photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Thirty Seven: As others see me > The teacher, by Rusty Latshaw, Phoenix, Arizona, 2009
previous | next
28-APR-2009

The teacher, by Rusty Latshaw, Phoenix, Arizona, 2009

Rusty Latshaw http://www.pbase.com/russellt ) has traveled from Pennsylvania to Arizona four times since 2006 to work with me in my one on one tutorial training sessions. He made dozens of images of me during the two days we worked together, but the one we both liked the best was this portrait he made of me working with him in my office. He catches a characteristic hand gesture – I was expressing how and why I feel about the point at hand, and I seem to be referring to myself by bringing my hands towards myself. He also frames me within my environment, surrounded by the softly focused stuff that accompanies my iMac computer. (We can even see about half of my dog curled up within my desktop image.) And finally, there are all those pairs of glasses. I was wearing my computer glasses at the moment, but my regular glasses hang from my neck so I don’t have to hunt them down when I next need them. I think this is among the most expressive images as I’ve seen of myself in the role of a teacher.

Leica M8
1/60s f/2.0 at 28.0mm iso160 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis04-Jul-2009 04:30
Thanks, Rose -- it is fun hanging out with you and seeing your own expressive gestures, too. As for Judy, my Labradoodle (more Labra than Doodle), that is my desktop image, made when she was a puppy. She is now four and is fond of sneaking up behind me when I am at the computer and rubbing her wet nose on my elbow. I guess she must want something!
sunlightpix25-Jun-2009 20:38
I've been so fortunate to hang out with you that I can say Rusty captured a classic Phil-esque gesture. Great job!
Also, of the millions of pics of people's dogs on Pbase, I think this is the first time you've ever posted a pic of your dog!
Phil Douglis06-May-2009 19:29
This is really an environmental portrait, Cyndy -- what else is in the image aside from me, helps define me. All the things you mention are very much a part of my work and life. He could have simplified the image by making it a head and shoulders portrait, like so many other photographers would. But instead, he builds the image around gesture and environment, in addition to my appearance.
Guest 06-May-2009 17:59
I like that he included details related to your environment, i.e., the books and notebooks on the shelf, digital clock, pens in a coffee mug, even the screen saver image of your beloved pet. All these elements tell us more about "Phil."
Phil Douglis06-May-2009 00:30
Gentle passion -- a good phrase for me, Nancy. Although sometimes the passion becomes more robust!
Nancy Good05-May-2009 23:02
So nice to see you again, Phil. Wonderful portrait and so expressive with gentle passion.
Phil Douglis05-May-2009 16:03
Thanks, Shirley -- since we met when we visited Beijing, you can compare Rusty's impression of me to the real Phil.
Shirley Wang04-May-2009 02:39
Phil, a very lovely image of you!
Phil Douglis01-May-2009 19:09
Thanks, Chris -- I am sure Rusty will be particularly pleased with your comment. I showed him your own portraiture gallery as part of his tutorial, and he was quite moved by them.
Phil Douglis01-May-2009 19:08
Thanks, Jenene -- I have always talked with gestures as well as words. Tim's image has transformed my hands into bolts of external energy, while Rusty portrays them here as symbols of internal feelings. I look forward to the day when you and I shall meet, and you can bring your own camera to bear upon them as well.
Phil Douglis01-May-2009 19:03
You have an advantage, Carol -- you know the real Phil as well as the pixel version. So you can compare Rusty's insights with the real thing. And no, I have never tried to use my glasses while stacked on the nose. At least not yet.
Phil Douglis01-May-2009 19:00
Thanks, Claudia, for appreciating Rusty's portrait of me. You are right about my four legged friend -- she always watches me, both from the computer screen and in real life. She has been known to lift my left hand from the keyboard with her nose when she needs something. Such is the life of a Lab.
Chris Sofopoulos01-May-2009 12:25
Absolutely expressive and unconventional portraiture Phil!
JSWaters01-May-2009 05:53
This is reminiscent of Tim's image of you,http://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/69520862, where you are using your hands to express a point as well. I imagine you like this when I read a comment you have made on an image of mine - nothing is frivolous, every gesture is essential in teaching the concepts you subscribe to. (And those we, who follow, wish to master as well.)
Jenene
Carol E Sandgren01-May-2009 03:36
Yes, this is so very Phil-like. Those hands dancing out as you point something out in conversation.... I can see you rapt in your thought you are conveying. As for those glasses, if you're like me, you wear the two pairs one on top of the other!
BleuEvanescence01-May-2009 02:45
Ahhhh oui... This is indeed a very natural and expressive capture of "The Teacher".
We can feel the truth of the moment and appreciate a corner of your universe.
I like this... And your best four legged friend is watching. This feels good.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment