Charmer by auntietk
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
On Saturday Bill (bmac62) and I went to see the Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field. It's a wonderful collection of mostly World War II planes, and is privately owned by Paul Allen of Microsoft fame.
What a fantastic place! It's not very big ... there are only 18 or 20 planes, all in one hangar ... but every plane is in perfect flying condition, and it's a treat to see.
There were plenty of docents around to answer questions, and we ended up being adopted by two in particular. I didn't get any good shots of Bert, but Art was happy to stand around and pose for me. This isn't the best quality portrait I've ever done photography wise, but this is one of those times when what I want you to see is more important than the quality of the shot.
Art is 87 years old, and is a US Army Air Corps veteran of WWII. I can't tell you how fortunate I felt to spend time with him!
Bill posted a companion image to this one entitled Mutually Charmed.

Comments (31)
The quality of this portrait is beyond measure! what you've captured here is far and away better than any technically perfect portrait could ahve. You got the warmth and joy in Andy's face and that, dear Tara, makes this a perfect portrait!
Wonderful portrait of a very proud Art!!!!
This is totally charming! I got to tour the Becuna (WW2 diesel sub anchored at Philly) and there was a similar guy doing the tours there. It was a delight to talk to him. (You would not believe what a diesel sub smells like, it's amazing the crew didn't conk out from the smell;)
excellent portrait
Art looks like a very friendly, special man--you caught his spirit so well here. You can tell he loves sharing what he knows, and at 87, he knows a whole lot more than most of us!!
Marvellous! He certainly looks a great person to spend time with!
What a great portrait of this handsome veteran. It must have been a great experience :-)
Awww - he looks like a charming old timer! Bless him! And the portrait is wonderful Tara! :)
I think this is a great portrait.
This is just an outstanding portrait of a man who added immeasurably to our afternoon photo shoot at the museum. He is both photogenic and has the smile of what we like to think of as the typical all American boy...and here he stands 65 years after what had to be the most momentous event in his life. A beautiful job of catching his spirit and character. Portraiture is fast becoming a specialty for you:)
and what a smile
he looks an interesting guy
Nice portrait he looks like he is loving what he does and that great.. well captured Tara..
Nice work...!!!
Great shot.. You can see in his eyes and face he must be a story teller :)
he look sharp as a whip . look like he likes you
if you want to convey the personality of your subject, consider this portrait a sucess!
Great character portrait and wonderful you and Bill had such a great day
He has such a lot of character in this lovely face. A beautiful capture.
Wonderful portrait!
I love his keen features and friendly expression...this is a man with stories and the metal on his hat to back them up! There's such warmth in his expression and this picture, and I suspect that he was charmed by the photographer more than anything...Charming photographers are hard to come by so it's nice to see them here on Renderosity. I also suspect that this was a low sneak-factor shot, as the expression is so open and focused and wow...just quite perfectly captured. This is great.
great portrait
A proud man indeed! Great portrait, Clive
How wonderful to see fellow RR friends able to get together and shoot!! Love this, Tara! Such an engaging fellow! I love to listen to stories from vets, it's our history better then any other media can portray!
This is a delightful portrait Tara. All these guys are true heroes for sure. I was touring a B-17 in Boca Raton, Florida on January 22nd. My guideās name was Ross. He only let me photograph his hat and T-shirt. He started out flying P-40 Flying Tigers and then B-17s. He flew 140 missions in total. Sat on the floor and just listened for hours. Wheelchair bound but sharp as a tack. Dana
Fifty missions?! Art is not only a charmer but has lead a very charmed life! Art is my father's age and from what I know about that generation possess real character as well as being real characters. Fantastic portrait.
Cool portrait!!
A great portrait here, Tara. It shows the best of what years can do for a senior. He is warm, wise,experienced, and reayd to share it all with the world. Capital work!
A charmer for sure and a wonderful portrait you did...smile... It such a joy to see someone like him with all the wrinkles of life but with a radiation of humor and great spirit... I only wish to be like him, if I ever reach his age...smile
Great picture of a man who is proud of what he does and what he has done...He has such a nice smile.