Two Out of Three Ain't Bad Photo

Photographer’s Note

I shot this today during my lunch break. I was walking around my neighborhood and came across two guys. The two were sitting around, chewing betel and smoking cigarettes. I figured that had they been drinking beer or whisky, I might have been able to capture all three of the vices at once. As it is, I am happy with the two. Perhaps if I go back this evening, I can capture all three.

The other guy was sitting in the direct sun, no way to really get a shot with the both of them in the frame properly exposed.

You can also see the effect of the betel on his dental work.

eleparc, Edwin, touristdidi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

maciekda (19498) 2004-04-30 4:26

haha, what a smile, a big smiley for a big smile :) very nice picture, great character :)

clodreno (0) 2004-04-30 4:27

So strange for me here thinking about you, there during your lunch break. I must admit the Internet is simply great. And your picture too. This guy seems to be really happy in spite of his lack of teeth.
I like the background, dark on one side, lighter on the other one. Well done
Betel is terrible..So many mouth cancer due to it....

RGatward (19645) 2004-04-30 4:47 [Comment]

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eleparc (24059) 2004-04-30 5:02

wow! if you need the address of my dentist please ask, i'll be happy to help;-))

it certainly did not do any good to his teeth.. superb light and DOF! I posted my 1st shot with my brand new D70 and 50mm f1.8 nikkor AF-D today on TL. i am amazed by the DOF:-)) points later

jhonny_blue (4938) 2004-04-30 5:44

My God it´s terrible ! And at the same time a great smile !!! :)
Wonderful picture and great DOF Darren !
Amazing !
Congratulations !

pts later

gringofil (0) 2004-04-30 5:56

Nice one, Darren. Guy seems to be quite happy about sitting around, drinking beer and chewing betel. Nice black/grayish background to make the guy really stand out. The dental work was captured nicely as well...nice one, Darren.

Now I've got an assignment for you. TE is learning about the world, so since you mentioned betel today, this is my request: I've not verified this information, but someone who has once travelled to Taiwan tells me that betel is sold on the sides of roads by girls wearing skimpy clothing to entice customers. Since most of the customers are male drivers, thus the reason for the girls selling the betel with nothing much on but a few scraps of fiber and a smile. So here goes: if this is really true that they have these sort of betel booths in Taiwan, it would be incredible to see one posted here on TE. And not for the sake of skimpy clad women...for the sake of learning about the world through photography.

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Edwin (2037) 2004-04-30 6:04

I am simply stunned because of this portrait. It contains such a contrast, the dreadful reality of cancer, the confronting and horrifying impact and yet that smile.
Excellent catch Darren!

Galeota (10325) 2004-04-30 8:01 [Comment]

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mogens-j (56) 2004-04-30 17:34

Great picture Darren. Yes, he really looks happy - must be some strong cigarettes he is smoking;-)).

manny (21378) 2004-04-30 21:15

Hi Darren. Somehow, I couldn't see the connection between you and your subject. Maybe a tighter crop with work. A spark in his eyes. This is my reservation about using my new lens. The picture, IMHO, might seem detached. But I like the colors in this one. BW motif indeed make a good impact.

It's Saturday and i am still here in front of the computer. It is so hot outside. i want to test my 70-200. But I don't wanna go out. I don't wanna sacrifice my weekend for another photo session. But maybe...

ianmcall (1213) 2004-05-04 5:34

Oh I have seen WAY too many mouths like this in Asia. ;-)

Well captured. Apparently even with a set of teeth like this the guy isn't shy.

Eagle78 (1925) 2004-05-04 11:34

Precious...what a great portrait Darren! And a very peculiar smile..The expression, together with the peculiar smile, is everything here. Well seen! :)

touristdidi (8559) 2006-05-06 10:53 [Comment]

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