****Arthur**** Photo

Photographer’s Note

Hello Everybody.

I present to you, Arthur. He taught me a very important lesson recently. I've been stalking Annapolis quite extensivelty as of late. Arthur has always been there; quietly sitting on the bus stop bench, standing in the shadowy doorstep of some local business. I passed by numerous times, always positioning my camera to take the best shot...from the hip. Why? This character is obviously homeless...what if he is crazy...what if he gets angry and starts hoopin' an hollerin'. What if he attacks this poor soul wrestling a camera in this paranoid city? Yes, no need to risk life and limb with "this sort" of person.
Then one day I noticed Arthur laughing with much gusto at some school children bickering across the street..."these guys don't laugh...unless it's at the pink polka-dotted rabbit hopping behind them". Well, at least in not such a HUMAN way. So, I walked by a tried to hip shot another picture...after this attempt I started to feel a little ridiculous. Why should I feel so uptight about this guy...he'll probably just ask me for money.

That's all THESE guys ever want anyway.

Then...one day as I drifted by Arthur for the third time, I saw him stand up and pick up some trash off the newspaper stand (typical huh?)...then, he threw the trash out; without even inspecting the contents. HE MUST BE CRAZY!
OR, the more obvious conclusion is that I'm a total idiot.
After seeing this simple task to keep his city clean, I asked Arthur if I could take his picture...of course he agreed. Arthur also had a bugle...I'm not too sure why, but what the hell, it's in the shot.
After all this time and all of the different people I've met...I can still be an A#@hole.
Humbling I suspect...

Shot on TRI-X, scanned from a print. This is one of my first unsupervised (thanks Juan) printing sessions...
It did involve the trays full of chemicals collapsing not once, but twice...the second time at 2 in the morning...scattering chemicals and water all over everything including negatives etc...Just a little pissed.
So, sorry for quality issues.

Chris.

Flavia, designsoul, Clairedelune, ribeiroantonio, danielswalsh, Galeota, Gerrit, syd1946, atus, hay_kes, robertosalguero, chc, ALIRIZA, thaprem, sabyasachi1212, riclopes, vinicio, singuanti, Rosa_d_MonteLua, KevRyan, parbo, AiresSantos, evanrizo, jhm, tigra, bakes888, Budapestman, dougie has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Flavia (10202) 2007-03-19 21:11

Hi Christopher,

Quality issue is not a problem at least not for me. I like a lot the B&W tones you got, things that just film cam bring out. Your subject is beautiful, but sorry just find the moment not so nice... I guess I would like to see him in a less posed picture. Once you now are more intimate with him, it would be great to have other pictures taken. He has a real strong face and very expressive eyes, tham his beard and posture, what a perfect subject. Your note as always is funny and tragic at the same time, an attractive in itself.

Cheers,

Flavia

bkader (136) 2007-03-19 21:13 [Comment]

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kozak (711) 2007-03-19 21:15

Cool shot Chris and I especially appreciate your note because that's the kind of stuff that keeps me from photographing more people. Gotta start thinking positive!

designsoul (21394) 2007-03-19 21:20

An interesting confessional note that sheds light on the process of our habitual thinking that we are victims of, Chris. Thanks for sharing both that and this marvellous "straightforward" portrait of Arthur who does seem endearing and sweet to me. Am glad you made his acquaintance and that you could present this shot to us, which is giving a very nice and respectful portrait of a man not bound by our Western foibles...
sasa

ribeiroantonio (21859) 2007-03-19 21:21

He is very good your model!!! I like his expression and his handling of that instrument. The B&W is very good with all the high contrast colours. Well done.
Antonio

AROBN54 (10721) 2007-03-19 21:24

Beautiful B&W shot. Nothing else would have done for this. Your note is wonderful and it sucks, eh, to find out you can be a jerk?? I've found that about myself at times and it wasn't comforting. He looks like a decent sort. But what do I know? This really IS learning about the world through photgraphy. Thanks for a great lesson,
Shelly

danielswalsh (13306) 2007-03-19 21:25

Nice shot Chris...

I really like the angle you approached this whole posting. You'r tackling a subject/ feeling which every photographer has experienced. How to to handle certain circumstances when sticking a camera in someones face just doesn't feel right.

I cannot tell you how many times I've thought the same while photographing people with a camera that is more then a years salary for them. Makes me feel a bit awkward at times- as the last thing I want to do is offend someone. Yet I find 'hardship' an interesting photographic subject as peoples faces often tell such a great story.

Excellent tonal levels here- especially in the face. I think your choice of B&W here is ideal and it compliments the mans dark skin.

