Critique Welcomed Interesting shot from the weekend

[Chris Dodkin]

A first for me this one - chap just been through a divorce, looking to get back out there and start a new chapter in his life.

Asked for a shoot (several actually - this was the first round) to get some lifestyle shots of him for use on social media etc.

He's very happy with the first pass, whilst recognizing that we need to pay attention to hands, fly-away hair etc on future shoots.

Will be looking to do some based around his hobbies, evening out with friends etc.

Interesting project.

Used the Fuji X-Pro1, with wide apertures on the 35mm, 60mm and 18mm lenses - used a 3 stop ND on the 35mm lens to keep shutter speeds in range, and made sure the AF box was on the face/eyes.

Interesting to see how the AF system on the Fuji nails the sharp target focus, even with narrow DOF - certainly more reliable than my Canon 5DII in this respect.

 

[Darren Turner]

saw these on flickr Chris, and wondered what the story was............awesome shots, i reckon he will be chuffed with them.

I look forward to seeing more

Daz

 

[Vic Shaw]

Nice shots Chris......But, no eye contact. I did the same thing for a friend and when I showed the wife, the first thing she said was not seeing the eyes was a big no.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Yep - god point Vic, and something I want to address with some of the next series - the location/lighting defeated us on this first go around as it was too sunny for shots without shades - all I got was a guy with his eyes all screwed shut!

Plus I'm guessing that there's a confidence thing in play - having someone poke a camera in your face when you're not used to it - easier to do if behind some mirror shades

 

[Pete Askew]

Shifty character if you ask me Chris - he's nicked your X100!

A good start. As you note, he doesn't look relaxed yet and the shades was the first thing to strike me. The last shot is, I would guess, the closest but he still looks a bit tense. I'm sure he'll relax though once you start to ply the old charm (or several beers!).

 

[Paul Lange]

It is certainly off to a good start Chris. I want to see how this develops as it will be a good insight into how you work on the project from start to finish.

 

[Stephen McCullough]

It is certainly off to a good start Chris. I want to see how this develops as it will be a good insight into how you work on the project from start to finish.

Me too. Very interesting. I agree with the comments about the eyes, although clearly it was too sunny. As you say, it will probably take a few sessions for him to relax too.

There may be an opportunity for you here. If it all works and he is hooked up quickly, you might be able to sell your services... and if I spend any more cash on photography I may need those services.

 

[Adam Lewis]

Very different Chris, and I totally get his side with regards to the confidence behind the shades , before this year I have always had a confidence issue / phobia of looking into the camera lens. I get very shaky and scared looking into the black hole, it's strange I know.
I have an eye condition too, and I have to have my eye surface mapped, which means I have to stare straight into a black hole machine thing and keep dead still.. I have to have my head braced because I get so nervous and anxious.

Back to your photos, his glasses are a bit shiny aren't they?