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The Original Blues Guy

BetterPhoto.com All Time Best Photo Contest Editor's Pick

BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest SECOND PLACE Winner

The "Original Blues Guy"
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.

John Caruso

R. M. Jenkins

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.

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October 04, 2006

John Caruso

R.M.-
Thanks so much for your comments. I agree that having a camera in hand really gives us myriad opportunities. This guy was a real hoot. I got so many great shots of him, it was hard to pick just one. As an aside, his fingers were splayed like that because, at that moment, he was playing air guitar while posing.

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October 04, 2006

- Mitch Spence

BetterPhoto Member

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Mitch Spence's Gallery

Oh, I really love this one too. I've truly enjoyed wandering through your gallery.

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October 23, 2006

John Caruso

Mitch--

Thanks again for taking a look. I appreciate your kind words, and am glad you like the gallery.

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October 23, 2006

Melissa G. Meiselman

Amazing portrait with awesome conversion into black and white...terrific lighting and composition, John!!!

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November 01, 2006

John Caruso

Thanks so much, Melissa. It was one of those that felt "right" the moment I pressed the release.

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November 01, 2006

- Sibylle Basel

BetterPhoto Member

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Sibylle Basel's Gallery

Hi John!!
Great, Great shot! And I love the story behind it. It is amazing the people you meet. I love this shot!
I hope all has been well with you.
Sibylle :o)

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November 01, 2006

John Caruso

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.

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November 02, 2006

Vicki Hunt

This really is wonderful!

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November 04, 2006

John Caruso

Vicki--

Thank you very much! I appreciate it.

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November 06, 2006

Bob Cammarata

Hello John,
I came across this photo on Sharon D.'s thread of October hopefulls.

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

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November 20, 2006

John Caruso

Bob--

You make me blush with your very kind and encouraging words. Thank you so much for taking a look and for your comments.

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November 20, 2006

Brian Lobdell

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!

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November 21, 2006

John Caruso

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.

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November 21, 2006

Colette M. Metcalf

Congratulations, John!!

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November 23, 2006

- Mitch Spence

BetterPhoto Member

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Mitch Spence's Gallery

Very well deserved. Congratulations!

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November 23, 2006

John Caruso

Thanks Colette and Mitch. I feel quite honored.

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November 23, 2006

Kenneth Mucke

Congrats John on your well deserved winner