MatthewStich
FollowThe native American, is taken as a candid shot at a log cabin. The cold metal tankard and piercings are warmed with the soft window light. There is a slight ten...
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The native American, is taken as a candid shot at a log cabin. The cold metal tankard and piercings are warmed with the soft window light. There is a slight tension in his face and body that feels like he may move at any moment.
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Awards
Action Award
Winner in Freedom of Expression Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Tatoos Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Genius
All Star
Virtuoso
Outstanding Creativity
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MaryAnne306
August 10, 2017
Stunning portrait, even more impressive as a candid shot. Congratulations on your challenge People's Choice win!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in a historical cabin, located in rural central Pennsylvania.Time
This was early afternoon, on a fairly bright day. The lighting outside was awful. I spotted native American and historian "Many Face" he just finished up speaking about the tribe he was representing. I casually asked him to move into the cabin knowing it would have better lighting.Lighting
I knew even before I went in the cabin that the natural window lighting was going to be Vermeer like and with the tattoos and piercings it was going to add incredible tones to a black and white image. So all this was in my head even before shotEquipment
This is just the basic Nikon d3300, my favorite lens the Sigma 18-35 1.8, this was hand held so no tripod. Lighting was all naturalInspiration
From the tattoos, piercings, and outfit I knew this was be a great black and white as long as the lighting was right. I immediately envisioned old native American black and whites, and they were mostly from the front straight on. So I really wanted to get a side profile especially because of the window lighting.Editing
I do post process as I shoot in raw. I only have Photoshop so no Lightroom. I made sure in camera that I was slightly under exposed so I could get the look I wanted. In Photoshop I sharpen it slightly, added a gradient map and warmed up the highlights and metal piercings with some dodging. No filters or any presets as I think that distracts from artistic expression.In my camera bag
A remote/timer, Simga 8-16, gradient filters and a 8 stop filter, cleaning equipment, and sometimes I like to bring my 50-100 1.8 just in case.Feedback
Always look for a broad range of tones you can capture. If you have no lighting equipment with you a window or door can give you that directional lighting. Expose the image to what you have envisioned in your minds eye. I'm a big fan of looking at classic images and keeping that in your mind to know what will make a good image. Modern trends are something I try to avoid.