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This is my 2nd upload of Thomas Hugo, a homeless man that I befriended last week in Paris. As I mentioned before, he moves around town with his 4 dogs, dragging a bicycle/trailer contraption with a flag on top. How he manages to keep the dogs in tow is quite chalenging, as they hardly adhere to any orderly system, and half of Thomas's awake day is taken up by untangling the ropes.
This image is taken from the only impromptu shoot that I did, when I came across him sheltering from the rain in a disused shop doorway.
I have a lovely and touching image of this same dog staring trustingly and deeply into his master's eyes, but as it was getting quite dark, and I was shooting in available light, there was too much movement, and I shall not submit that, although it will remain a favourite for me.
Given Thomas's life and hardships, I especially appreciate this pose where both him and one of his friends look forward and upwards. Positive and determined.
Hope that you like it, Andre
| Camera: | Nikon D300  Check out Nikon Nation! |
| Lens: | 17-55, 2.8 |
| Recording media: | RAW (digital) |
| Title: | Paris: Thomas Hugo 2 |
| Username: | 
andreduplessis |
| Uploaded: | 28 Oct 2008 - 12:41 AM |
| Tags: | Black & white, Photo journalism, Portraits / people |
| VS Mode Rating |
103 (100% won) These stats show the percentage of wins and the rating score that your photo has achieved. You can go to the VS Mode by clicking on this icon. Signup to e2Signup to e2 to see which photo this has won or lost against in the vs mode |
| Votes: | 251 |
Comments
Another great shot Andre. Mr. Hugo and his dog. An intriguing character indeed.
Regards
Kevin.
A very touching image - wonderfully shot, excellent in mono.
Why don't you upload as a 2nd version the other image - would love to see it. I'm not especailly bothered by movement; am more the feeling an image evokes.
Anne
Thank you. Anne - I might just do that. Let me see how presentable I can get it. Andre
Fantastic portrait and mono, very powerful - Jonathan
Fantastic and fascinating shot. It's nice to get the story behind it too.
Andre, having witnessed loads of pain and suffering and poverty, I have to say that this has got to be one of the most moving photographs that I have seen in a very long time. Not only that but the detail and clarity captured in this photgraph is outstanding in my opinion.
Quote: A very touching image - wonderfully shot, excellent in mono.
Why don't you upload as a 2nd version the other image - would love to see it. I'm not especailly bothered by movement; am more the feeling an image evokes.
Anne
I agree. This is so fabulous!!!!!!!
they seem to be getting better and better Andre. Excellent stuff.
Thank you to everyone that has visited and commented. And especially so for the User Awards - very much appreciated.
I was asked about post processing, and how much I do. I hail from the darkroom era, and post processing was an inherent aspect of photography. Hours would be spent in the darkroom, with maybe one or 2 prints resulting from an evenings session in the red light room. And afterwards little torn papers of various shapes could fill a bin, and dodging and burning at the printing stage was usually the order of the day, and an essential aspect to get the image looking presentable. That after you 'exposed for the shadows, and developed for the highlights' at the capture stage.
I cannot remember ever printing straight from the negative without reconsidering something that needed tweaking.
So here in the digital age post processing is the same. The camera still captures the image in a way that makes sense to its computer, and that is usually a reasonably flat image. Especiallt so much more in the RAW format (NEF for Nikon). I like that, because I do not require anything more to be done afa as the camera, other that getting the focus spot on. For me the digital images look grey, and quite soft quite. That bugged me initially, but now I am using that to my advantage, and I have less expectations afa the hardware capabilities. If this less-than-standard image lacks composition I chuck it. However, never mind the initial appearance, as long there is an acceptable composition, I proceed, comfortable in the knowledge that PS has replaced, and exceeded the capabilities of the darkroom.
In the case of Thomas's photos, I spent approximately 3 - 4 hrs burning and dodging each line in hiigh magnification. His face asked for this emphasis, and I feel that it worked well here, as I feel that it would have been an opportunity lost not to emphasise that one quality in his appearance that sets him apart. Painters can interpret subjects and landscapes in any fashion that they want, and we simply accept that as their creative freedom, so we as photographers should be able to do the same.
My post processing usually involves getting the image up to standard in the original colour file (levels, curves, perspective, crop, a little initial sharpening), and then I transfer to mono using the B&W setting of PS3. Then the slog starts, and the tools that I mostly use and selective doging and burning, curves (many times also selectively using the magic wand), selective red or other channel manipulation, and at the end a tweak on exposure and gamma.
I like a more dramatic effect, and therefore my prints are usually a bit dark.
