Comment from nikman
A good looking entry into the competition posted here together with interesting notes. Your fine and full composition offers us a good view of that old man, seemingly contemplating something? Exposure and sharpness are good. Well done and good luck!

 Comment Written 22-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2023

Thank you so much - what he was contemplating? I have no idea :-)

Comment from CREZart
One of the best portrait shots I have seen. Mighty fine looking gentleman for 96 years of age. I like your composition and presentation of the subject. Of course, all the basic elements of focus, lighting etc. are excellent.

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Jan-2023

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your great review.

Comment from JirinaInspire
Deeply touching photograph of this old man that is outliving all his neighbors.
Excellent details and description of the lifestyle in his area. The black and white presentation is is suitable for the content as well.
Best of luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Jan-2023

Thank you so much, the houses there are very dark inside, I was so relieved that the photo came out as well as it did.

reply by JirinaInspire on 23-Jan-2023

So very much welcome.

Comment from Glena Jessee-King
This is a beautiful capture in black and white including the old gentleman and his clothing of white and stripes, the hat, and the background. I really enjoyed your creative and thoughtful info, narrative as well.

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Jan-2023

Thank you Glena, it?s such an interesting place, I could talk about it for hours - but don?t worry I won?t! Lol

reply by Glena Jessee-King on 23-Jan-2023

Welcome. How cute. I know what you mean, it sounds so interesting, and your work here is so memorable, fine.

Comment from Jodi Kay
Fantastic image. The details and your focus are excellent. Framed perfectly and you did an amazing job with your whites. This is top-notch photography. EXCELLENT job.

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Jan-2023

Jodi, thank you! I was so pleased it didn?t come out all blurry, the houses are so dark with tiny little windows, and I didn?t feel it was the sort of situation where I could whisk my tripod out!
I really appreciate your lovely review.

Comment from alaskapat
The story is amazing , it truly is ! This must have been an incredible experience!
This is a wonderful entry for this contest, the man looks to be so kind and gracious.he looks fantastic for being 96 years old. I would love to know his secret .
Well photographed Charolette, with spot on focus, this image is sharp and clear, exposure is perfect, I see good tones in the black and white rendering.I like his placement within this frame and his pose with his hands together fingers touching fingers.
Well composed and presented! Best wishes to you in this contest! I gotta ask, how was the coffee?

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Jan-2023

As a child I had a huge hand-painted map of Madagascar hanging on my bedroom wall, and all my life I desperately wanted to see it, meet people from the different groups, the tribal names I'd leant by heart as a child.
In 2010 I finally made it!
During my 6 week visit, I set up a brand-new business importing their beautiful hand-made marquetry boxes into the UK. I had been going every year since, until Covid of course!

So in a very long winded reply to your question, yes it was an incredible experience! LOL

Thanks for your great review Pat - oh and you can tell me to shut-up, if you like! :-)

Oh, P.S. Strong!

reply by alaskapat on 21-Jan-2023

Wow, this is so interesting and amazing ! Good for you! I think you need to post a photo of one of the boxes if you can!
I love strong coffee!

reply by the author on 22-Jan-2023

I?ll give it a go, I?m not very good on that sort of shot, give me a lovely old wrinkled face any day! But I?ll certainly try.
Well if you?re ever in Madagascar you know where to go! :-)

Comment from Ray Gordon
This is a beautiful picture of a wonderful man. He looks like a man of many stories. This shot came out so good and the story is amazing. Thank you for sharing this. Ray

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Jan-2023

My pleasure Ray, thank you for your lovely review:-)

reply by Ray Gordon on 22-Jan-2023

You are very welcome, Ray

Comment from MKFlood
Nice capture. The angle of the shot of this gentleman is great. The clarity is great. The capture of the light is great. The presentation is balance and eye interesting to the viewer. Good eye and great job overall.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Jan-2023

Thank you so much for your review