An Angel, a photo from Ontario, Central

Photographer's Note

Since there is no category "Angels" in the "Genre" field, I have to make do with the "People" one. I just wanted to upload something unlike yesterday's sleazy Santa Claus for this Christmas. Something spiritual, or whatever I may find that had a spiritual significance for me. This boy, whom I had never seen before or since that fleeting moment, does. He was accompanying his mother to a cafe one spring Sunday. When I saw him, his kind, gentle features, a host of Renaissance depictions of angels came to mind. He was at quite a distance from me yet didn't seem to mind that I pulled out my camera; when I smiled and pointed to my Nikon, questioning him silently, he didn't move, he just smiled back.

He was just a boy. But to me, he was an angel, an emissary of light with a message not to fear.

"... they were terrified. But the Angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'"
(from the Gospel according to Luke)

Wishing you all, dear friends, beautiful holidays--Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or whatever you may celebrate; to me, it is Christmas. May we all find peace within, the peace of which we are made.

coco, Angelillo, KevRyan, brevbrev14, pgorod, nwoehnl, luisafonso, SamB, sabyasachi1212, MikiM, sunrise ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

vapours (8264) 2006-12-23 20:07

The first thing that strikes me about this image is the brilliant orange, and then just the flawless quality of the whole image. Its a natural pose from the boy, nothing forced, and you still see a slight cheeky grin on him.

mrbialy (2568) 2006-12-23 20:42

very oryginal and strange photo, I like colours and idea of that photo, good work

Galeota (10352) 2006-12-24 3:08

So, Merry Christmas to you Sasa, with the hope that no less than ALL your dreams shall be fulfilled in the year to come. Best!

jinju (14265) 2006-12-24 4:00

He looks like Frodo:)

Sorry to be a bit unserious but he does:) The photo is really good. Starting with the boy's angellic face and ending with those awesome colors.

Merry Christmas Sasa

Angelillo (9374) 2006-12-24 4:04

Hi Sasa,

Wonderful note an terrific shot. The orange background is perfect for this portrait, for this boy with the same color in the T-shirt. But it's true he has an expression fantastic: his smile is humble and honest, and the eyes have a curious and sincere, tender, look. And one more thing: he turn his back on the world, as if only he was interested in you (like an angel).

Merry and wonderful Christmas for you and yours, Sasa.

:-) later.

Angel.

aralda (1240) 2006-12-24 4:09

Hello Sasa,
You're right about the boy's face.
Merry Christmas to you too; have a lovely holiday season!
Raluca

faubry (35447) 2006-12-24 4:28

superb colors for Chtistmas, beautiful angen smile, merry Chritsmas to you Sasa
take care
francine

stefanocer (10642) 2006-12-24 4:47

Really an Angel , Marry Christmas Sarolta .
Stefano

coco (30439) 2006-12-24 4:57

Even without points I could not avoid this photo.
The title and the note are all what I could say in the critique.

As simple as good.

Regards and Merry Christmas.

KevRyan (22956) 2006-12-24 5:03

He does have a sweet choir boy like face ....another of your coffee house shots.....do you spend all your non-working, non-sleeeping time in coffee shops? Thanks for bring to mind all of those wonderful paintings........

Have the most wonderful Christmas!

best wishes Kev

brevbrev14 (140) 2006-12-24 5:31

Dear Sasa, what a lovely image!!!
and a great note!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND TO YOUR FAMILY!!
ALL THE BEST SASA FROM MY HEART!

Valeria

pgorod (1019) 2006-12-24 6:17

An angel in a sea of orange... beautiful image.

His wings would be the 'cream', I guess? Prolonged in the white of the napkins?

And the white piles of plastic glasses look like candles...

Merry Christmas!

klauner (1020) 2006-12-24 6:47

Happy Christmas to you and your family!

I like your angel. The smile of the boy and the colours of your photo are splendid.

Françoise

entrelec (8328) 2006-12-24 7:42

Orange is a joyfull color, so I hope the next year will be a joyfull one for you, Sasa; and thanks for your comments

Joel

nwoehnl (122) 2006-12-24 9:45

Hi Sasa. A very timely choice to show this endearing portrait of the young guy; the look and hairdo indeed seem to have some angelic quality. Nice framing where the simple but also colorful coffee shop details make a good backdrop to the scene. Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year!

luisafonso (862) 2006-12-24 11:32

Wonderful portrait my dear. You really didn't choose your username by chance... The interaction of colors are outstanding here. That orange background, casting a beautiful glow in his face and that brown shirt is so esthetic. And if this wasn't enought, you threw those shiny metallic kitcked elements on the back. But nothing can really steal the magic from that angelic face. The light is very good but his gaze is truly priceless. I am sure this would be an amazing Christmas present for him. As it is for us. God bless you as well dear Sasa and have yourself a Holy Christmas next to the ones you love. Stay safe, l.