Regards, Andre
outstanding photography. love how they both look away, almost like a formal pose. the b&w tonality alone is a pleasure to look at. Those UA's are more than deserved. congrats on the photography and thanks for sharing both the image and the information
Thanks for your comments, and for the UA, Phil.
PS....I noticed that I referred to the magic wand by mistake - this should have read lasso tool instead. Sorry
Thanks for the comments, and also to Michael for the UA. To be quite honest, I am completely blown away by the response that I have received on this photograph. I have learned so many lessons through this. None probably more important than realising the level appreciation and willingness to support that the epz members have extended. That solidifies my belief that epz remains a good medium to reach fellow enthusiasts and improves one's skill. Thanks for that. Regards, Andre
Dear Peter.
Gosh! - I feel like a kid in a candy store! Thank you so much for the EC. The response from the members have been so special. Don't know if it is the credit crunch, but a lot of us all seem to appreciate the emotional side of life at present. Which suits me just fine.
Please see my response immediately above this comment - this site has greatly assisted me in my persuit to produce better results.
Best wishes, Andre
A superb study, excellent work and congrats on the EC.
Colin
Dear Allie. Thanks for taking time out to leave your comment, and also for the UA. Then again, I am so snappy happy since I have gone digital - have another 8 or so images where the eys did not stare together.
I viewed your page, and My! - your skill with PS (?) is quite amazing, and your work is so indivudual and serene. Regards, Andre
just stunning ... a print to this fine gentleman me thinks ...i am sure he would love it ...
you get my award as soon as it is available ...
top class photography
Thank you, and also to Cole and Lisa for the UA's. I am trying to salvage one more image of Thomas that I might upload, however, not very impressive. I have found myself looking at 'colleagues' of Thomas that I have come across since my visit in Paris quite differently. Always thinking 'there might be a story there', and counting the lines on their face. I am sure that before too long I shall attempt something similar here in London. Regards, Andre
There's taking pictures and then there's capturing a moment, this is one of those. Timeless and touching, you can see his sole and feel the hardship, but also feel the companionship and loyalty between the two of them. True photography, well worthy of the attention and more.
Stewart
Quote: I have a lovely and touching image of this same dog staring trustingly and deeply into his master's eyes, but as it was getting quite dark, and I was shooting in available light, there was too much movement, and I shall not submit that, although it will remain a favourite for me.
I really would love to see that image.
Please upload it.
Superb manipulation about before that came the perfect composition. I'm glad your hard work has been recognised with a very worthy EC.
As Cole says above it would be lovely to see the other image. Would you consider uploading it as a version so you can share it with us even if it isn't up to your self imposed standards. Please
Penny
Thanks 'backbeat' for the UA. Your portfolio is simply amazing, and those EC's are out of this world. And Penny - to have the most visited Avatar visiting my page is great.
I shall have another look at the requested pic - really just a snapshot with oodles of movement.
Thanks for the continual comments - you have lifted my rather dark spirit of the last few months. So much so that I have been quite reckless and invested in a little blue box lying right here on my desk, and begging for attention. Photoshop 4 for Mac!
There goes the budget for Nov. So what!
Thanks Diana and Hi Neil! Thanks for the UA coming available, lol, Regards, Andre
Absolutely awesome. I can't really add much to what has been said above. Not only is this a technically superb photograph (at time of capture and during postprocessing), it is an incredibly powerful portrait - a window into Thomas' soul. Fantastic Andre, and many congratulations on the EC. Very deserved: your work is outstanding.
Geraint
Thanks Geraint. Your comments have always been very constructive. Andre
Quote: And Penny - to have the most visited Avatar visiting my page is great.
Well just fancy that, it's amazing what you find out by 'talking' to others on here If you keep doing so well your fingers are going to get really tired typing all the replies
Please keep the pictures coming.
Penny
Thank you for the fed back. Tommy, your comment is really appreciated, however, looking at your own superb and advanced PF makes me want to say the SAME. Your work is of the stuff that I aspire to! Quite amazing.
Thanks Cole - I did not know that and checked: Whalla - there it is! I have to get this news over to Thomas somehow.
..and a big thanks extended to the EPZ team. Can't tell you how happy this has made me.
Regards, Andre
Thank you for the UA Adam. Never thought something like that will be said about a pic of mine! Regards
So pleased with the POTW, it is so well deserved. Well done to Pete too it's a great choice.
Thanks for your UA Nic. Your last EC 'the glass man bw' was stunning, and your PF reeks of quality. Andre
This is a truely awe inspiring image. It's touching and very emotional. Good work.
-Leighton.
