Street Portrait (for and of Luka Molto) #1, 2013
This was taken a week ago on Museum Street. Luka was minding his own business, checking out some antiques when I hassled him for a photograph. You can see why – what amazing style! He was a little unsure of me I think, but gave me the benefit of the doubt. I’m glad he did – I took three or four shots and this was the best (but I can’t decide whether in B&W or colour). Thanks very much, Luka! Hope you like your pictures.
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Meanwhile, Richard, my super-cool collaborator is still posting great, atmospheric shots of Cuba here!
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AND!!! I’ve just opened an Etsy shop called City Stories. You can visit it here.
The Future Is Papier Mâché 
Usually I prefer color but in this case I like the B & W very much Richard !
Thanks very much, Kathryn! Glad you like it.
The black and white photo is more powerful. Black and white seems to fit more with the man in the picture. Nice one!
Yes, I agree about it being more powerful, but I like the vulnerability in the colour shot. 🙂 Thanks very much, Cos!
I agree with you Richard, the colour has a lucent extra in it, more sensitive and strong that way
Colour, no, black and white, no , colour, no black and white…… can’t decide, both are great!
Ha, ha, thanks very much, Alison!
I can’t decide either. Certainly interesting he looks a little like a Steampunk Crocodile Dundee!
Yes, it was a great, detailed look – the coat extended to his sturdy boots. Hadn’t thought of Crocodile Dundee, but it’s the same hat isn’t it?
B/W is classic. Color is pretty, but a young collector of antiques who is dressed like this young man might like his portrait in B/W. Both are superb, of course. I really can’t decide which I personally like better.
Thanks so much, George. I’m really glad you like them. I think you’re right about Luka going for the B/W. Hopefully he’ll drop by and let us know.
Very well captured… 🙂
Thank you, Drake 🙂
The intensity of the black and white is difficult to beat. Although, the color is wonderful too:)
🙂 Thanks very much, Elena.
Love this portrait. While I normally prefer B&W – I actually think I prefer the color version of this (not sure why – need to think on that). Makes me think of Indiana Jones and Crocodile Dundee. 🙂
Thanks very much, Terry. 🙂 I’m still torn – despite what the majority think, I think the colour may stay the distance… Yes, Luka’s look is a great visual mash-up – definitely hints of both characters here.
Wow! What a rake! And in an instant I’m reminded of Rhett Butler! 🙂
🙂 Yes, Luka is drawing all kinds of iconic comparisons, but there’s definitely a bit of Rhett in there.
Richard, I love both. The black and white rocks a Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid vibe, I do believe. I’m now humming Bob Dylan’s tunes from the fabulous soundtrack. Gorgeous portraits!! T.
Oh, yes, that’s a great connection! Thanks very much, T! I shall have to dig that out…
I like the black and white in this case. A fine portrait.
Thanks very much, Shimon. I’m really glad you like it.
Great portrait – b/w wins for me, Richard! 🙂
Thanks very much, Richard! 🙂 I’m still torn. 🙂
Haha.. I guess the thing is that your b/w portraits are your style, and they fit with what you do. 🙂
Wow, I love his steampunk glasses!!!!
Yes, they’re great aren’t they – look like genuine brass.
I like the color one better. Both are nice, and I’m usually a B&W lover, but this time: color.
Thanks very much, Carissa. I’m still undecided – I like the vulnerability in the colour shot, but…
Wow … I can’t decide, both are great.
Thanks very much, Anette. Glad you like them.
in the colour one, his black eyes are so great!
Thanks very much, Inge!
What a great catch Richard but I love the B&W. The colour version is so crisp and clean, missing the implied desert dust of the B&W. Great fun shots!
Thanks very much, Patti! That’s a great description and a cool argument!
The B/W reminds me of a still from a movie – one involving time travel, underground chases, awesome adventures in search of some nebulous treasure and plenty of villains….
Ha, yes – I’d pay to watch that. Like the idea of nebulous treasure very much!
I think the colour is a great portrait where there is distinct Luka who has adopted a distinct style, and the b&w is a great portrait of Luka’s avatar.
That’s a great analysis/ description! Thanks very much, EllaDee. I’m still undecided and maybe that’s why.
I like the black and white, the colour one, for me, gives it a modern look, and I like how the black and white gives it a timeless look. He has a Crocodile Dundee, come Indiana Jones style, great look.
Thanks very much, Leanne. Yes, it’s a great look – I wonder which of these, Luka would choose.
This is such a great portrait, both versions work, imo. Arresting gaze, full of character and personality. One of my new favs!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I’m really glad you like them. Luka was a great subject, and very patient when I was trying to spell his name.
Luka, wow! How interesting! I want to hang out with him.
I like both the B&W as well as the color, he’s that damn timeless. I can see why you couldn’t decide, Richard. This is among your best!
Yes, I bet he’d be great to know.
Thanks very much, Alex – that’s a lovely thing to read!
You’re really fantastic with street portrait, this time you’ve hit a rather unusual style ! I like the B&W much, cause its enhance his gaze and the vintage look of his glasses.
Thanks very much, Guillaume – that’s a very nice compliment! Yes, Luka’s style is very cool and quite unique.
I think he looks like a cross between Indiana Jones and Crocodile Dundee.
Ooops! I just read the other comments and I see I’m not alone.
Yes, it seems to be the consensus. Definitely an adventurer of some sort.
Great portrait. I prefer the BW version.
Thanks very much, Cardinal. I’m sort of coming round to that view…
Muy buena Richard, creo que prefiero la BW, pero en color también me gusta jajajajajajaja
Thanks very much, Manoli! Yes, B/W seems to be the firm favourite 🙂
Oh, black and white! A timeless time traveller? This is fantastic.
Thanks so much, Karen! I heart time travellers!
Great shots, though I think I prefer the B&W though – it’s somehow moodier. He’s a sort of steam punk and Crocodile Dundee hybrid! Great look.
Yes, I agree – Luka was very much at home in his clothes too – not just dressing up. I really like the way steam punk is creeping into everyday life. It’s a very appealing aesthetic.
Oh definately b+w for me.. this portrait is so full of intrigue!
Yes, I’ve totally come round to the B+W now. Thanks very much, Cath!
Both styles have their ups and downs…looks like I have to agree with the consensus and vote Black & White in the end. Really love how it makes his steampunk googles pop!
Yes, I think so – two different photographs really. I’ve come round to the B&W, i think.
Hi, Richard. I have a LOT of catching up to do, I see. You continue to produce such amazing work. This shot is fantastic. The Black & White, in particular, grabs me. What a marvelous expression you captured.
Hi, Melanie. Thanks so much – that’s really nice of you. Yes, I think I can declare the B&W the winner in this case 🙂