The ghost of 'lectricity...
Man in Street 3
Posted by Duncan Galbraith (kyoto, Japan) on 21 February 2007 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.
Daroru from Osaka, Japan
Excellent. Interesting - the man looks melded to his surroundings, like he's not a seperate object. I think it's the tone of his skin that gives the effect. Evocative shot. Like the detail of his hands, and the three white cigarettes stand out nicely.
21 Feb 2007 5:17am
@Daroru: Thanks mate. I like the reading of 'melded into his surroundings'. I'm not sure if he's homeless, but he's hit hard times for sure and he does indeed seem to have merged with the Kyoto Eki area as he's frequently seen in and around the station.
Rene from Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada
This is a little different, the whole feel is interesting.
21 Feb 2007 5:19am
@Rene: I actually had a bit of a chat to this guy Rene. I say chat as my japanese doesn't allow too much fluency in my conversation. He seemed pretty upbeat for someone in his position. I didn't ask for a shot and took candidly as I didn't want to put him in an uncomfortable position. I wish him well.
@Diego: Thanks Diego!
Bronnie from Christchurch, New Zealand
Exquisite tones in the shot, he does seem an integral part of the surroundings...almost made of the same material. Wonderful candid portrait, his twisted hands add to the feeling tone.
21 Feb 2007 7:04am
@Bronnie: Thanks Bronnie, apologies for the lack of comms btw..I have a few things going on at the moment.
Jerry from Tampa, United States
AWESOME capture here Duncan! Perfect tones! JUST GREAT!!!!!!!
21 Feb 2007 10:56am
@Jerry: Thanks Jerry! I always appreciate your visits, and I thank you again for the comment. sorry for the incommunicado status of late...things are going on..
Yvon from Meerkerk, Netherlands
I have nothing to add to all others, just wanted to say I agree will all of them. It's a very interesting and good photo.
21 Feb 2007 11:00am
@Yvon: Thanks you Yvon!
Kheoh Yee Wei from pj, Malaysia
Is he picking his nose?Looks very contented wise old man..living a simple ,pleasant life,Good luck to him ;) Another great shot ,Duncan !
21 Feb 2007 11:28am
@Kheoh Yee Wei: Thanks Kheoh Yee Wei!
Daniel from United States
Very nice. YOu definately captured an unguarded momment. IMO, this is one of your best street candids.
21 Feb 2007 2:16pm
@Daniel: Thanks Daniel! Sorry for the lack of feedback etc...bit swamped with this that and the other at the moment. Ill catch up though...cheers.
Craiger from Vacaville, California, United States
You've got b & w processing down cold! Well done!
21 Feb 2007 2:53pm
@Craiger: Cheers Craiger!
Shuva from Hyderabad, India
Nice to see that you are back to your good B/w pictures.
21 Feb 2007 3:37pm
@Shuva: Thanks (I think)! The bad ones are well and truly behind me ;)
Alfredo J. Martiz J. from Tokyo, Japan
Great portrait Duncan, your B&W photos are very nice!
21 Feb 2007 4:39pm
@Alfredo J. Martiz J.: Many thanks again Alfredo!
@Carol: Yeah I know what you mean. In the end I plumbed for the stoney look and opted for the 'dark' treatment of the above. With hindsight, a treatment with more contrast would have given him a little more independence from his background. Good call.
Damon Schreiber from Toronto, Canada
Very interesting... It's quite an organic image as people have noted, in that he really does seem at one with the public space as though it's his living room, a place to be comfortable. Love the composition, the tilt and the way he's curled into it with his left foot just inside. I'm with Carol in wishing for a bit higher contrast - it looks quite dark to me - more shadow and fewer light tones than is necessarily warranted for a presumably daylight shot.
21 Feb 2007 5:28pm
@Damon Schreiber: Aye, the contrast (lack of it) issue was well raised. I tried a few new things here PS wise prior to b&w conversion (although I cant remeber what they were...doh!). I know it had something to do with merging layers differently to how I usually do. It resulted in the above image. Id flattened it and escaped before taking notes or saving the psd. Anyway. I know what you and Carol mean.
@Amit: Thanks Amit! Hope the colour ones eventually prove pleasing too ;)
@Martine Lapointe: Thanks Martine!
Michael Zhang from New York City, United States
These grays are intense here. No highlights - making this a great photographic concept. Use the tones to communicate your mood.
22 Feb 2007 5:03am
@Michael Zhang: Thanks Michael! It turned out a bit too gray although I do have a soft spot for it nonetheless, as to my mind he almost looks as if he's made of granite or something.
H.O from Victoria, Canada
Great shot Duncan. very photography Ilove it.
I missed your great work I'll be back soon :)
22 Feb 2007 12:01pm
@H.O: Thanks H.O! Ive not been on AM3 much myself of late mate...a bit busy too. Lets catch up as soon as we have some free time.
Nick Passantino from Bronx, United States
The grays of this shot really emphasize the mood of your subject.. great shot.
23 Feb 2007 6:55am
@Nick Passantino: thanks Nick!
Michelle Bialowas from Melbourne Victoria, Australia
You have an amazing eye - well done and your blog is very inspiring.
23 Feb 2007 12:34pm
@Michelle Bialowas: Your comments always bring a smile to my face Michelle, thanks again!
Chris Sullivan from Melbourne, Australia
A bleak scene in the sense that there doesn't seem to be much cause for optimism. The three cigarettes lined up on the bench, either butts or yet to be smoked are his attempt to bring some order or control to this environment which he has no control over, and as people have said he seems welded in to; just as other people are stuck in jobs they dislike or situations they have no control over. This mans circumstances seem to be indicative of many people in society, whether rich or poor. I'm glad to hear HE at least sounded upbeat!
24 Feb 2007 10:12pm
@Chris Sullivan: Aye, he was, as we say in japan 'genki' (happy). we tried to communicate for a good 10 minutes (i say try as both our second language skills were lacking. this time was a rare occasion when mine were better than my compadres)
Fujifilm FinePix S9000
1/70 second
F/2.8
ISO 200
7 mm