Vintage Hippy Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is another "hip shot" taken on the streets of San Anselmo. I was pleased when it turned out. As I've noted before, holding the camera against my chest and taking a shot without checking the view finder is always a gamble. As often as not I get a blurred image or a large slice of the sky... ;-)

Marin County has long been recognized as a place that attracts folks interested in alternative lifestyles. The Grateful Dead came originally from Marin and many of the Deadheads who loved their music gravitated to this area. Even today you'll find tie-dyed shirts worn by both old and young rockers. I saw this fellow walking toward me on a recent afternoon. His full beard and long hair is perhaps a fashion statement but more likely its evidence of his attachment to the free and easy lifestyle of this region. So I'll call him a "vintage hippy" ever aware that many of the refugees of the sixties scene, sex, drugs and rock and roll, have gone on to successful careers. Sometimes you just can't tell.

WorldGuru, bertolucci, Burnham, Rinie_Hoff, jassy has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

RGatward (19737) 2005-10-28 3:20

A hip shot with all that clobber round your neck, I wonder if he noticed. Great sharp shot of the guy, maybe I'd have preferred a closer crop.

WorldGuru (172) 2005-10-28 6:05

Hi Curtis,
I like the picture. The old guy looks like he has a lot of character. Good capture. I also like to sometimes capture a subject on the diagonal for various reasons. For instance: Roses Trout Dock However, I don't like leaving them on the diagonal. The problem is, what do you do with the extra realestate gained on the canvas? Anyone know of any photo editing programs that will let you trim your canvas and post other than a square or rectangle? I find the extra canvas realestate offers a place to add some text germane to the photo.
You can check out the workshop I posted and if you like let me know what you think.

[workshop] [compare] +

bertolucci (11976) 2005-10-28 6:11

Hi Curtis, nice hip portrait! Love the diagonal tilt it kinda works very well with the the vintage hippy's poise and expression. The position of his hand in the LB corner is a nice detail. I tried this way op capturing too but it seldom works.
Oh yes.....and even Apple's Steve Jobs is sometimes (again) spotted with jeans and unkept hair, so the appearance certainly isn't always an indicator ;-)
Have a fine weekend,
Bert

Burnham (2426) 2005-10-29 10:35

I really like your guy here, but the shot seems a bit tilted to the right, maybe it's just me ;o) The tecniqe you describe, with the camera at your ches, seems like something I could use, very discreet. He's a great looking and interesting subject, well seen and executed.

Rinie_Hoff (9332) 2005-10-31 2:50

Well, I guess it’s the rock & roll that got him deaf then! Guessing his age he was asn old hippy when that was in, as well. I am pleased that his hand is in. And the light is gorgeous.
I agree with Line, there’s a tilt. I still don’t feel inspired to go for a tilt like that, although last week I did it indeed to get the whole scene in. But I do like your way of shooting, and practising makes you get better results of course.
Sleep well for later.

jassy (1065) 2006-10-23 22:09

Hello Curtis,
Hee, hee, hee. I am having just the best time going through your portfolio!! Ah, the Bay Area - I love this little piece of the world, both its past and its present. And your photos are so evocative of time and place.
Anyways, back to the subject at hand. This is an excellent shot IMHO. And you did this by shooting without looking thru the camera? Well done (or great luck, depending on one's point of view)! Technically, it is excellent - sharp, great lighting and composition. And the buildings in the background aren't garish and don't clash with the subject - in fact, the colors all go together so well (our hippie's shirt with the awnings, and the dark blues of the two cars). Keeping the image on the diagonal does not bother me at all; it kind of adds to the feeling of "alternative lifestyle". Congrats.
Regards, Jackie