A Great Man

ginger_55 · December 19, 2004

Philip Simmons, 92 yrs old, did a signing at an art gallery on Saturday Dec 18th. In his lifetime, he has crafted over 500 pieces in wrought iron for homes, gardens, schools, and churches. Many of his pieces are magnificent gates, the pride of Charleston. He has been recognized nationally and has pieces in the Smithsonian.

I was privileged to be able to photograph him. He is a very kind, gentle man with a very agile mind for someone of his age. He continues to live in his home in east Charleston, with his workplace on the property. There he trains someone to continue this old tradition.

ginger

I hope this is better. The large size is found under Portrait Simmons 2, or something like that in this thread. I tried to minimize the effects of the flash to bring out the eyes more. He is blind in the right one. Comments? ginger

I offered to take photos for a woman who bought a large print of one of his gates, but had forgotten to bring a camera.

They both look at the magnificent gate that he had forged.

During a lull in the signing, he went off by himself and looked at the art pieces that were displayed. It is probable that is one of his pieces of iron work, the fence. I don't know. The American Flag and the South Carolina flag are flying together. Those hands that have done so much to beautify his beloved country are at rest behind him.

Here he signs a matted print of his work. I am going to remember to use a piece of cardboard every time I have to write my signature.

Finally, here is a picture that I asked Bill to take. He is signing a book for me. It is called, Catching The Fire. Not a new book, but very interesting about his life and his work. He was born in 1912.

Notice the paintings on the wall by various artists. It made for a very interesting afternoon.

g

Ann McRae · December 19, 2004

wonderful
Wonderful story, set of photos, and especially the portrait.

Too bad I am so very far away - I'd love to find an artist or craftsman to do some wrought iron for me!

Thanks for sharing these.
ann

rutt · December 19, 2004

Ginger, I love the first portrait. Composition and subject work together very well to make a memorable image. Technically, I think you might be able to improve it a little. It seems over sharpened to me, especially the white hairs of his beard and perhaps the red of his eyes. Perhaps your camera focused on his nose instead of his eyes? The 10D chooses the closest autofocus point and probably so does the DRebel. Try burning in his pupils a little to make his eyes look sharper? Also I find the flash reflection a little distracting, but I'm not sure you can do anything about that.

ian408 · December 20, 2004

Ginger,

Decorative iron work is a real pleasure to look at. Especially something as
pleasing as the gate.

Very glad to hear he's passing his expertise on to future generations.

Nice portrait work too!

Ian

Steve Cavigliano · December 20, 2004

Nice Ginger
And a very interesting story to go along with these nice pics

I too, like the first shot. You did everything well on your end and that little tilt of his head is perfect

Thanks for this little glimpse into Phil's life and work (man that gate in the pic is awesome).

Steve

Thiago Sigrist · December 23, 2004

Ginger,
I agree with you and everyone else here: Phil surely looks *amazing*!

The pose on the portrait is excellent, his expression is full of character, and the Santa Claus touch was really nice, it made me smile! Portraits are about getting the best from the models, and this is what happens here! Well done!

Thanks so much for sharing!
Take care!

-- thiago