Camera Man

Camera Man had asked me to take photos for a portrait his brother-in-law is going to paint of him. Here is a link to his work. He lives in France and he had taken photos when Camera Man had seen him during his orchid hunting trip recently- but was not happy with them. I was a little daunted as he is a cameraman and did work for the BBC as a freelancer so he knows a thing or too! He chose the position and gave me directions and he just sat so naturally.We went back to mine for me to process them, and I was less heavy handed with the contrast and highlight slider!  It was really hard to choose a favourite, but this was his favourite, with his wife's portrait and his clapper board. He was happy with them all and said he hadn't liked photos of himself since B&W ones in the 60's!! There is sadness in his face, his wife died a few years ago. But there are others here, along with views and poppy, with quite a range of expressions showing all the sides to his personality.
I also had fun taking the Amorpophallus Konjac, Voodoo Lily , bulb I gave them many years ago - his has grown larger than mine every year and this year it has not grown leaves but a phallic flower!! So envious! Mine just seem to produce more bulbs rather than putting on growth itself! You can see he is a great gardener from his orchid and gorgeously huge poppy that reminds me of a Fortuny dress.. 
So a fun day and more experience doing portraits! He wants to take mine in return - "Hell no!" was my response! I was happy with the wine, goats cheese, garlic and salt he gave me from France! I even got some potting on done this morning - but not as much as I intended - but another sunny day forecast so there is another day for me to potter and pot!