Aloha Scott!
I agree with everyone that it is a beautiful portrait. I wouldn't add a background light, but I would like to see it not so hot in the highlights. The whole image could have the exposure backed off 1/3 stop...my opinion.

Is that Painter you used?

Thanks for all of the input.

Yes, I did some light work in Painter 9. I was in a rush to get the shot and in the mad dash for the camera, I forgot to turn the bg light on, so I added some light and color in the background in Painter and smoothed out a busy plaid pattern in his shirt.

All in all I'm pretty happy with the shot, but I'm working on getting him back in the studio for a full session. He is a very interesting artist with a unique outlook on life. He's a contemporary painter, a sculptor, and native American craftsman that at the age of 75, has just discovered photography. Seeing his excitement with photography and art in general has really helped me step out of the rut I could feel myself falling in; It is greatly satisfying being able to shoot the image like I see it and not having to worry about whether or not little Timmy is smiling so mom will buy it. Funny how they are drawn to our studio because of the artistic portraits in the window, yet all they are willing to actually purchase is the basic Walmart type shot, because "that's the one he's smiling in" :confused:

Hahahah! Doesn't that drive you crazy?!! They love your artistic work, but all they want to buy is the straight on, big smiley image! You know, Scott, education is part of the process...that is educating your clients to appreciate that the subject doesn't need to be full face to the camera or smiling for it to be a beautiful portrait! I always try to impart my vision to my clients in the consulting stage. Get them to think in terms of art, rather than just a literal, documentary type photograph.

Keep at it! Have fun!
Aloha

Nice work, cool man you'v captured.