Looks like you had a fun weekend getting some portraits. All very well done. I particularily like the reflections in the glasses in this shot. Great detail in the skin as well.

For shots like this do you usually use bounce flash or a diffuser to soften things? I haven't used an external flash much with my digital, it's a future investment for me. I find the on camera flash so harsh that I avoid it if at all possible.

Andrew: I use a Stofen diffuser. It's pretty good for softening the flash to an acceptable level.

Quite a striking image, and nice use of flash, just love the shades!

Nice portrait. Even though I haven´t seen tomorrow's shot I think it most appropriate to change its title. For example Portraits from Blackpool's Gay Pride '06 would have been a much clearer approach to the series (even the pic of the two girls fits the title nicely)

Another amazing portrait.

The use of the Stofen diffuser was the right choice for this kind of portraits. I've tried to make my own but I get the feeling that I'll have to buy one to get the best results.

That´s nice, I like the surreal colors and how this "girl" is looking :)

Nice clear shot, with great light on the portrait, also incredible detail in it all.

hi, sorry i'd ask the same question as for the last portrait.
is this a man or a woman?

Yes, Andrews comment about flash is the same for me. I am considering the purchase of a speedlite but once I get it, don't really know what I'd do with it. Any further tips Dave?

I love the mood of this shot.

How did you get that cool/faded 60's photo look?

PS: I'm still holding out for "Libby Week" :)

"Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes Benz
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat.
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget"

Ahhh....sweet, seductive delusion pierced by screeching, irrepressible truths.

( "We are more than one thing at a time, at any time, and the unity of consciousness is illusory" ~Ernest Hilgard) :)

Fascinating portrait. I'm kind of jealous of the hair, actually.

Great use of flash: no tell-tale bursts in the sunglasses, just a little twinkle in his eyes.

The flat colors work great in the image; it's cool how there's still plenty of detail in his skin and hair, but the overall effect is soft.

This is my favorite of the "gay pride series". Your processing continues to amaze me.

let me start with...i love this site and visit it daily. that said, i appreciate the daily posts. i love this photo because you can see the sadness in his/her eyes. the reflection in the glasses is a nice touch.

Nice shot. Love the feel of the image. Can't wait for the Toronto Gay Pride at the end of June. Looking forward to all the great colours and poses. Thanks for the inspiration.

Nice Capture. What I really like in this are the colours and the contrast :-)

This is an amazing shot. I love the composition and teh cropping and indeed the subject is just fabulous.

Nice shot. The brown colouring you've added (at least I assume it was done afterwards) goes very well with the greeny-blue railings in the background. I realise that make-up is hevily to blame but nevertheless it looks like the exposure on his hand/arm is higher than on his face, which is mildly annoying. I'd have probably tried to lower the exposure on the arm.

I'd also be interested to know how you got a catchlight in the eyes without any specular highlights on the glasses. Good work.

Good shot

I guess his mother never taught him that when applying eyeshadow, less is more.

Thanks everyone.

Jamey: the arm is a tad over-exposed compared to her face, but a lot of this is to do with the makeup. As for the lack of specular highlights on the glasses: probably just the angle it was shot at.

Sorry, but the only interesting thing about tis shot must be the terrible makup job.

Find it a bit funny to see how most visitors are writing stuff like nice shot, good job and even "This is an amazing shot. I love the composition and teh cropping and indeed the subject is just fabulous."...

Nice shades man!

I was in Brussels on Saturday and by accident walked straight into their Gay Pride festival. I wasn't able to get as close to the stars as you were but I only hope some of my shots convey the excitement of the day in the way you have captured these folks.