Old Man, by Patrick Hickey:

How DPNow Pictures of the Day are selected

Old Man, by Patrick Hickey:

Click image to see a larger view in Patrick's gallery.

Patrick Hickey is another firm favourite on the DPNow discussion forum and photo galleries. And today's featured Picture of the Day (POTD) just underlines why. I can only urge you to click on the small rendition above to reveal the larger size version, in all its glory.

Patrick had a bit of a job to get this one, as he explains: "I saw him and pointed the camera in his direction only to find my card was full, he watched me then walked away, I said I would catch him up as he past and I got another up down look.

" Well I thought my chance had gone, but half an hour later there he was sat by one of the refreshment tents having a cuppa. I had the 80-400 Sigma on the camera and shot this at about 200mm f6.8 1/250 400ISO. I shot five frames all a bit boring and then he turned his head with that slight suggestion of a smile and twinkle in the eye, and I got it before he turned away again.

"A little work was done in Photoshop, tiding up the background, contrast control, a touch of sharpening, that sort of thing. Every one that sees it says WOW but it has failed to inspire judges in exhibition, but then what do judges know (lol)."

A Canon EOS-10D was used to capture this and today, of course, Canon today nounced the third generation replacement since the 10D, the 40D, no less. But just enjoy the quality that Patrick has achieved with his 'ancient' 10D - one almost wonders with pictures like this if we really need better cameras every year after all.

A little about the photographer

Patrick started photography way back in 1959 as a teenager, but lost interest between 1966 and 1972. "I then started again on the purchase of a second hand M10 developing, and printing both B-W & Colour. Went on to own 2 x OM1's then a second hand Bronica, moving to twin lens Mamiyas. I had three at one time and a set of 4 lenses from 50mm to 250mm. Went totally digital when I bought an Olympus C-2000 when it was first launched, then a C-2500 and moved on to a Olympus E10 and currently using a Canon 10D until I purchase the new 40D. Prints are my real interest with a special soft spot for Mono."

Patrick is also a very keen photography club member and wrote an article about photo clubs for DPNow last year.

Visit Patrick's gallery to see a wide selection of his excellent photography.

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DPNow Picture of the day, Monday, August 20th 2007

DPNow DPNow Picture of the day, Monday, August 20th 2007
Patrick Hickey's portrait, taken outdoords during a steam rally, is exceptionally true to life and h... (more)

Stephen Re: DPNow Picture of the day, Monday, August 20th 2007
Nice one Patrick. I suppose the judges don't like it because of the cropped head or something equa... (more)

Ian Re: DPNow Picture of the day, Monday, August 20th 2007
I reckon the judges are intimidated by the subject :D Or do they prefer portraits of young women i... (more)

lumix Re: DPNow Picture of the day, Monday, August 20th 2007
Well this is one of the best POTD shots selected so far. I like every thing about this image. Well w... (more)

Pol Re: DPNow Picture of the day, Monday, August 20th 2007
A wonderful shot, Patrick. I know exactly what Stephen means when he mentions the eye contact fr... (more)

Ian Re: DPNow Picture of the day, Monday, August 20th 2007
Stephen's favourite is the one with chap on his smokey steam engine *LOL Ian... (more)

Stephen Re: DPNow Picture of the day, Monday, August 20th 2007
Indeed I do :)... (more)