my father-in-law

[briandee]

my wife wanted me to take a 'headshot' pict of her dad before anything happens, he is having a LOT of health issues that don't need explaining. my father in law cant get out of his chair really, so had to do with what was at hand. moved his chair in front of a big window and put a reflector behind him at another window to push more light on him. I wanted to show his age so i sharpened to show wrinkles (mabie wasn't needed) here it is

[pkd14u]

Oh! I love his eyes! What a kind soul he looks to be. I think you did a fine job on his portrait.

pkd14u

[private]

He has piercing blue eyes - he seems to be looking right at me! And I cannot help but stare right back at him. GREAt portrait!

[peeperita]

very compelling portrait.....i am certain that you did both your wife and your father in law proud....

peeper

[lputman]

You did well...a portrait to be very proud of.

I agree with Pat, I just keeping look right back at him.

[briandee]

thanks for the nice comments. makes one smile to see his work is liked

[dlaf]

What a wonderful photograph to have of someone's later years. Congratulations on a fine job!

[kbradley88]

That's a really interesting picture. Did you feel funny taking it, as if you both knew why you were taking it? I think I would have had trouble, myself, because I would have wondered if he was thinking, "Just one last picture..."

There are several people in my life that I wish I would have taken photos of before they passed.

One thing I noticed, and maybe just because I'm a guy with a receding hairline-he has an amazing amount of hair for that stage in life. Right up to his forehead.

[briandee]

oh i dont feel funny, i mean i didn't tell him " one last pict before you go" or nothing like that . it is kind of sad but silly at the same time because his wife died only a year ago (my wife kicks me for not having any recent pictures) and the day after the funeral he gave everyone a kiss goodbye and wished everyone the best, then when we got him home (my wife and I) we asked him why he said bye to everyone and wished them the best and he said "it was because he was ready to go now to". me and my wife were like.... dont be silly, but thats what he thought at the time. now its just a bit more than a year later and unfortunately it is looking like his time because of medical reasons. I think he was happy to have the extra year and got to see his new grandson.

Originally Posted by kbradley88

That's a really interesting picture. Did you feel funny taking it, as if you both knew why you were taking it? I think I would have had trouble, myself, because I would have wondered if he was thinking, "Just one last picture..."

There are several people in my life that I wish I would have taken photos of before they passed.

One thing I noticed, and maybe just because I'm a guy with a receding hairline-he has an amazing amount of hair for that stage in life. Right up to his forehead.

[jgphoto12]

Originally Posted by briandee

oh i dont feel funny, i mean i didn't tell him " one last pict before you go" or nothing like that . it is kind of sad but silly at the same time because his wife died only a year ago (my wife kicks me for not having any recent pictures) and the day after the funeral he gave everyone a kiss goodbye and wished everyone the best, then when we got him home (my wife and I) we asked him why he said bye to everyone and wished them the best and he said "it was because he was ready to go now to". me and my wife were like.... dont be silly, but thats what he thought at the time. now its just a bit more than a year later and unfortunately it is looking like his time because of medical reasons. I think he was happy to have the extra year and got to see his new grandson.

You're backstory on the shot is compelling. I'm glad you and your wife have this before you lost the opporunity. I'm sorry to hear that your FIL's health is not well.

I like the soft lighting and the way you chose to use the window and a reflector to lighten up the shadow on the inside side of your FIL's face.

Have you tried either of the following:

• Cropping the top to move your FIL's eyes closer to the top of the frame? Maybe even cropping part of the top of his head off
• Cropping both the top and bottom to move in closer. His eyes are so intense and beguiling, I'd like to see the effect of them even closer.