Great work- and best of luck with those chemicals Chris!
- Dan

Clairedelune (4885) 2007-03-19 21:28

My deepest respect Chris...
...
I would like to blah-blah more. But right now, I'm not so much in a talkative mode. But, I want to tell you that I'm very moved by your note. An important lesson indeed. In fact, I guess Arthur just broke a wall that was already fragile...
The guy is "posing"? That's exactly the reason why I like it. There is contact. I'm a bit tired of tons of seemingly-automatons walking by the streets (I know, I took tons of this kind of photos!). It is refreshing to see such a photo!
Nice to meet you, Arthur! Thanks to Chris! ;)
Claire

PJE (19401) 2007-03-20 0:33

I think its so true that Street Photograhy requires a special talent and you sir have a gift in this area. Making Arthur pose like this is quite the feat in itself. It's a nice thing to get him involved in the photo my showing his bugle. It brings character to the scene. I also like his braided beard as well. Now to bring this photo to full circle I think you should print off a copy for Arthur. I am sure he would be proud of it too. Cheers Chris!

InasiaJones (20012) 2007-03-20 0:58

Hi Christopher,

Your pic of the day have a lot to do with mine, concerning our prejudice concerning «these» people... After all, we see them fighting with each other, screaming alone, beging for money, annoying people while being drunk... Then again, they are simply lost souls, trying to survive in this harsh world.

But when we put aside our preconceived opinions, like you did with this fellow, it sometimes turn out to be a great moment, a precious encounter that open our eyes to what living in the streets really is. Even more than that, if you talk with them, it might be the highlight of your day. I was recently in Vancouver, where thousands of homeless people «immigrate», due to the warmer weather, just like in San Francisco and I’ve speak with an amerindian for a couple of minutes and this chat stayed in my mind all day long.

Well anyway, I think you did the right thing going at him, as this portrait is a good one. He have some great facial features that you’ve catch, in a resilient expression and maybe a close up portrait would also be very interesting. Your wrestling in the blackroom delivers a great result, with good contrast an nice grey tones.

You’ve done a great full figure portrait, with his instrument in his hands, that contributes to his character, just like his hat and stylish beard.

To my humble opinion, this is an excellent photo and I’m not sure to understand why you are sorry for...

Friendly greetings,

André

Galeota (10334) 2007-03-20 1:22

Arthur looks extraordinary, if you ask me. That tiny musical instrument in his hand is totally surreal. Seems like the illustration of a paradox. This is also superbly composed in its simplicity. Great photograph all the way and I personally can't see any quality issues: this is real black&white.

Angshu (33551) 2007-03-20 4:05

Hello John
I also think that paper print is any day better than digitals, provided the scan is good to show us in the site. You’ve done a good full figure portrait here, with the bugle in his hands, that contributes to his character, just like his hat and stylish beard. This is an excellent shot my friend
Regards
Angshuman

Gerrit (35593) 2007-03-20 5:40

Good portrait, great note.
Regards, Gerrit

syd1946 (17869) 2007-03-20 10:23

How nice to see a new post from you Chris and a new story of course.Always your note is very interesting and very important for your picture.Very nice posing for you.It reminds me the Bob Marley or something of this rasta movement.Homeless or a wise man?Very good shot Chris,

All the best,
Thomas

atus (15452) 2007-03-20 13:17

Hi Chris,
well captured portrait shot of a very good technical quality. Perfect contrast, sharpness and very good light control here. Well done and perfect scanning.
Tfs and best wishes.
Attila

hay_kes (28562) 2007-03-20 18:59

Hi Chris,
What a great B&W portrait.Very well captured.TFS.
Cheers!

hAyAti

:) later

robertosalguero (2763) 2007-03-21 2:19

Film cameras are excellent when quality matters. Your scan is very good and the subject you chose this time is quite interesting. His rugged look and the musical instrument he is holding make me think of jazz players in some places I have visited. The black and white is very good. Makes the picture look older. Very good work Chris :-)

Roberto

chc (1468) 2007-03-21 2:59

Hi Chris,
I like the presence of the instrument and that Arthur presents it to us. Of course the quality and the composition could be improved, but it is not the question for me. I think that you crossed a border here... congratulations
christophe
ps: decisive note...

ALIRIZA (16197) 2007-03-21 4:59

Hi Christopher,
Beautiful composition with your model and his instrument. Very nice B&W shot. well done.
Best regards...
Ali Rıza

wolf38 (12664) 2007-03-21 8:05

Hello Christopher. Again a expression-strong B&W picture. In addition a wonderful text. The whole is also a picture of the humanity. Very directly and convincingly. Best regards, Wolfgang.

sabyasachi1212 (19546) 2007-03-21 14:44

Hi Chris,
I am always in a dilemma choosing between your well composed images and the fabulous notes. I guess I will take them both:) He sure seems to be quite a character. Nice B&W tones.
With Greetings from India
Sabyasachi

jinju (14265) 2007-03-22 2:18

Dont judge a book by its cover? Good lesson. The portraiture is the sort I like. Never been a fan of tight frames in portraits, they say nothing about the person. A wider take that gives context is much more interesting.

