Is this too much?
 

I've wanted to photograph this young man for a while, so finally got him to sit still for a while today. Are these too much for portraiture. He's a bodybuilder and very proud of his body.

Jean

Something screwed up, here's the second image.

Here's another one I like.

Jean,

I think we should defer this one to Jimmie with those tattoo's!

I personally think that the third pose is the only one that would be considered a "body builder" since he isn't "pumped up" in the other ones.

This just might be the posted image, but it looks like you might be losing some detail in those highlight and shadow areas, you can adjust that though. How about the background?

No Way, I want those tatoos for myself. We decided not to have him all pumped up for this one. Maybe if I photograph him again.

Disregard the background, I will put a background in like the other young man I just painted, high energy but in the background. I wasn't prepared for this shoot, because he just stopped in for a few minutes. I had to nail him down for this, he only gave me 12 shots as it is before he got bored.

Maybe it would be more fun to paint him with bulging veins and cuts; I like the third one too. I'll talk to him about it. Is this over the edge though?

Jean

Wow, Jean.

The third is the painting! You have a compelling composition and a great light/shadow pattern. Regarding the background, I think it's perfect. I mean perfect. The shapes will add interest and context. I know you will paint a really wonderful painting. Just watch for tangents along the way.

PS You want to talk tattoos- I got mine in New Berlin Wisconsin in 1968:)

PS I'd like to paint this guy myself!

OK, that's a tease... let's hear the details!

Jean, sorry I didn't mean Jimmie should paint this, but help you pick your reference - don't you dare give it away!

With much affection ...I refer to these works as "the pool boy"! ;)

I was planning on getting a tat on my 50th birthday but chickened out. That's my big tattoo story, now lets hear yours, Chris!

The third one it is, but are you sure about the background? I mean that plant is dying and that awful portrait of my husband that I did a million years ago. I'll think on it and see how I feel in the morning. If everything were really toned down it might be okay and I could perform CPR on the plant.


Beth, this did remind me of your "Painter". Is he part of a "pool boy" series?? :sunnysmil

Well, this will be fun. I love the arm tattoo.

Jean

I agree with Chris - paint that third one!

If she meant the background as it is is perfect, then I disagree on that. Just a simple plain background...maybe a real dark color and that's it.

Chris - you got your tattoo the year I was born! I got mine 18 years later..... mine is a paint palette with brushes through the thumb-hole (and its tiny and hidden) - so fess up about yours...?