Thanks. :)

Hey, look who's here! And in great shape! Nice to hear from you!

I don't know about being in great shape, but I'm definitely here. :)

As a colorblind man, I'd say that this is orange. It makes me feel as if I'm in purgatory, trapped, but some hope of getting out.

Trapped (with no beer), but some hope of getting out (to the store and buying more). I guess one can say that is a form of purgatory. :)

fantastic dark image - love it

Thanks ArneG. Have not seen much of you since the old WS days. Yes, this image has a dirty and nefarious feel to it and it highlights a different aspect of money for me. Thanks for the comment.
Mark

Looks better on the dark background on 1x doesn't it? For a long time I've been producing a separate conversion just for Vazaar's white background.

A fav there, a fav here!!

Yup, definitely looks better on a black background, but hey, I'm not going to do more work for each venue! It's hard enough processing the images I have!
1x.com/photos/member/2396/19277/

Thanks Beamer.

Thanks elaine. And as the saying goes, "only in San Francisco!"

BTW, Mark, do we know either one of these gentlemen? I know you get a lot of visitors up there "only in San Francisco!"

The guy on the right is Clyde Beamer and the guy with the camera is Mal Smart.

Is it Mel, that's what I was wondering? BTW, that guy on the right is what I wish I looked like... You know, young, fit and well...

Not Mel, MAL. And your wife remembers you the way you describe, no matter what you look like today...!

Love the expression. Looks like he's never seen that much money before!

Thanks Heath, yup it seems like he owns the world, doesn't it?

Fantastic expressive lighting,- yeah, and the world needs money, doesn't it..!?!

Money, damn money! What would we do if there were no money or its equivalent? Interesting question...

You've 'caught' her beautifully...and his inquisitiveness! ;o)

Mark,

Great work on this one - very special. By the way, do you know Thomas Hawke? Just curious.

Best,
Jon

Thank you lolly. Jon, my apologies for taking three months to respond, but candidly, I do not stop here too often anymore. I do not know who Thomas Hawke is. Do I owe him money? ;-)

Great candid shot

I really like this one. I don't really think that it looks unnatural at all. This is the way that she was laying and it is how you captured her. Uncomfortable, maybe, but nonetheless, I think it is a fantastic shot.

I like how intriguing this photo is.

I've ready through a lot of the comments and I kind of agree but I kind of like the out-of-the-norm element you have going! I think I'm going to be the only one but to me, I don't think she looks as tense but like you caught her in motion. Her facial expression does make her appear a little uncomfortable but she's child. We love an facial expression they give! Her hair is caught under her face as well as the side of the ottoman so it doesn't look completely unnatural. I kind of like it!

I think the hues and tones here are excellent! And I like the white/khaki with the black.

The only thing that does get my attention is the extra space around her. Since she does seem a little off center, it makes my eyes think there is more space than what there really is. I would have cropped at the top a bit and on the right side.

I know what you mean by photographing family! I take pictures of my nephews and they squirm and squirm and squirm because they think Aunt Steph is there to play!!

Well done photo! Can't wait to see what you capture with her next time!

Wow, never thought this photo would get this kind of attention. Interesting take & comments from everyone. Thank you all!

I'm disappointed that I haven't had the time to try again and incorporate the suggestions, but I keep coming back to this photo of her. The little Mona Lisa Smile puts a grin on my face!

Great frame and nice technique.

Enhorabuena por esta fotografía, la mirada de este hombre expresa una emoción muy fuerte, que usted ha sabido captar y tramistir con su cámara.
Felicidades. Saludos

Wonderful portrait. Very gripping!

Thank you both for the complimentary comments.

Excellent portrait!!!!

Thanks much David.

good view!

I love this, brilliant image.

Thanks very much.

Martine and Jon, thanks so much for your comments. This was taken at this year's Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan Center San Francisco. This elegant hand belongs to the most senior of the tea servers.

what a beautiful shot !
I really like the atmosphere you captured with this one. and the tone is perfect.
great composition.

Thanks Ingrid for your comment. My favorite aspect of this image is the drop on the ladle.

I must confess, I fell in love with this one at first view. this picture gives me a special sensation of calm and elegance.

Thank you calisto. The woman who owns these hands and the skill to do the tea ceremony is more elegant than I can portray in an image.