Birdman of Valletta - Short story

[Rolo]

Wandering on the outskirts of the Maltese capital, I came across a decorator who was airing his pet birds, including a tame white dove, after his work . We could only communicate with signs and nods as I documented the scene with his approval.

I watched as he crushed each seed with his teeth to feed the birds.
He called the dove to enable a frame with it, which too quite a while, but there was no rush. The light was lovely.

All the time he had his eye on his small boy and we were studied continuously by his small cat who supervises the birds whilst he’s away.

Thanks for looking.

[WPalank]

Rolo,
Absolutely brilliant series. Contrast is spot on. I won't even venture to say "my favorite is image #_." Because every time I look, I pick a different one. Bravo.

[christoph_d]

Rolo,

I enjoy your story as much as the photos.

Kind regards,

Christoph

[mactrix]

the first one... is perfect I love it
I like all the series... superb b&w... it really impresed me.

[thompsonkirk]

The first one set me thinking the most. It's like an illustration for Plato - a picture of all creatures that live in caves or cages (of one kind or another) & can't quite see beyond.

Kirk

PS, the boy with bike in alley is a great 'gestural' shot, too.

[Fernmelder]

What an interesting and lovely story. Thanks for sharing.

[Riccis]

Great story and superb images.

Thanks for sharing!

[semrich]

Rolo, a touching set of images all portraying the affection he has for his birds and his willingness for you to document it. You both can take pride in the results.

[Mystic]

Originally Posted by Riccis

Great story and superb images.

Thanks for sharing!

Indeed, especially shot number 6, great expression and perfectly framed.

[pauledell]

Rolo,

A wonderful series with great use of light and contrast, selective focus that makes the pictures so outstanding, perfect composition and the warm personal touch of the man.
Outstanding !!!

Paul

[azzo]

#6 is my favourite. Stands on its own, IMHO !


Rolo,

Lovely series indeed.

[roguewave]

Originally Posted by azzo

#6 is my favourite. Stands on its own, IMHO !


Rolo,

Lovely series indeed.

Well stated! The Pride & Satisfaction on that face is so masterfully rendered. The angelic backlighting is the final touch. I can still recall the first lesson you taught me. I'm sure I speak for all of the forum when I say it's a real privilege you grant us. As always, thanks.

[stuny]

Rolo -

Exquisite fro composition, tonal richness, moment, light, contrast and detail. In Hobart, Tasmania, the owner of the inn in which we stayed had a large cage with white doves. He'd let them out every day to feed on his property. Unfortunatley, raptors would often take one or two.

[Rolo]

I thanks you all for your very nice words.

It was a pleasure to shoot and process this series and also to share it with you all.

Leica M7 = PanF + Rodinal 1:50

[vdb]

Rolo, a brilliant series my friend. What else can I add?

[jplomley]

I almost missed this

Wonderful presentation Rolo. Toning, selective DOF, it all plays well into this series of images.

[Falstaff]

Rolo
Just saw this - I agree, it is a nice series with a human element to it.
Falstaff

[JE]

Rolo,

I've looked a this series a number of times over the past few days, and each time it's the silence you've captured, the light that fills the images--this works SO WELL as a series. Alone I am sure each image would still be interesting and tell its story, but together---especially the last image giving onto what the birdman sees in the alley (maybe)---that environment is fully shown...I especially like that the images, until the last two have only the man and his birds...those backgrounds, too.
Very nicely presented, sir.
Jon

[soleforeal]

You hit it right on the first one.
The high contrast is right for the shot.

[imiges]

As a short story, I think #'s 1, 2, 5, 6, say it all for me.
The other four seem dispensable, imo, although the last two could stand on their own.
As stated above, you and the light really pulled through here along with your vantage point.

Amado