Robert

Jean Kelly · 11-26-2002, 12:35 PM

Hi all. This is Robert. He's a counselor for middle school troubled kids, is currently setting up an anti-racist society, works as a clown at kids parties in his spare time, and works on many local programs for abused and neglected teens. This is the only photo I got of him that wasn't blurred because of his constant moving. The lighting caught all the skin tones, blues, violet, reds and gold. But I'm concerned about the forshortening and distortion. Please comment.

Jean

Sharon Knettell · 11-26-2002, 01:00 PM

Jean, what a handsome, dynamic subject, however I see real problems with your reference.

A. If you squint you will see that the major focus of this picture is his light shirt.

B. He has very dark skin and much of what you have photographed has him in shadow. This does not allow you to use any of the middle tones which would help with the values in your composition and his form.

C. Such a dynamic personage needs to be looking directly at the viewer, this would increase the power of the portrait. Also there would be some lights in his eyes to reference the light shirt.

D. There has to be more consideration of the design of the portrait. He is slumped and the picture behind him is not artfully placed.

E. Consider some more interesting motif or shape behind him that would give a clue to his nature or leave it out entirely.

F. Velasquez did a beautiful portrait of a black man, it has a wonderful variety of skintones not available to you in your photo.

G. You have a wonderful subject and opportunity to a wonderful painting, see if you can get him to sit again.

H. Check out some of the tips posted on this Forum that will help you with the skills to be able to photo this subject.

I. My suggestion for starters, is to have him face the light instead of away from him. Use a silver reflector to lighten up the shadow areas.

Sincerely,

Mike McCarty · 11-26-2002, 01:15 PM

Jean,

I'm sorry, but I just love these little puzzles. I was able to lighten up your image quite a bit. I think losing the dark picture behind the head will improve the composition also. I might also play around with a different tone for the sofa and the background.

Mike McCarty · 11-26-2002, 01:16 PM

Sorry I forgot to post the image.

Jean Kelly · 11-26-2002, 01:41 PM

I believe that this man deserves the best I can give him, so I'll drag him kicking and screaming for another shoot. Mike, your version is much improved, but I still just see the white shirt. And I agree, Sharon, he is an "in your face" type of guy. Thanks for the input, and I'll look up the Velasquez portrait.

Jean

Sharon Knettell · 11-26-2002, 07:31 PM

Jean, I think you ought to look at a book called "Oil Painting Secrets of a Master", by Linda Cateura. www.amazon.com has it for about $17.95. It is about David A. Leffel. There is a wonderful contemporary painting of a black man and I think some explanation of the skintones. I have a copy somewhere, but as yet I haven't located it. Also check out Simmie Knox's site here on SOG. He is a wonderful black painter who paints a whole range of skintones. www.portraitartist.com/knox

It would be well worth your while to look at Leffel's painting as it shows a beautiful range of unexpected color in the man's face. I think this would give you a great starting point.

Since you know the man, plan a little before hand. Check your lighting in various possible photo areas before you proceed. Gather a few props if necessary. Go through the photos you have beforehand to find his best angle. Get his height and look through your lens at standins to minimize his time.

Try not to shoot him from above, the lower the camera is when you shoot him the more heroic he will look. If he has a full chin you will have to compromise a bit as a too low angle will accentuate a full chinline.

Finally tell him how much he means to his community and how it would be a great honor for you to be able to do your best. This portrait will remind future generations of just what one dedicated, selfless man can accomplish.

Sincerely

Jean Kelly · 11-26-2002, 10:48 PM

How can I thank you for the help on this one! I checked out the book and will pick it up as soon as I can. Also went to Simmie Knox's site, what incredible work. I wish I could zoom in on the faces.

I'm sure Robert will go along with this. I bake bread for them occasionally, so I'll just bribe him. In the meantime, if I send you some bread will you continue to advise? I make a killer whole grain with nuts and cranberries.

Jean

Cynthia Daniel · 11-26-2002, 11:51 PM

Jean,

I'm working on a revamp of Simmie's web site and when finished, it will include facial closeups. It will probably be a couple of weeks.

Cynthia Daniel · 11-27-2002, 12:03 AM

In fact, here's a closeup of one of the new portraits that will be going up on Simmie's site.

Jean Kelly · 11-27-2002, 12:50 AM

Thanks Cynthia, Simmie does a beautiful job with the skin tones. I can see the violet, blues, and reds quite well. I appreciate your posting the image up close and personal.

Jean