Josh

[James Lemon]

 

[Tom Dinning]

Good looking bloke, James.

 

[Asher Kelman]

This is very interesting to me. Always dramatic to have a person in the act of being revealed! Sometimes it's a woman with half her face showing from behind a headscarf or a child peeping between posts in a fence.!

A simple and effective setup, so fresh and alive!

Asher

 

[James Lemon]

Good looking bloke, James.

This is very interesting to me. Always dramatic to have a person in the act of being revealed! Sometimes it's a woman with half her face showing from behind a headscarf or a child peeping between posts in a fence.!

A simple and effective setup, so fresh and alive!

Asher

Tom, Asher

A group of us were out and about in the Hollywood Hills last December, we were exploring a rooftop in this case and Josh was willing to entertain one of my strange concepts for a photo.

James

 

[Charlotte Thompson]

James

From a woman's pov It could be a photo from the movie Fifty Shades of Grey- Gorgeous catch, gorgeous guy!

Charlotte-

 

[James Lemon]

James

From a woman's pov It could be a photo from the movie Fifty Shades of Grey- Gorgeous catch, gorgeous guy!

Charlotte-

Hello

It's nice to have a woman's perspective! I have heard about this movie but have not seen it.

James

 

[Robert Watcher]

Besides being a good portrait, what really grabs my attention is the dynamics that are created by the horizontal panel of the door - cutting diagonally through the frame right to the subjects face. Attention where it needs to go and the door is not a distraction. Very nice.

 

[Tom Dinning]

James

From a woman's pov It could be a photo from the movie Fifty Shades of Grey- Gorgeous catch, gorgeous guy!

Charlotte-

Your royal highness,
Men can also appreciate the beauty and sexiness in other men. Most simply choose not to openly admit to it. I must admit to my attraction to good looking men but my choice of gray would be to turn the lights down low and while he's not looking, sneak out of the bedroom and leave him to himself.
It's number 7 in '50 Shades of Gray for Men'.

 

[James Lemon]

Besides being a good portrait, what really grabs my attention is the dynamics that are created by the horizontal panel of the door - cutting diagonally through the frame right to the subjects face. Attention where it needs to go and the door is not a distraction. Very nice.

Hi Robert

Much appreciated feedback ! The door also helped with exposure by not having the side of his face
revealed.

James

 

[Lee Tracy]

I think having a portrait like this, while it doesn't conceal any part of the person's face, it does speak to those parts we prefer to keep hidden. There is a feeling of only revealing what the person wants us to see, while keeping part of themselves hidden from view.

And here is another woman's perspective on 50 Shades - it is appallingly badly written (ex-glittery vampire fan fiction) dreck that glorifies abuse under the guise of BDSM while knowing next to nothing about the practice.

 

[James Lemon]

I think having a portrait like this, while it doesn't conceal any part of the person's face, it does speak to those parts we prefer to keep hidden. There is a feeling of only revealing what the person wants us to see, while keeping part of themselves hidden from view.

And here is another woman's perspective on 50 Shades - it is appallingly badly written (ex-glittery vampire fan fiction) dreck that glorifies abuse under the guise of BDSM while knowing next to nothing about the practice.

Hi Lee

Thanks for your input! I have only seen advertisements for the movie but have not had any intention on seeing it, so I will take your word for it.

James

 

[fahim mohammed]

James...once again you demonstrate the virtues of simplicity in an image that makes it enchanting by
The composition. Simple and powerful.

Nothing more is needed.

 

[James Lemon]

James...once again you demonstrate the virtues of simplicity in an image that makes it enchanting by
The composition. Simple and powerful.

Nothing more is needed.

Thank you Fahim...glad you like it!

James

 

[Asher Kelman]

I think having a portrait like this, while it doesn't conceal any part of the person's face, it does speak to those parts we prefer to keep hidden. There is a feeling of only revealing what the person wants us to see, while keeping part of themselves hidden from view.

And here is another woman's perspective on 50 Shades - it is appallingly badly written (ex-glittery vampire fan fiction) dreck that glorifies abuse under the guise of BDSM while knowing next to nothing about the practice.

Lee,

I've read this over and over and rested, had a PG tips tea and still I do not think I grasp the meaning.
What is a "woman's perspective of 50 shades"? I doubt most of us can pick out 50 shades of anything! We certainly can't say this is shade # 32 as opposed to 31 or 30!

Also what is BDSM?

Asher

 

[Lee Tracy]

ok after I recover from my 'are you serious' moment I decided you must be.

BDSM - Acronym for Bondage, Domination, Sadism and Masochism

50 Shades - 50 Shades of Grey by E. L. James- book, later made into a movie, started off as fan-fiction of Twilight by Stephanie Meyers (books then movies featuring teenage sparkling vampires) but was changed into stand-alone fiction. The main character, Anastasia Steele meets businessman Christian Grey who - depending on who you ask - is either a very erotic BDSM specialist with a bedroom technique second to none or a manipulative, sadist abuser. There are those who view the books as nothing more than glorifying abusive relationships and there was a huge campaign to get people to boycott the movie and donate the price of their ticket(s) to a women's shelter of their choice.

