A Portrait of Mote, a photo from Maryland, South

Photographer's Note

University of Maryland President Dan Mote reflects on the past in his office. In his hands is photo taken at the memorial service on the McKeldin Mall on September 12, 2001, the day after WTC attack. It was the most memberable day he witnessed while at College Park.

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This is probably my favorite portrait that I've taken so far. It's always been difficult for me to take them. News and events is one thing, but forced to take a photo of one person and to do it creatively is infinately more difficult than street photography IMO. I was a little nervous going into this shoot because this is probably one of the more high profile figures I've photographed one on one. I wanted to do something different than a sit and smile shot, so I talked to him and had him show me the various objects around the room that mattered to him. When he picked up the photo and started to talk, I knew this was the shot. I took a few steps back and lined up the photo. As soon as I snapped the photo, I knew I had a keeper. I hope you guys like it as much as me.

chc, nygus, maciekda, Homerhomer, nerve, markoci heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

chc (1468) 2006-05-06 2:16

Hi Mark,
The academic atmosphere of the situation (Room+man) is nicely put in evidence. I like the light from the window. The idea of taking him with what he considers to be an important object is really good. A mix of melancholy, reflection and wisdom appears as a result. Well done. Christophe
PS: I've just discovered your gallery with this photo... great work

nygus (8178) 2006-05-06 2:29

very nicely shot, you are lucky to have that curtain-filter on the window

sengir (4956) 2006-05-06 4:35

hi Marc, very nice portrait, you're right that it's more difficult to take such shot.
Very good note I must add, really informative and useful.
Take care, and good luck with your new career!

Homerhomer (4080) 2006-05-07 0:39

I like it Mark, job well done. So many time you see the posed and fakes smiles, it's just so stiff and boring, like you aproach make the subject more natural and loose.
I would suggest cropping the burned out blinds on the right, it's a bit bothersome, on the other hand it would make the composition unbalanced. It would seem that the best would be for you to move a bit to the right while taking the photo to avoid some of the bright sun on the right.
Regardless it's a very good portait.
Peter

nerve (10231) 2006-05-12 1:26

a very good one,, i know it is stressing to shoot under those conditions..and i think you managed it quite well.. composition is very well thought and done too.
yes, this is a real keeper Mark.

markoci (3933) 2006-05-28 23:11

definitely top notch, you had some excellent light and this photo turned out very elegant.. agree portraits are sooo difficult.. just wondering were you alone with him for the shoot? (i often find it easier to photograph people while they're being intervied by someone, where i can be involved in the conversation but am just sort of staying in the background if you know what i mean...)

e30mike (312) 2006-08-29 19:59

Beautiful portrait, the natural sun from the window makes the lighting excellent, this shot just has a warm tone to it.

ebingul (1984) 2011-10-10 1:15

Hello Mark,
Nice photo with very good notes and soft light that you were able to get thanks to curtain filtering.
Very creative idea to photograph him in this pose.
Well done.
Best regards,
Emin Bingül