Old man with cigar

[Autumn]

I saw this old man with his radio playing. He seemed so pleased with it and kept waving it around. I asked if I could take his picture and he was happy to pose. Although I gave him some pesos, he was one person who did not have his hand out for money. He just seemed to be enjoyig himself.

If he was a tramp, he has remarkably clean and tidy nails.

I would like a critique on this one. I should be pleased to hear your opinions as to whether I should have cropped the door on the left. Personally I think it would be more balanced had I done so, but I suppose I thought it too attractive to get rid of, that is one of the reasons why I converted the background to mono and darkened it a little.

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I have decided to add the cropped version for comparison:

This photo was taken with my little Panosonic Lumix DMC-FX01.

[Jocelyn Walker]

Re: Old man with cigar

I saw this old man with his radio playing. He seemed so pleased with it and kept waving it around. I asked if I could take his picture and he was happy to pose. Although I gave him some pesos, he was one person who did not have his hand out for money. He just seemed to be enjoyig himself.

If he was a tramp, he has remarkably clean and tidy nails.

I would like a critique on this one. I should be pleased to hear your opinions as to whether I should have cropped the door on the left. Personally I think it would be more balanced had I done so, but I suppose I thought it too attractive to get rid of, that is one of the reasons why I converted the background to mono and darkened it a little.

=====================

I have decided to add the cropped version for comparison:

This photo was taken with my little Panosonic Lumix DMC-FX01.

Hi Autumn (Audrey)
Initially I wondered how you were going to crop door out without cutting off half his arm, but having seen your crop, it doesn't take away the character of pic! In my opinion it adds to its emphasis of subject. The door was a little distracting! I like the deep blue of old mans shirt! Wow that cigar sure is huge! An all day smoke perhaps!

[Tinka]

Re: Old man with cigar

Hi Audrey,
A wonderful capture, captures the character of the old man perfectly, I am not sure which version I prefer, after several views, I think I come down in favour of the cropped version, "but only just", as the old man becomes more dominant and sole more powerful element. (Apart from the cigar that is ).

[Tom]

Re: Old man with cigar

Audrey I like both very much indeed and I am finding it hard to choose between them. My favourite of your people photographs so far. What a character and you have got it all here.
Tom

[Autumn]

Re: Old man with cigar

Thanks for your comments. I am glad you like him.

In Havanah, there were old ladies sitting in doorways smoking these cigars. They were dressed in what I suppose is traditional dress, but they seemed so posed and made it quite clear, they wanted money, that I didn't take any pictures of them. I didn't mind paying but somehow they didn't seem authentic, but for some reason, the old man did.

[Andrew Thatcher]

Re: Old man with cigar

I love the uncropped one. The doorway for me is not a distraction it gives him a sense of place. The only other thing is his beard is a little blown out I'm sure the is more detail in there. Great shot.

[Autumn]

Re: Old man with cigar

I love the uncropped one. The doorway for me is not a distraction it gives him a sense of place. The only other thing is his beard is a little blown out I'm sure the is more detail in there. Great shot.

I have taken note of your comments Andrew and this is the result.

I think it has brought out the detail, but it is not quite so white, perhaps more authentic. BTW, I used curves.

What do you good people think?

[Andrew Thatcher]

Re: Old man with cigar

I have taken note of your comments Andrew and this is the result.

I think it has brought out the detail, but it is not quite so white, perhaps more authentic. BTW, I used curves.

What do you good people think?

Thats much better

[Pops]

Re: Old man with cigar

I also prefer your altered version. I love that twinkle in his eyes and those 'Prince Charles' ears are certainly going to prevent his hat falling down.
Looks like a nice guy to sit and talk with for a while