Old Warrior

Today's photo safari to me to visit an old friend, Byron Van Zant. Owner of V&V Leathers in Vernonia, OR Byron & his wife, Debbie hold on to their dream to run a mom & pop business, to live the life they choose rather than work for the man. Byron is a talented leather-smith. He was hand stitching a replica of a Poney Express bag when I came to the shop. I'm posting ywo compositions of the same shot. Let me know which one works better for you.

Let me start by saying I'm no expert, but I like the second one better. It brings more attention to his eyes and the life they have in them. The first, to me, is a bit uncomfortable around the crop of his left arm.

Hi Bob, the second crop works best for me, the crop of the first shot through his elbow bothers me.

What a great person to photograph, lot of character comes through in the picture.

I like both for different reasons. The second for the reasons others have pointed out, but the first places him in his surroundings and tells more of a tale. What a great character he looks.

xx

He is quite a character. He stopped what he was doing to go out with me and sit for this shot. He's a former Intel Corp. engineer, a brilliant man. He loves motorcycles and motorcycle people. I get lots of hugs from his wife, Debbie when I walk through the door. My next trip there I need to get a portrait of both of them as Debbie said they don't have one. She's as much of a character as Byron. Thanks for the input. I like both for different reasons as well.

Number two is my personal preference Bob. Cracking shots by the way.