 

[Charlotte Thompson]

How did this turn out to be about bashing a book/movie anyway ? The photo is Josh" reminding me of the movie "reminding me of the movie" The grey color of the photo the young male looking through a door is exceptional catch-

Charlotte-

 

[Lee Tracy]

How did this turn out to be about bashing a book/movie anyway ? The photo is Josh" reminding me of the movie "reminding me of the movie" The grey color of the photo the young male looking through a door is exceptional catch-

Charlotte-

hmm IMHO because the comparison is unfair to both the photo and the subject of it. For you it is a pleasant association, but for me it is a highly unpleasant one and that position needed a small explanation.

 

[Asher Kelman]

ok after I recover from my 'are you serious' moment I decided you must be.

BDSM - Acronym for Bondage, Domination, Sadism and Masochism

50 Shades - 50 Shades of Grey by E. L. James- book, later made into a movie, started off as fan-fiction of Twilight by Stephanie Meyers (books then movies featuring teenage sparkling vampires) but was changed into stand-alone fiction. The main character, Anastasia Steele meets businessman Christian Grey who - depending on who you ask - is either a very erotic BDSM specialist with a bedroom technique second to none or a manipulative, sadist abuser. There are those who view the books as nothing more than glorifying abusive relationships and there was a huge campaign to get people to boycott the movie and donate the price of their ticket(s) to a women's shelter of their choice.

I'm so well educated in the little I know that I'm entirely comfortable in admitting ignorance in everything else. I was going to quip that SM might be related to deviant behavior, but feared, it would be some insult to correctness!

All this is so beyond me. I do not watch plays about vampires. Doubtless one can frame situations in that drama to be fascinating, but I have not gotten into them ever!

Still, I do like the language and drama of the comment on "Christian Grey who - depending on who you ask - is either a very erotic BDSM specialist with a bedroom technique second to none or a manipulative, sadist abuser" and even more, "There are those who view the books as nothing more than glorifying abusive relationships and there was a huge campaign to get people to boycott the movie and donate the price of their ticket(s) to a women's shelter of their choice."

The description of the "seducer" is fabulous for his style, but I'd go for putting the money towards the victims of abuse!


Asher

 

[Charlotte Thompson]

Again This is a charming photo of Josh" Not a film critics corner- If you didn't like the book/movie cool..whatever…rants against the movie belong in Rants against Movies" which OPF does not have a forum for. It's about the photo! And as far as my "unfair" comparison I immediately saw the Photo as a "film/art comparison

Charlotte-

 

[Asher Kelman]

I think having a portrait like this, while it doesn't conceal any part of the person's face, it does speak to those parts we prefer to keep hidden. There is a feeling of only revealing what the person wants us to see, while keeping part of themselves hidden from view.

And here is another woman's perspective on 50 Shades - it is appallingly badly written (ex-glittery vampire fan fiction) dreck that glorifies abuse under the guise of BDSM while knowing next to nothing about the practice.

I am troubled by you bringing a cartload of negativity to this picture, first implying some dark side to the image - "There is a feeling of only revealing what the person wants us to see, while keeping part of themselves hidden from view." (which is for sure nowhere encoded in this work), and secondly dismissing Charlotte's reference to this shades of Grey" movie, without respecting her enough to address such comments directly to her.

This picture is actually fun and in addition, so well composed, (technically executed to a high standard) and so original, that even pompous Henri L. Bresson would, (likely as not), pause to pay tribute! I'm impressed by your mastery of language and invective, but where on earth is any iota of respect for this work of James Lemon as something to be simply enjoyed? Or does this part of the picture not reach you?

I simply want to bring about the best in the work here.

Asher

 

[Lee Tracy]

I am troubled by you bringing a cartload of negativity to this picture, first implying some dark side to the image - "There is a feeling of only revealing what the person wants us to see, while keeping part of themselves hidden from view." (which is for sure nowhere encoded in this work), and secondly dismissing Charlotte's reference to this shades of Grey" movie, without respecting her enough to address such comments directly to her.

This picture is actually fun and in addition, so well composed, (technically executed to a high standard) and so original, that even pompous Henri L. Bresson would, (likely as not), pause to pay tribute! I'm impressed by your mastery of language and invective, but where on earth is any iota of respect for this work of James Lemon as something to be simply enjoyed? Or does this part of the picture not reach you?

I simply want to bring about the best in the work here.

Asher

I truly fail to see how you connect the dots in this unwarranted attack Asher.

How does my opinion about these kinds of portraits in which the subject is partially hidden give any clue I didn't enjoy this photo, or are we merely supposed to say 'nice photo' and have no other thoughts or opinions? I'm guessing the latter given the response here.

I further fail to see how my objection to likening it to 50 Shades (reasons laid out above)(and which IS bringing in very negative associations) is an indication of dissing Charlotte, or dissing the image. If I wanted to make a fight with Charlotte (which I don't) I would have addressed her directly. I respect her opinion enough to merely state my thoughts AS AN ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE without feeling the need to attack her or her thoughts in the process.

