Ivan portrait (2 img)

[Yuri Pautov]

Dear friends!
We, here in Russia, have also patronymic names. Being young, we are called by the name and surname (Yuri Pautov for example, or just Yuri)
But as we grow, our father's name starts to be used - (Yuri Nikolaievitch Pautov. My father's name was Nikolai).
This man is old enough :-) to be called Ivan Karpovitch.
Karpovitch is his patronymic name - his father was Karp (d'you know such a fish - Carp?)


What do you think of these two:
1 Color

http://pautov.viplast.ru/images/gallery/2515.jpg
2 B&w
http://pautov.viplast.ru/images/gallery/2514.jpg

which one is better?
Spasibo,
Yuri

[DJ-S1]

I prefer the B/W, but both are great as usual! He's got a Henry Fonda look to him, don't you think?

[SeeMoon]

I like the B&W one better; the detail of the skin is outstanding; I love it! It also makes it a timeless portrait, it could have been taken 40 years ago. I also like the expression, I'm not sure what he's thinking, it makes me wonder.. Usually I like a portrait either thightly cropped or showing something more that tells me something about the person, like his profession or mood for example. But in this case just showing the face works very well!

Yuri; others have said the same, you're an inspiration! :thumb

[Mongrel]

there is *no way* I can pick a favorite from these two. They are both excellent examples of portraiture. The color shot shows the intensity of the blue eyes, the black and white brings out the character of the man. They both *work* and stand on their own merits.

There is a resemblance to Henry Fonda (the eyes) as DJ said, and the timelessness of the black and white as Simone said.

I'm curious as to why he looks angry or bitter? Is this a friend or someone you just met?

Great work as usual!

[Khaos]

B&W all the way. Very nice.:thumb

[digismile]

The weathered skin in the B&W is very dramatic compared to the colour. Really adds to the character of the shot.:thumb

Brad

[Higgmeister]

I too like the B&W one better. It makes him seem older, but in a complimentary way. #1 looks like he is scowling at the camera, the eyes and expression not nearly as strong as in the second one. I get a sense of sadness in #2, just to pose and eyes. Again, I feel #2 conveys more emotion than #1. Both are good, #2 is better.

Usually I prefer high contrast in B&W, but this works for me. I really like to tonality of his skin in #2.

On an average, how many shots do you get of a subject before one of you call it quits?

Thanks for the cultural lesson too,
Chris

[4labs]

Yuri wonderful as always.

Carp is a main ingrediant in gefilte fish. My Grandmother made the best around..

[Yuri Pautov]

Spasibo vsem!
Thank you all for your comments, critique and good words!
Yuri

[traunerk]

Yuri...

The black and white has that "haunting" look and is quite special. :thumb Of course, almost all of your portraits are special in one way or another. Terrific body of work...:clap:clap:clap

Regards....Keith

[Yuri Pautov]

Spasibo, Keith!
Yuri

[ginger_55]

Yuri, I love that shot! As usual.

I think the color or blk/white issue is a perfect example of something I saw when I first started photography....................so many yrs ago.

The same photo takes on different meanings depending on whether it is in color, or in blk/white, sometimes.

I would use the blk/white as a depressing view of an old man, probably a derelict, love derelicts, am just terrified of them. The color I would use for a Paul Newman type outdoorsy type person of age.

That is my take on the thing.

ginger

[Yuri Pautov]

Spasibo for such an interesting for me comment, Ginger!
Yuri