turkamerikali (4772) 2007-03-22 3:26

Hi Chris,
Great B&W Portrait of Arthur.
I like your story,his expression/pose,contrast,pov,dof,focus,sharpness and frame.TFS
Tolga

riclopes (32957) 2007-03-22 4:35

Love it Chris. This is the level I want to reach in the future. To make contact with people and make them to have contact with me and my camera. But I'm still too shy and still use the rib tecnhique. Loved your story and the pose. Quality issues are getting less and less importance for me lately. Congratulations for reaching this level!
Best regards,
Ricardo

vinicio (22334) 2007-03-22 8:59

Your stories of your characters are always interesting Christopher, and this is another beautiful portrait, good choice of B&W and I found interesting his pose and the instrument in his hand, well done, compliments.
Have a nice day
Ciao
Vinicio

t0mmm1 (5434) 2007-03-22 15:47

Hi Chris,
I like your shot just as I like your confession ;))) Wonderful! And the picture is very well exposed, I like it very much.
Have a nice day,
Tomi

faubry (32277) 2007-03-22 19:35

hello Christopher, no prb for quality for me, i like this photo because she talk me about Arthur, good choice of BW. i think Arthur was vey angry...? or very sad in the same time? i would like others more natural expressions, if you have? but in the same time this shot is very imortant for him he is Arthur, he are living and you have interet for him, it s very important... thanks for that and for him
great work
soon
francine

singuanti (15240) 2007-03-22 22:37

Hi Chris. Well thanks for going through all that frustration to develop it. I don't see any problems with the quality IMHO. Kodak TriX is great for a creating a high contrast picture. I play around with that in my DxO film pack program which can convert my D70 and D200 to just about any film including Tri-X. But that's not as much fun as doing it yourself. Good work Chris!

Rosa_d_MonteLua (1504) 2007-03-24 9:07

Hi Chris!
Excellent portrait in black and white, with good details and perfect clarity.
The tonal range from black (on man's trousers), to dark grey (on the far distant cars), it's very complete.
TFS and best regards from Portugal.
Rosa

parbo (10966) 2007-03-25 22:04

Hello Chris,

His story is very interesting with your observations and you had a wonderful capture finally. You excellently captured his full portrait and it shows us you pass your first lesson perfectly. Congratulations.

Friendly Regards,

Ertugrul
PS. Sorry for my late stop because I’m still busy for some things. Cheers.

AiresSantos (41866) 2007-03-26 6:13

Hi Chris,
What expression of the Artur ! Veru well chosen the Black and White here. Excellent definition, very well framed.
TFS and have a nice week
Aires

evanrizo (456) 2007-03-26 6:31

Hi Chris.
You are very lucky to have such a great model.-:)
A really nice work.
Tfs
Evan

ahmetgedikli (21799) 2007-03-26 6:55

Hi Christopher,
Beautiful B&W portrait, nice expression and excellent captured. Well done.
Greetings from Türkiye.
Ahmet

tabora (13638) 2007-03-26 15:16

hello christopher,
Encore un portrait de rue dont tu as le secret, joli noir et blanc d'une belle expression.
A+ Joseph

jhm (82201) 2007-03-27 6:31

Hi Christopher,

I've with a lot attention readed your note, almost in all cities find one or more good musicians along the street. Which instrument you play?
A peculiar type these Arthur, you did very well with a BW picture so remain Arthur in are confidential area, very well done!
Thanks for sharing.

Have a nice day,
John.

tigra (2966) 2007-03-27 13:22

Hello Chris
Very impressive portrait, excellent choice of B&W here.
Katia

bakes888 (18101) 2007-03-28 3:38

Hi Chris. Fortune favours the brave. Nice portrait shot. Well composed and great dynamic range that only film can manage at the moment. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.

Budapestman (41576) 2007-03-28 17:32

Hi Christopher,
Its an excellent and very suggestive portrait. Note is very good as usual. Good choice the B&W for this full of life shot.
Nice days and urban discoveries.....your work is splendid.
Thank you
George

dougie (2920) 2007-04-19 7:37

Hi,
Film I think has depth and worth the effort. Arthur, I think, may be thinking what took you so long. Loads of guys have bugles over here...
Thanks.
Dougie.

oochappan (22032) 2007-06-23 2:16

Spotting the common people on the street to focus in a way that enhance his figure, his world, often walked by unnoticed, my favourite way to look at the world as indeed these people have often a so more explicit personality not influenced by the uniform modern life wich they are not allowed to, a lesson to be yourself, to listen more careful to yourself avoiding to be flattened out by tendenses copying unconscieus what is considered as high values, fogetting that the real value is within ... a good photo to demonstrate that accompanied by your wondering note, keep on wondering Christopher listening within.
Henk