A Portrait Of A Soldier - Holga....

[mtbbrian]

Here is another from my lastest work.
This one would have been the first frame of the pair, but the second one didn't work so well.
So I present it as a single photograph.
What do you think?
Brian

[CLKunst]

This is nice and has quite a vintage yet timeless feel to it. I recently inherited the job of converting all of my parents slides to digital and my Dad has some photos from Vietnam in '68 that look just like this. I have one question about the soldier in the image why is the American flag on his shoulder backwards? At first I though it was just a flipped negative but the lettering on his shirt is correct. Just curious. Nice work Brian.

[mtbbrian]

I have one question about the soldier in the image why is the American flag on his shoulder backwards? At first I though it was just a flipped negative but the lettering on his shirt is correct. Just curious. Nice work Brian.

That is the correct way to wear The Flag, there are two thoughts on it as well as it being "regulation".
The first, the one I like, is that the stars are to be worn closest to your heart.
The second is that the stars go forward into battle.
Brian
Hoo Ahh!

[poker]

This shot is very cool. The exposure works great for his uniform and skin tone. I just wish the white building in the back wasn't so pronounced.

I like the effect. I'd be very happy if someone took a cool picture of me in that fashion. I'd frame and display it for sure.

[CLKunst]

Thanks for satisfying my curiosity Brian. I never knew that.

[Sebastian]

Brian,

I think all these shots you've been posting lately have a classic, raw quality to them. However, simple details keep them from reaching their potential, IMO. Mostly, it's the backgrounds. I doubt it's easy to get straight horizons, etc. with a Holga, but I think if you were more careful about the elements behind your subjects the images would be even better. Here, for example, the wires and building could be used to create a context, but right now it just looks like there's a house growing out of Carroll's head.

[mtbbrian]

Thanks for the comments Seb. I always appreciate hearing from you.
In defense of Holga, you are right, it is challenging to see those "simple details".
For one, the viewfinder is plastic and not finely ground glass. Furthermore, when you looking through the viewfinder, you are only seeing about 75% of what the lens actually sees, compare that to a good SLR or rangefinder where you see 96% to 100%.
Just stating the facts, and not making any excuses.
As I recall, with this portrait, I don't think I saw as much of the building than what I actually got.
Brian

Nice new avatar Seb...;)

[Sebastian]

Yeah, I figured that. Still, I think a single step to the right would have made Carroll pop nicely against the sky. I'm guessing of course, no idea what it really looked like.

As for the avatar, it's about time you guys saw what I looked like before Photoshop.

[mtbbrian]

As for the avatar, it's about time you guys saw what I looked like before Photoshop.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:lol:

[swmdrayfan]

Brian, I agree with Cindy on this one......it has a great 50's/60's kinda Polaroid Swinger feel to it. Groovy, man.
John