Fishing portrait

Mike McCarty · 02-13-2005, 11:12 PM

I decided to dust off my rod and reel and go fishing today. Of course I always have my camera around my neck, or nearby just in case I happen across some bit of shameless commerce. I was mostly just getting some sun and casting into the bay when I was joined by a young man and his fly rod. As he jumped off into the water I asked if I could photograph him and he said sure.

Leaping at the chance I took a fist full of pictures. I love the vision of a fly fisherman. His mother was watching from their car. I approached and gave her my card and said that if she would visit my web site and e-mail me I would send her some nice pictures of her son. She jumped at the opportunity and became very interested in my portrait work. We talked for quite a while and she indicated that she and her husband purchased art and may be interested in a painting of her son. Although I got verbal permission to use the photos I'll not post the smiling close up. I've heard these mutterings before, but maybe I'll get lucky.

I think the trout would make a nice portrait.

Chris Saper · 02-14-2005, 12:23 AM

You have a great opportunity to go back in and set up some terrific poses!

Garth Herrick · 02-14-2005, 12:36 AM

Mike,

That's wonderful light you caught on that figure. This one should paint itself for you. I wish you the best with this opportunity.

Garth

Mike McCarty · 02-14-2005, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Carpe ( carp?) Diem

Indeed

Fillet the day, poach the moment, and almondine your Honey. It's almost Valentines day!

Mike McCarty · 02-14-2005, 12:57 AM

Thanks Garth,

The piece of property that I want to own is just underneath that hammock in the background. This Osprey was just out of the picture above and a little far for my lens. I was told, and I could barely see, that his nest was lower in that same tree. They build a large nest with big sticks. There are also a type of multicolored Parrot that are constantly flying overhead and always making a loud fuss.

Mike McCarty · 04-29-2005, 10:33 AM

Patricia's recent adventure at the rib joint reminded me of this episode so I thought I'd give an update.

I took the above images back in December. About two weeks ago I got an e-mail from the mother indicating that she and her husband would be back in Sarasota soon and they would like to meet with me and thank me for the photos of their son that I had e-mailed to them.

I met them at Sam Snead's nice restaurant and they bought my dinner and we had a nice talk about art and doctoring (the husband is a radiologist). They ask me if I had gotten around to doing the painting of their son. No, I said, but since it was such a compelling image I was sure that I would get around to it some day.

There continued interest makes me think sooner rather than later. Not really a commission, but I've taken longer shots.

The husband being a radiologist brought the following image to mind. I quickly e-mailed him a copy of it and talked it up. My thinking is that if you can get people excited about what is possible they may begin to see themselves in a painting. I also encouraged him to check out all the masterful paintings on Daniel Greene's web site. If he can afford them fine, if not maybe a cheap substitute will come to mind.

Keep your bait in the water.