romana

zoomer (6) 2013-09-28 15:59

Greetings,love your gallery but this portrait simply is a classic!I don't want to go into details but it is among the best I have ever seen.Best wishes,Wolf.