pat0500 (21561) 2006-12-24 11:39

Hi Sarolta,
Oh..a small time ago.
The choice of photo colors for the festivals of Christmas can be.
Good framing and pretty coulours, good shot..!
Best regards and...
* Joyeux Noël *……* Merry Christmas *
Patrick

chicken (1557) 2006-12-24 13:00

Quite unusual to see colours in your images, an early new-year resolution? ;-) Whatever, I really like your use of colour in this picture. Fascinating that you don't know this boy, the portrait feels very personal and intimate. Merry christmas and I wish me many more photos from you ;-)

SamB (1948) 2006-12-24 14:26

Hello, Sarolta--
Great shot, great note. The boy does have an angelic quality about him, the smile is pleasant and kind. The composition is nice, placing him at the edge of the frame, giving him a fleeting feeling. The intense oranges establishes a strong mood, as well.
Thanks!
sam

sabyasachi1212 (19779) 2006-12-25 1:47

Hi Sasa,
We don't often see portraits from you so this is kind of breaking the pattern and its beautiful too. That look on the boy's face, absolutely angelic as you have rightly pointed out. I guess the warm colours also adds a lot of warmth to this picture.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Sabyasachi

Rinie_Hoff (9340) 2006-12-25 7:11 [Comment]

Show Comment

Polonaise (5802) 2006-12-25 9:26

Dear Sasa...
How many of us has the ability of turning usual theme or scene into fireworks of feelings, and mood, and something much above the standards.
We look at it, and gaze, and stare and it takes a while to realize: It's just a boy...Why I stared at him for quite a while...?
That's what distinct a photo from a PHOTOGRAPH!
A photographer from A PHOTOGRAPHER.
That little question:
Why I stared at it for quite a while...?
-----------------------------
Merriest Christmas of them all, dear pal.
Cherish our hearts with your mesmerizing works.
It's your gift for us, and we owe you... A whole lot !!!

George & family

syd1946 (1167) 2006-12-25 9:31

Hi Sasa,
What a wonderful image and portrait!An angel in so colorful place.Very nice scene and momment!

My best wishes for Merry Christmas for you and your beloved people!Peace amd Love...

Thomas

nika (0) 2006-12-25 15:46

A splendid portrait that overflows with simplicity , naturality with nice details that contribute to enhance the expressiviness of the boy s glance , specially that background bathed in orange which creates an interesting chromatic effect .Don t have enough photographic background to go beyond or dive into technical issues but i thank a lot this picture in colour , not had seen too many from your collection so far

Your pictures and stories are wonderful but i m sure it all can sound as flattering sugar saturated words . Anyway i enjoy your photography

Happy Christmas , New year , Existence and all you propose yourself to achieve in your life

Boldog Karacsonyi (Surely i ve written it wrongly . Anette will help me to learn Hungarian)

M

Paolo (41258) 2006-12-26 4:02

Hi Sasa, amazing portrait of that boy. your renaissance descrition of him was perfect, maybe for the hair or for the enigmatic smile...

it seems a mix of the Mona Lisa and of Frodo!!!

excellent shot

thanks, and Merry Xmas and happy new year.
ciao

pittdesign (288) 2006-12-26 4:34

a warm orange color is coming from this picture. A like the way you decentered the boy. A special mention for the CREAM behind his back
Happy Holiday too ;)

MikiM (1924) 2006-12-26 13:03

Szia Sasa!
Sok NAgyali képet, Áldott Karácsonyt és Boldog Új Esztendőt!
Miklós

devimeuxbe (58557) 2006-12-26 14:44

Hi Sarolta
This is a beautifull picture. The warm colors on the back is of course beautifull. But also the glance of your angel.
I wish you all the best for Christmas time and the end of the year.
BErtrand

tinamunk3 (6408) 2007-01-13 12:24

Hi Sasa,

As much as I admire (I look and enjoy more than I write....:O)) your outstanding black and white shots, I really like when you "once in a blue moon" choose to upload a colour shot. Like this one with that eye-catching ORANGE colour making a perfect background for the young boy who you captured so well. A nice scene which is a pleasure to look at.

:) Tina

bigboroboy (1098) 2007-01-25 19:43

I think your job as a graphic designer shines through in your work and I love nearly all of the B&W images in your gallery. Maybe iit's because there are so many B&W images that this one stands out so much. Wonderful, punchy colours and a wonderful expression on the boys face.

PHIL