I like the title--it gives some serious impact to his expression when looked at closely. With the title as the premise, his eyes show unfulfilled (decayed) wishes, deferred dreams; mourning or yearning, almost, while clutching the flimsy stick for support. His lips and eyes looking down and away from the camera give him an almost sheepish look, as one to whom life has been full of disappointments and who can't fight anymore.
To me, wisdom and knowledge have a more poised, serene--though weathered, as in your photograph--and confident look.
maybe thinking about it too much, but the title is right on the $
Beautiful portrait, Awais! Always wanted to capture such close-ups, but never quite got the opportunity on my trips back home.
I guess the title is a question of semantics. I agree with Izzy that wisdom and knowledge could have a more poised connotation, but decayed wish sounds a little harsh to me. The wrinkles on his face bring to mind a quotation from Borges' work: (translated from El Hacedor)
"A man sets out to draw the world. As the years go by, he peoples a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, instruments, stars, horses, and individuals. A short time before he dies, he discovers that the patient labyrinth of lines traces the lineaments of his own face."
Can't think of something off the top of my head, but an adaptation of this quote might be fitting....my 2c worth...
Great portrait! He looks like someone who has experienced much, but for whom life hasn't been easy. I think you are on the right track with the title, but maybe should consider rewording to avoid using a theme word.
All I can imagine when I see this portrait is
"Fading Wishes/Hopes/Strength"
As we get older we don't loose hope it just fades with age, we decline and give in to accepting what is mean't to be....
You're only as good as your next photo....
One day, I started writing, not knowing that I had chained myself for life to a noble but merciless master. When God hands you a gift, he also hands you a whip; and the whip is intended solely for self-flagellation...I'm here alone in my dark madness, all by myself with my deck of cards --- and, of course, the whip God gave me." Truman Capote
thanks to a thesaurus....
perhaps instead of the word decayed (because it would be a shame with such an amazing shot to lose out on a technicality of using the theme in your title).....withered?
Withered Wish...Withered Wishes....
just an idea, thought, suggestion, view....(time to put down the thesaurus)
On a serious note....what an amazing portrait. truly beautiful. This would be proof that a picture is worth a thousand words/stories, you can see that they exist in his eyes.
Comments
The only thing I would change is the title.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Suggestion: Wealth of Wisdom
Truly great portrait.
Peace, gail
www.feliciabphotography.com
Virginia
"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus
Email
I think you should use wisdom or knowledge in the title.
Wisdom:
Achieved not given
Aaron Newman
Website:www.CapturingLightandEmotion.com
Facebook: Capturing Light and Emotion
To me, wisdom and knowledge have a more poised, serene--though weathered, as in your photograph--and confident look.
maybe thinking about it too much, but the title is right on the $
I guess the title is a question of semantics. I agree with Izzy that wisdom and knowledge could have a more poised connotation, but decayed wish sounds a little harsh to me. The wrinkles on his face bring to mind a quotation from Borges' work: (translated from El Hacedor)
"A man sets out to draw the world. As the years go by, he peoples a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, instruments, stars, horses, and individuals. A short time before he dies, he discovers that the patient labyrinth of lines traces the lineaments of his own face."
Can't think of something off the top of my head,
Sunita
Hasn't it been said though that you lose points if the theme word is in the title?
I would avoid the word 'decay' or 'growth' on that alone. Serious contender and you don't want to lose that over a word!
Nikon D300
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D
[SIZE=-3]Mary Beth Glasmann Photography[/SIZE]
Love your image....
All I can imagine when I see this portrait is
"Fading Wishes/Hopes/Strength"
As we get older we don't loose hope it just fades with age, we decline and give in to accepting what is mean't to be....
perhaps instead of the word decayed (because it would be a shame with such an amazing shot to lose out on a technicality of using the theme in your title).....withered?
Withered Wish...Withered Wishes....
just an idea, thought, suggestion, view....(time to put down the thesaurus)
On a serious note....what an amazing portrait.
www.heatherdunnphotography.com
My Blog My Facebook Page
GIVING BACK - How will you give?
But is a shot of a decaying person, or one of a person that has grown/gained/experienced so much through a lifetime?
I think a title like "Weathered" would be good.
Or maybe "Eyes that have seen much"
Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
Incredible shot...
http://lrichters.smugmug.com
My Gallery
Facebook Page
Flickr
Man what a capture....
As said above...the title needs some work.
Jon
Looking for tips on macro photography? Check out my Blog: No Cropping Zone.
www.tessa-hd.smugmug.com
www.printandportfolio.com
This summer's wilderness photography project: www.tessa-hd.smugmug.com/gallery/3172341