The bottle collector Photo

Photographer’s Note

I decided to join the Fall '04 hunt, since it gives an opportunity to take and post some new kind of shots. I spotted this nice old man again today – he was in front of me and said “boo” to small children, if they where staring at him (I guess with a smile :-).

The reason why I post him under the #8 category “A person with a fierce attitude” goes back in February where I spotted him in a “One-Dollar-Shop”, we where both looking at the many strange items to unit price but not for buying. He was there for the warmth on a cold winters day and I was there to spot some motifs. Since I didn’t practice candid shot (at that time ;-) was I polite and asked him for a photo – which lead to a bollocking of words seldom heard – my only answer was “Sorry, but I only asked”.

As many other poor people like him, his collector of empty bottles. Most Danish soft drink and beer-bottles are of the deposit type – but young (rich) people seldom care and simply drop “money”. There was two bottles laying in a trashcan and I said – “Hi look - your lucky day” which makes him answer “Its yours – you saw them first” :-) - I gave money worth 20 bottles (Yes its bad Henk – but this Denmark) and got the permission to take some photos – but there’s too much posing over them, so I prefer the candid shot.

EXTRA - HERES THE POSE GAVE ME

DonQ, Roly, Zanni, orme, jrj, RGatward, jhm, Kenny10pin, kent_s, elihesamian, nwoehnl has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

DonQ (2623) 2004-10-12 2:53

The same old guy...! :-)
Very good catch Jeppe. I like gray tones here and audi car after this person as well! ;-)
Composition is very clean and very well cropped. Good thing, this man don`t look to you, but to the other side, to kids... That seems to be very profy catch. You lucky.
Regards, Don.

Roly (1960) 2004-10-12 2:55

Now that's a real character. Any chance for a portrait? I wish the depth of field was shallower.

snuggleaphagus (4140) 2004-10-12 3:08

He looks like a former sailor. His beard is amazing and the expression of desdain is good too. I like the bodyless legs, they just intensify his outcast appearance.

orme (6746) 2004-10-12 3:16

A great capture, Jeppe. I like the contrast between the old man's dark clothes and the lighter background. He looks like a real character. We can definitely see a fierce look in his eye. A good addition to the Hunt. Well seen.

Zanni (5891) 2004-10-12 3:18

A good portrait but I am agree with Roly. Poor children: they will sure have bad dreams after meeting this "amazing" man. Well seen au usual, Jeppe.

ste (866) 2004-10-12 3:25

ce personnage a l'air d'avoir du caractère; on imagine sa vie pareille à "des montagnes russes" qui ne se termine pas par "un long fleuve tranquille"

Spoony (3539) 2004-10-12 3:29

What a portrait!!! Nice shot Jeppe. Great sensibility...

gioy (423) 2004-10-12 3:31

Very nice! I like this kind of carachters, and I love the expression on the face of this man, very funny!

jrj (34779) 2004-10-12 3:41

It seems like Svendborg is a town for several of these 'town-originals'. Good capture of this man - telling a rather tragic story from the welfare state. Good job Jeppe.

RGatward (19749) 2004-10-12 4:09

Great hunt entry here Jeppe. I must get started.

centurion (0) 2004-10-12 7:58

Excellent catch Jeppe.

jhm (83298) 2004-10-12 7:59

Hi Jeppe, is, this a old seaman maybe? You picture is very nice, sharp and clear, well seen!

dsidwell (9745) 2004-10-12 11:40

Very clear, interesting image and subject, Jeppe. I love how you've captured such wonderful textures of hair and beard. Super use of depth of field, too.

Kenny10pin (19301) 2004-10-12 11:43

WHat a grumpy old fella with the ladies bag, did you run after taking this picture?

I hope you did, because he looks angry

Thanks for posting a funny shot

kent_s (1911) 2004-10-12 12:04

Nice catch Jeppe. Apparently he's an hounorable man to. Hope you also gave him the two bottles. It was definately well spent money you payed there. We got to see a great picture and he hopefully got a pølse. Well done

elihesamian (26091) 2004-10-12 12:08

An Effective daily life shot,really it's admirable work that you did,Jeppe.
Very well captured,GREAT.

nwoehnl (120) 2004-10-12 13:39

Yes, the candid shot is so much better, Jeppe (apart from the fact that in the WS his face is overexposed ;-). Here his posture and the grumpy look on his face make it a standout - as well as the "fashionable" bag. A shallower DOF would be ideal, but I understand that's not the first camera adjustment to think of upon appearance of such a motif. Well captured!

Rockyboy (20582) 2004-10-12 14:04

I like this one very much, Jeppe. You captured very well the fierce attitude of this man and it's good to see your nice attitude when we read the note. Well done, Jeppe!

oochappan (22032) 2004-10-12 17:48

Great character with good background as it his his home ..... high quality sharp and clear.

maphoto (8076) 2004-10-12 23:07

Excellent post for the hunt Jeppe, great expression of this man, good daily life.

manny (21378) 2004-10-13 3:18

It always is refreshing to see a portrait from you. Very good colors and nice candid expression. a photo-journalism.

ma-tibou (4566) 2004-10-14 4:47

Bonjour Jeppe, une jolie prise de vue, portrait pris au vol, un visage bien fatigué par le poid de la vie.
amitié;