So, because there appears to be a misunderstanding here of vast proportions - let me be clear, in simple language - this is a wonderful image. It is my opinion that these types of portraits (where part of the subject is obscured in some way by a door, wall or other means) speaks to the part we all want to keep hidden, that it visually illustrates the fact that we all have a public face and a private face, parts we show the world and parts we keep private. It is more 'truthful' in a way than a portrait that claims to be 'warts and all', and in that this portrait succeeds admirably. Here is a presentable good-looking man, that shows his 'best' face to the world, and yet there is a hint, in the partially closed door that there is something 'behind closed doors'. There is a metaphor, a deeper reading / interpretation in the image than just 'face value' and that makes it more interesting.

And I still entirely fail to see how stating that is in anyway failing to appreciate the image. However if you only want a facile 'this is nice' then there you go - this is nice.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Lee,

I appreciate your quick response, as it allows the air to clear. You may not have intended to be dismissive of Charlotte, but I assure you, that's the reading your words allow most obviously. ?

Permit me to state, for the record, my hard-earned insight into what makes one able to be open about other folks creative work.

In any critique, establish the realm of appreciation in an honest but sufficient manner, not merely, "the nice picture" allowance to gain license. Then, from a basis of such courtesy and sensitivity, one can point out deficiencies or darker aspects as you find fit. Also, by investing in succinct but meaningful positive feedback, where it's truly merited, one establishes one's level of "opinionating" to be valued so highly that anything far less positive is acceptable from that same loved and respected source.

Being super-intelligent and commanding language so well, it could be that your mind races ahead and the niceties of process and procedure might get skipped, unintentionally.

Dumb folk don't ever make such mistakes as they are so intent to please and be accepted!

Here you have all the tools to give your best!

Thanks for your efforts!

Asher

 

[Lee Tracy]

I only post for two reasons - I liked it enough to have an opinion and / or I liked it enough to care if could be better. If I don't like something I stay quiet. So if I post ipso facto I liked it.

I also say what I mean and mean what I say so any attempt to read other things into my words is likely to not be accurate.

If I have issue with anyone I say so very clearly and unmistakably.

 

[Asher Kelman]

I only post for two reasons - I liked it enough to have an opinion and / or I liked it enough to care if could be better. If I don't like something I stay quiet. So if I post ipso facto I liked it.

I also say what I mean and mean what I say so any attempt to read other things into my words is likely to not be accurate.

If I have issue with anyone I say so very clearly and unmistakably.

Lee,

All that is understood and that is why I have taken the time to respond. There are no "attempts" to extract meaning you don't intend. Rather, you have allowed the obvious interpretations to be easily felt in normal reading. It's that simple.

I knew Charlotte would be offended and my assessment was indeed correct! Forgive me, Lee, as I do not want to belabor the point! If you reread my comments, you should be able to concede that you did not set up your remarks in an unambiguous manner. Certainly, there's no one here with a better command of language and if you're open about the matter, what you intend in writing so succinctly, may not be read by others as such if you leave out signals that other folk need to guide them better.

Your mind is quick. Just allow for others to get orientated to what you want to say and be a tad more cautious perhaps in the way you deliver your thoughts. Investment in the extra words that clarify intent now, means that in the future, you will have so much credit that your past action will always be the guide color your noble intent.

Anyway, that's how I try to work.

Asher

 

[Tom Dinning]

I wonder if Josh was expecting such a group to welcome him when he opened the door.
Maybe the partial opening was as a defense against some threat from within. Even his smile is hesitant, with an element of surprise with the response from the welcome party.
Firstly, he probably didn't know he was so ... sexy? He's just an ordinary bloke after all. He hasn't read 50 Shades of Gray either. Most blokes haven't, although he was amused that Asher hadn't heard of it. But he did find it amusing that he should be mentioned in that context. Most blokes would.
While he was being welcomed by those at the front of the pack, he was wondering what the rattling was at the back of the crowd. Probably a couple discussing unrelated issues or finishing off an argument they had started some time back before he rudely interrupted them by knocking at the door. He's probably not overly concerned. His friends are often bickering about something or other.
He wishes he had a camera, like the bloke at the front did, shoving it in his face and asking him to smile. Imaging the scene we would see. His mate with the camera smiling joyfully, me standing close to the front looking him up and down like a side of beef in a butchers, wondering if he's gay, Charlotte fighting for a better look, Lee discussing something deep and meaningful with Asher, who is being his usual conciliatory self and annoying the **** outa Lee who thinks Asher isn't listening. James has noticed the paintwork on the door and suggests it needs repainting, Fahim is wondering what the fuss is all about, Doug has done a quick calculation to determine Josh's gravitational effect on the tides and a rather large crowd, first unnoticed by Josh until his eyes accommodated, who have totally ignored is entry and continue with their own private discussion.
Business as usual at OPF