What a fantastic face. Well captured and well deserved of the votes
Jenni
One of the best portraits I've ever seen - so full of life, all the work you've put to this image, enhancing every line, every story - all worth while. Even though their eyes look sad and tired, they seem to draw comfort one from the other, and the far gaze hopefully means a better future. Wonderful in every way!
Congrats on the EC and POTW.
Ayelet
Thank you Ayelet. Admittedly, Thomas made life easy for me as his face is so characterful, and all that I had to do was enhance what was already there. However, the other side of Thomas, his life, I think, has been the driving force behind the recognition this image has received. And once again that was out of my hands, and I just had to write down a synopsis as I saw it.
Andre, I would've understood this image without the synopsis. It is that remarkable a shot, truly amazing. Raw, in more ways than one. And to read you spent 3-4 hours burning and dodging each line ... inspirational for this newborn to the digital room. Loved what you wrote in that message too and all your others. Thanks, Nicola
Thanks you kind people. The finger was a toss-up, but I decided to leave it there as it might assist to symbolise the bonding aspect. Would have liked to have more of the hand showing, but then the format would have changed to portrait, and I do everything landscape.
About the BEST I have ever seen on here - very well deserved,Sylv.
Awesome Andre. You are very talented. With that I include your ability to connect with people. Fantastic work.
Hendrik
Thank you for the lovely remarks, and Peter - I see no uploads on your page. Have you taken them down?
I simply live this picture and your attitude. It`s really hard to get this connection with homeless people, a from my experience they are kind of closed in their own world...
So I would say this picture definitely deserve more thatn just a Photo of the Week Title...
Hi Lady_Rhona, and welcome to EPZ. With some seriously good subscribers, the standard on EPZ is so high, and I can just count my blessisngs to have received so much support and recognition for Thomas 2. I think that he allowed me in because I approached him 2 hrs before without my camera, and then asked him if I can return to take pictures. This left him with the chance to get away if he wanted, and I think that he realised that and relented.
I notice in the newsletter that Thomas received top voted photo for October. Thank you for all the kind votes and comments. I'll celebrate with a bit of bubbly that was left over from Barack's win last Tuesday.
Wonderful portrait. Great detail and toning. A real keeper.
Caryl
Oh my greatness andre, die foto het belaglike detail!!!! dis uitstekend! UA well done! Is Thomas se uit en uit n fransman? sy naam klink darem so suid-afrikaans...Jitte jy is nou al van die beste in die business. WOW!!! Great pic
Dankie julle! Linda - that 1st upload on your PF is an amazing face. You should keep him wrapped in cotton wool! And Francois - still waiting for your 1st upload on epz.
Hi This is my first Post. An outstanding image, as a lover of Black & White I can really appreciate this image. You sure know what your doing. Fab shot.
Thanks Paul. Too few uploads since 2002. Come on! We need more mono contributors.
Hi, I'm working on it, hopefully you will see more images over the next few weeks and any comments or critique good or bad would be most appreciated. Regards Paul
This is pic has emotion, charater, and unbelievalble detail.
This is a pic I only dream about taking. It draws the viewer in to study every detail of the mans face and his companion.
You're very kind Mandi- thanks for the vote of confidence. Andre
abs. brill foto......love the grains..... so much life in his face..and no master here ...just 2 friends......keep it up chap A+++++++++++++++
Missed this originally but DaveU told me about it. So glad he did. There is so much character in that face, both faces in fact, and such a bond between the two that I couldn't take my eyes off it for ages. I literally had tears running down my face. The most evocative & emotional shot I can remember seeing.
Guess my retainer to DaveU is paying off! Thank you very much Roger. I shall find it hard to live up to this image of Thomas and his dog. On the brighter side - I have not been back to Paris to hunt him down in order to get the prints to him. So that is something that I am really looking forward to do. I am sure that he wil send them to his children. Regards, Andre
Not since "The Loner" have I seen something in black and white that is so dramatic and so emotionally challenging. The exageration of the textures that adds the emotion is a tribute to your incredible artistic talent. Good to see your work back in the public eye again.
Jonno! Great to see you on this site. You know - those negs I all lost! So have to start all over again. Many thanks for your kind words on this image. I have been a bit quiet on the upload side lately. Hopefull that will change. Lots of regards, Andre
I came across this image after the one you took 6 months further on of this same man...again it is highly commendable of you to have taken the time in order to get to know him, rather than just take a candid shot then move on? Absolutely stunning image too, worthy of all the votes and much more in the way of applause, excellent!
Geoff
Thanks Geoff. Sorry for the delay - I have not visited here for some time. Best, Andre
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