The Shepherd and His Dog, a photo from Ankara, Central Anatolia

Photographer's Note

When I saw him on a hill in Kirazdibi herding his sheeps, I craved to take some shots of him but frankly thought I couldn't. When his eyes caught mine, he yelled at me and asked if I could take a photo of himself. The opportunity had fallen into my lap, so I glady accepted. This is the outcome. This, infact, is my first ever serious portrait work. I know it has definite flaws and shortcomings that I have to improve. So if you have any thoughts and suggestions I'll appreciate.

Thanks for viewing,

bayno, Suppiluliuma, ourania, bukitgolfb301, Sonata11, jhm, TRB, agulberk has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bayno (16195) 2012-04-11 10:22

Hi Suleyman,
the portrait is very nice, and he seemed happy to be photographed and gives you a beautiful smile, the contact with the subject is very nice, but technically I would have included even feet in the shot and would have given a bit of bright PP and eliminated some shadows on the face of the pastor is a bit dark, I made a little WS to give the idea, but I finished my credits for today will post tomorrow...good evening...
Valter

[workshop] [compare]

Suppiluliuma (3843) 2012-04-11 11:24

The use of light and sharpness are Ok. My only suggestion would be related to the framing. Since he is squeezed at the corner, we expect something of interest in the empty area on the left, maybe some sheep.

TFS.

Erdem

Afsanehbagheri (3206) 2012-04-11 11:42

سلام دوست من

تبریک جالب مستند وضوح خوب

با آرزوی بهترین ها

yquem46 (32263) 2012-04-11 11:48

Merhaba Suleyman
I like this portrait of the shepherd just written in the diagonal from the bottom right corner, even if i miss a little bit of his foot
Friendly, smiling, sparkling eyes and a nice landscape at the BG
Best regards
Patrick

GFSSD-1 (3134) 2012-04-11 12:20

Dünya yansa, yanmaz bir çöp samanı....
işte böyle bir ifadesi var,
çok iyi bir resim, tebrikler
r yuksel

Morteza_E (879) 2012-04-11 12:36

Hello
Very beautiful portrait of this man is a shepherd and excellent composition. Congratulations.
Thank you.

Miguel82 (7790) 2012-04-11 12:54

Hello Golus
Superb shot with nice colors and contrast
wide view and good pov
regards
Miguel

ourania (12367) 2012-04-11 14:32

Hello Suleyman,
it's very interesting that your first attempt to make a portrait includes a vast landscape with great depth and lovely colours and the sharpness is excellent. It's wonderful to see the shepherd in his daily ambience, a place he knows so well and they are part of each other. I think that the framing shows you were caught by surprise by the shepherd's gift and still seem a little hesitant. But, in my opinion, you shouldn't be because he clearly trusts you, enjoys the experience and is so eager and cooperative. You saw things in each other. I believe you'll often get the same attitude from your future subjects. I like his relaxed pose and smile. The dog pretends it doesn't care about portraits. A lovely photo, my friend, thank you!
All the best, have a good night,
Ourania

guld (1042) 2012-04-11 14:36

I like this photo. It reflects the loneliness of a shepherd very well. In the background the land is rather plsin accentuating the loneliness. His skin tone is dark so I think the face needed a bit of light. Yet, I like it. Very nicely done Suleyman Bey. Elinize saglik.

aliabazari (10105) 2012-04-11 18:39

Hi Solomon
Very good and interesting portrait of this old shepherd with a beautiful and lovely background. Well done.
With respect.

bukitgolfb301 (30065) 2012-04-11 21:35

Hello my dear Suleyman

A great impressive shot!
Very well considered and perfect framework.
Good idea for leaning man to enhance this attractive image. Clear and sharp presentation is as usual. Thanks for your sharing with your good work and have a good day,
best regards,

Takero in Tokyo

Sonata11 (28331) 2012-04-12 18:39

Hello Suleyman,
wonderful and very interesting composition of this impressive place and surroundings. You capture wonderfully portrait of this man. Wonderfully executed with great management of light, colors, sharpness, clarity, fabuolus POV and DOF too. Marvellous job. Congratulation.
All the best,
Barbara

jhm (122444) 2012-04-13 3:08

Merhaba Suleyman,

Portraits is a very lovely discipline but not easy.
I've tryed to make a WS, but a liottle to small.
Alone for an advice for portraits in future.
I see no dog on your picture, where is the dog?
Veel done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

[workshop] [compare]

erhan1958 (13053) 2012-04-13 3:37

Selam SÜLYMAN
adamın ayaklarını kesmemeliydin.
fakat memlektimden insan manzaralarına harika bir örnek olmuş
tebrikler
ERHAN

angel66 (1006) 2012-04-13 10:06

Hi Suleyman
I actually like the 'empty' space on the left as gives the idea of the sheperd's loneliness and actually his dog is there.. so you created the right atmosphere. Also there is a good eye contact. Not bad as first portrait I would say! :) Yep maybe the feet and a bit of colour on his face but still the photo deserve happily my 2 points !
Have a nice evening

TRB (12317) 2012-04-13 14:47

merhaba Süleyman Bey,
Sanki ilerde koyunları kuzuları olan bir adamı düşündürdü bana, güzel kompozisyon.İnsan çekimi daha zor bence ama siz gayet net bir çekimle zoru başardınız. Geri planın netliği, ışığı, detayları ve modelin ifadesi ve duruşuyla çok güzel kadraj ve sunum.
tebrikler, iyi hafta sonları dileklerimle...

Tülay

berek (31921) 2012-04-13 20:09

Merhaba Süleyman,
çekim açısı çok iyi olmuş. ger.ekten iyi derinlik kazanmış fotograf. keyfe diğecek yok gülen yüzü ile hoş bir portre. selamlar.
Burak

Zengi001 (2093) 2012-04-16 12:49

Süleyman köpeği nereye sakladın
çabuk söyle abi... :)))

agulberk (3790) 2012-04-16 20:18

Merhaba Süleyman Bey.
Çoban çok güzel poz vermiş. Köpek sanki çobanın meşguliyetini anlamış da onu yerine sürüyü kolaçan ediyor gibi. Zor şartlara rağmen çok hoş olmuş.
Eline ,emeğine sağlık.
Tebrikler
Selamlar.

COSTANTINO (42746) 2012-04-26 11:32

Hello
I chose this nice shot because it completes
mine,my shot describes a beautiful landscape
and yours the sheperd and his dog
two shots in one,simple and nice shot
regards
Costantino