Some faces capture your eyes immediately. Capturing that possibly un-definable quality in an image is a tough challenge I find. Sometimes I do not notice this quality until I look at the images later. I have two portraits of this striking looking man from the canoe festival in Alotau in Papua New Guinea and I am unable to remember shooting them. This is my second portrait of him, preparing for his groups performance dance at the festival:
The first image can be seen here, Proud Dancer. For this second portrait I wanted to draw attention to only the face so I have darkened and de-saturated the rest of the image. Captured only hours after landing at Alotau being somewhat overwhelmed by everything, I managed a few nice images at this great festival but feel could have performed better. The opportunities were fantastic, so many different dancers and costumes. One fortunately constantly learns.
Flemming
20 Comments on “Face of a dancer”
Striking and compelling….
Thanks my friend.
looks more caucasian than the locals do…or am I wrong?
PNG is home to hundreds of different tribes and people and the country featuring the most languages in the world (something like 600 I think). "Locals" look very different from island to island, so this guy definitely looks local, from his island.
Hey Bo By the way I reallly like the newest portrait of YOU located at the
top righthand part of this blog-strip. Love to see that image presented larger
as well !
Heh, I think my blog is already pushing my limits of narcissism as it is, posting a self portrait seems over the top for me.
It's not a question of narcissism. It won't hurt when you
'check in' and take what I consider to be healthy pride in what you've accomplished since your blog's been up. Your
self=portrait is a healthy reminder of who you are as a person & this image of your face directly reflects your great adventurous spirit.
Thanks Frank. You know I might just do it for the hell of it, post a few portraits as I have a few recent ones I like.
A wonderful image with great detail. Very striking
Thank you Andrew.
I loved the original, still probably prefer that one but this portrait is right up there. You've managed to capture the moment wonderfully.
Sweet shot Flembotaruny…and yep you nailed the exposure as well!
Thanks Mark. His face was a little dark actually, Photoshop curves to the rescue!
I like this one Flem, you've portrayed his pride in his history and culture very well.
Cheers Tone man! Sorry I am a little absent on your blog, I have "internetinitis" – allergic reaction to virtual online self.
Great shot Flemming, I love what you've done with the desaturation.
Thanks Andrea, one day I hope to do an exhibition of all these portraits, I think this look is awesome in print.
Don't pump him up too much Andrea…I won't be able to get his head in the door next week! 🙂
HA HA Mark, come on you gotta give credit where it's due, that's alright if his heads too big I have lot's of needles, you can borrow one and deflate it a bit lol. Is he coming back for good to Perth or just a quick trip?
Flemming, came across your blog from the comment you posted on Mark's blog from (true north). This is a beautiful shot. Have you had success in selling it? Would you mind if i had a contact (local talented Papua New Guinean painter) paint it?