<<< o >>>souk portrait #6 23 comments + add yours
chromasia.com

This is another portrait shot down at the souk in Dubai, shot on the same trip as this one. In some ways, I think I prefer this one – it's certainly more striking – but I do have a soft spot for the old gentleman in my previous shot, not least because I've now photographed him two years in a row.

Anyway, I don't think there's too much else I can tell you about this one other than that it was converted to black and white using the channel mixer (as described in this tutorial) then contrast adjusted and toned with a Curve. I also added a bit more light to his eyes (as described here) using a masked Curve, but that was about all that was done to this one.

As always, let me know what you think.

captured
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12.46pm on 5/4/09
Canon 1Ds Mark II
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
70mm
f/4.0
1/60
aperture priority
+1/3
evaluative
100
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minor rotation
 
travel [Dubai, UAE] + people [portraiture] + no print + photo friday
comment by rhys at 10:16 AM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

stunning. simple as that.

comment by Nicki at 10:17 AM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

This is absolute my favorite from your Dubai Trip. Fancy, crazy, funny. As aalways great postprocessing - but the original must be also great because of sharpness and the great motive themselves. I still rock viewing your Artwork!

comment by Wes at 10:21 AM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

WOW, those eyes are spectacular. Great shot, as always, Dave.

comment by Ilan at 10:25 AM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

LOL What a great portrait.
I was expecting to see the "usual" souk type, with the galabia, hookah and long beard, so seeing this funny fellow, with he smile and the processing, was a real surprise.
Great outcome, can't stop enjoying your Dubai set.

comment by steve deer at 10:42 AM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

lovely subtle toning dave... have you just brought the highlight end of the blue curve down a touch?

comment by Garry at 10:48 AM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

What a happy chap :)

comment by Erik Drabløs at 11:03 AM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

Though the depth of field might be a tad more shallow than I would prefer, it's a great picture. Beautiful tones and nice composition on a great portrait.

comment by crex at 11:03 AM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

Amazing! I seldom see other photographers get that tone, the perfect contrast.

comment by Carlos Garcia at 01:15 PM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

His countenance put a smile on my face. His face (particularly his forehead) has a silver glow about it. Boy, I would love to have white hair like that... what am I saying... I would love to have hair!

C.

comment by Dan Kaufman at 01:23 PM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

as they say, the soul is in the eyes. excellent capture AND the masterful curves.

comment by Brooks at 06:41 PM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

i love the symmetry.

comment by Thatch at 07:05 PM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

Great face. Great job you've done. As i said before love your portraits. :o)

comment by Musa at 07:13 PM (GMT) on 23 April, 2009

excellent shot! FULL STOP! love the bw conversion and the dof :-) nice work once again!

comment by Abel at 02:04 AM (GMT) on 24 April, 2009

Great shot! Funny expresion!

comment by peter at 08:36 AM (GMT) on 24 April, 2009

what a character - I'd be happy getting a shot like this in the bag.

comment by Richard Hollins at 09:43 AM (GMT) on 24 April, 2009

Striking is definitely the word for this shot. I like the very shallow depth of field - his face is perfectly in focus which is the critical thing.

comment by martie at 02:31 PM (GMT) on 24 April, 2009

Wonderful portrait! I love his eyes and that wonderful smile.

comment by SePp at 02:48 PM (GMT) on 24 April, 2009

very nice work. Impressive portrait! Greets SePp

comment by Tom at 06:17 PM (GMT) on 24 April, 2009

Looks like an easy guy to photograph.

comment by Tom at 06:19 PM (GMT) on 24 April, 2009

Heh - in that he looks an interesting character to photograph, not that it's an easy shot. :-)

comment by djn1 at 11:14 PM (GMT) on 24 April, 2009

Thanks everyone.

steve: well spotted :)

comment by kate at 02:47 AM (GMT) on 25 April, 2009

lovely. :)

comment by DREAMS OF LIGHT at 05:27 AM (GMT) on 25 September, 2009

the hair are so perfect!! nice shot david.. it's a an elegant bw!!