I photographed Lee Sklar for a project last week. Lee is a great bass player that has played with James Taylor, Lyle Lovett, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Dolly Parton and many, many more.
He's a great guy with quite a sense of humor. OK, this photo doesn't look that way, you just have to trust me on that.

Nice job on it. Boy the stories he could tell.

Brilliant work! .

Very unique!

He looks like a fun guy to me, really. And I LOVE LOVE the image, great job.

I think the image is wonderfully done, but I would personally throw it away. Sorry, I just think it's incredibly rude to the photographer and those who might have an interest in seeing his photograph.

Just my old fashioned thoughts.

Sam

Originally Posted by Sam I think the image is wonderfully done, but I would personally throw it away. Sorry, I just think it's incredibly rude to the photographer and those who might have an interest in seeing his photograph. Just my old fashioned thoughts. Sam

Sam... I don't think you're being "old fashioned". If I were you, I'd feel the same since that bird he's flipping was directed at you personally.

Nice character portrait.

Thanks to all of you (even you Sam).
No, I won't be throwing it away Sam, I'll treasure this forever. I know the context and his personality that this photo derived from and know that like you, my "panties" may have been bunched having just met one of my favorite musicians. Mine however, loosened up with Lee's lightheartedness and warmth while I was photographing him and sitting with him while he showed me hundreds of photos of his friends on his iPad.
And Hackbone, you're right. The stories that he could tell, but probably won't, would be amazing.

It's an odd mix of metaphors. On one hand, we have a musician posing with his instrument which would normally make him accessible and connected with the camera. On the other hand he's flipping us off which doesn't make sense. That and the fact that the finger dominates the shot, doesn't really work for me.

Love everything else about the portrait though. Hopefully you got something similar without the finger.

Valid points Kdog. Thanks!
The balance of the session are photos where he is not giving the finger. They won't be available publicly for a while though.
Thanks

I've always loved Lee Sklar. One of my favorite musicians. I can't wait to see the rest of the session. I'm captivated by the eyes on this one.