The "Original Blues Guy" [Contest Winner Picks October 2006]
Uploaded: October 04, 2006 12:12:06
1/50 at f/5.0; Lens 16-35; Focal Length 26; ISO 200
I was photographing a Tow Zone sign on Clark Street in Chicago when a voice startled me. "Pho-tog-raph-y!" the man bellowed, nearly making me jump into the street. I turned, and this fellow was staring at me. He pointed to the "Blues Chicago" night club just over his shoulder and proudly proclaimed he was "The Original Blues Guy." He told me he'd pose for some photos. As I shot, he said he hasn't played for a while because he lost his harmonica. I don't know if he ever played at all, but he was a great character. I gave him a few bucks, and we both went away happy.
R. M. Jenkins October 04, 2006
First, what a wonderful story! Second, it's amazing the people you meet when you have a camera in your hand. Just think... if you weren't photographing something you'd never would have met this interesting person... now, I wonder where his harmonica went? Third... the tones and b/w look amazing. #534196John Caruso October 04, 2006
R.M.-Mitch Spence October 23, 2006
Oh, I really love this one too. I've truly enjoyed wandering through your gallery. #3490469John Caruso October 23, 2006
Mitch--Thanks again for taking a look. I appreciate your kind words, and am glad you like the gallery. #3490650
Melissa G. Meiselman November 01, 2006
Amazing portrait with awesome conversion into black and white...terrific lighting and composition, John!!! #3532811John Caruso November 01, 2006
Thanks so much, Melissa. It was one of those that felt "right" the moment I pressed the release. #3533617Sibylle Basel November 01, 2006
Hi John!!John Caruso November 02, 2006
Sibylle--So good to hear from you again. I'm so pleased you liked it--and I think the story does add a certain something. Thanks for looking. #3537022
Vicki Hunt November 04, 2006
This really is wonderful! #3544893John Caruso November 06, 2006
Vicki--Thank you very much! I appreciate it. #3551820
Bob Cammarata November 20, 2006
Hello John,I think this is a true masterpiece of urban artistry.
The personality and style of this "Blues Guy" is immediately self-evident...even without the interesting story in the caption.
I applaud you for what will most likely be recognized among the winning photo entries for October.
Bob
#3609235
John Caruso November 20, 2006
Bob--You make me blush with your very kind and encouraging words. Thank you so much for taking a look and for your comments. #3609254
Brian Lobdell November 21, 2006
John, I agree with Bob and echo his sentiments! When I saw this there was an instant feeling of a "life" that was captured here. The black and white medium is overlooked so much of the time anymore - until we see a mesmerizing image like this. Truly a gallery exhibition piece! #3612392John Caruso November 21, 2006
Brian--I truly appreciate your comments. It certainly was one of those instances when it felt like all the planets just lined up and I was simply glad to have been there when it happened. #3612776
Colette M. Metcalf November 23, 2006
Congratulations, John!! #3621204Mitch Spence November 23, 2006
Very well deserved. Congratulations! #3621919John Caruso November 23, 2006
Thanks Colette and Mitch. I feel quite honored. #3622995Kenneth Mucke November 27, 2006
Congrats John on your well deserved winner #3636093Sylvia Rossler November 27, 2006
YOur favourite made it !! Big congrats on your win John :o) #3636391Kay E. Mahoney November 27, 2006
Congratulations on your second place winner. #3636627John Caruso November 27, 2006
Kenneth, Sylvia, and Kay--I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you so much. #3636655
Donna W. Neal November 27, 2006
Congratulations on your well deserved Winner John #3636739John Caruso November 27, 2006
Thanks, Donna. I'm still reeling. #3637326Holly Shao November 27, 2006
John, this is GREAT, and congratulations on your Win!! Love the details and the B&W tones.Holly #3637490
John Caruso November 27, 2006
Holly--I appreciate your comments. #3637634
Melissa G. Meiselman November 27, 2006
John, this is a fantastic street portrant and a most deserved win!! Congratulations!!! #3637803Janine Russell November 27, 2006
John, congratulations on your Second Place Winner! #3638157John Caruso November 27, 2006
Melissa--It's so nice to hear from you. Thanks for your well wishes! #3638516
John Caruso November 27, 2006
Janine--Thank you very much. #3638518
Sibylle Basel November 27, 2006
Hi John!Sibylle :o) #3639257
John Caruso November 27, 2006
Sibylle--It's so great to hear from you again. Thank you for your well wishes! I appreciate it very much. #3639375
Chris Budny November 28, 2006
John, congratulations on this fantastic win! Talk about story-telling in the photo! #3642183John Caruso November 28, 2006
Christopher--Thanks a lot! I appreciate your comments. #3642711
Donna La Mattino Pagakis November 28, 2006
Congratulations on your SECOND place win!! Excellent portrait, great story! #3644015John Caruso November 29, 2006
Thank you very much, Donna. #3645691Jimmy Bhogal November 30, 2006
Excellent work John ! Truly a winner in all respects ! A very strong Image!!!Regards- jimmy #3652811
John Caruso December 01, 2006
Jimmy--Thanks for your kind words. #3653617
Sherrye Nozaki December 16, 2006
Great story and Great photo! Very cool:) Congratulations. #3709079John Caruso December 16, 2006
Sherrye--Thanks for taking a look. I'm glad you liked it! #3710219
Debbie E. Payne January 02, 2007
John -- This is a great street shot! You have something that I admire - you've transformed that ability to interact with strangers into a fantastic shot! I aspire to be able to take shots of people but haven't gotten over that hump of approaching strangers to "ask for the shot". Any helpful tips? How lucky you were to have been approached.I have enjoyed your gallery. Found your site after reading your testimonial of Brenda's class which I enrolled in yesterday. #3771848
John Caruso January 02, 2007
Thanks, Debbie, for your feedback. As for approaching others, I'm still a bit on the shy side myself. As you said, it was lucky that I was the one being approached! As for helpful tips, I think the best one is to just be open and to smile. A smile goes a long way toward making others feel at ease. Thanks again! #3771893Jane M January 07, 2007
Apologies for the late congrats John (I missed the Oct winners). This is just so fantastic in it's originality. You have sucessfully given the viewer a real sense of his character through the whole comp and his expression. It's superb! #3793251John Caruso January 07, 2007
No apologies needed, Jane! I appreciate your comments very much. Thank you. #3793340Kate Jackson January 17, 2007
What a great opportunity came up for you John and you certainly didn't let it slip and came up with the goods! Belated congratulations! #3829143John Caruso January 17, 2007
Thank you very much, Kate. It's always a great feeling when things all fall into place so nicely. Thanks again! #3829738Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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