photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Eighty-two: A city portrait -- impressions of Havana, Cuba. > Bored, Havana, Cuba, 2012
previous | next
09-MAY-2012

Bored, Havana, Cuba, 2012

I zoomed in on the man appearing at the top of the previous image http://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/143582429) and found him to be utterly relaxed and probably bored. A dozen other photographers were photographing him as well, so he was obviously aware of our presence and purpose. Yet he never acknowledged us – he was at his window to watch a sunrise that seems to be just another part of his morning routine. The image conveys a sense of character as well as attitude – he wears his hair long and adorns his chest with considerable jewelry. He enjoys nature – a veritable forest of plants surround him, and life along the Gulf of Mexico has deeply tanned his skin. Meanwhile, he seems at the moment to have incongruously withdrawn into himself, blocking out the surrounding beauty and warmth.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
1/400s f/5.6 at 200.0mm iso320 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time09-May-2012 04:25:30
MakePanasonic
ModelDMC-GH2
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length200 mm
Exposure Time1/400 sec
Aperturef/5.6
ISO Equivalent320
Exposure Bias-0.66
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis30-May-2012 18:36
If an image can both ask questions and demand answers from its viewers, it fulfills an important function of expressive photography. I am happy that you see this image as a contradiction in terms, Celia. It is not only a portrait -- it is also a question.
Cecilia Lim29-May-2012 21:51
There's an interesting air about this person-he obviously has some vanity and pride, wealth even, which I am reading from the adornment of jewelry around his neck, yet his demeanor and his ease at being shirtless, enjoying the simple pleasures of the morning air and warm sunrise surrounded by his hanging garden says something completely different about him. I find your portrait of him quite intriguing.
Phil Douglis27-May-2012 18:12
He may well be sleepy. We did not get a chance to talk to him. He did stay at the window for a long time, even through he knew a group of photographers were making pictures of him. A honest portrait is an image true to character. And I feel that this photograph defines that character through his appearance and demeanor. Thanks for your comment, Carol.
Carol E Sandgren27-May-2012 04:35
To me the man looks to be sleepy. Perhaps a night on the town has worn him down and with the early morning is having trouble staying awake. I love this very honest portrait you have made, Phil!
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