How about this ?

[shreds]

Antonio,

As ever a very valuable contribution and suggestions for developing a good international project.

A pensive and thoughtful shot. The papers are necessary, perhaps the guy is a lawyer or city official? I think the papers are essential, but as you say a minor toning down might assist. Otherwise I like the lighting which is always an essential with such portraits.

RustBeltRaw is not an expression, it is the nom de plume of Lex? Surely?

[Antonio Correia]

RustBeltRaw

[Designer]

Thank you Jim for your excellent and quick critique ! I like that !

Perhaps the "rusted belt raw" is not the best expression for help. As you can see I am not native English speaker and - even after Googling - I am rather lost in the "belt".

Can you be more specific please ?

Perhaps you mean it a trivial, common image ?! Don't you think that the papers may have - they surely do - some kind of connection/link with the guy ? Something to do with his work / value ?
Hide those papers with your hand. Don't you think that their horizontal line balances with the vertical line of his shirt ? I agree that not so bright is perhaps a better option, however !

I referred to the post by member "RustBeltRaw"

I believe his nickname comes from our US "rust belt" which refers generally to the industrial north-central portion of the country ( a "belt") which is now a little "rusty". Kind of a US inside term, and the fact that he shoots RAW.

I really do like the version where you darkened the papers. I think the viewer's focus should be on the man's face, not the papers. I think the papers are important to him, and that is the reason they are there, but as you have shown, they do not need to be bright white in order to be an integral part of the composition.

Very well done, sir!

[Antonio Correia]

Thank you Jim

You are right about the brightness of the papers... I'll tone it down

Have a nice week end

[the d]

beautiful lighting Rembrant would be proud. Lovely rule of thirds. Wow what a beautiful story unfolded in a single image. when i grow up can i be you.

[Antonio Correia]

beautiful lighting Rembrant would be proud. Lovely rule of thirds. Wow what a beautiful story unfolded in a single image. when i grow up can i be you.

Don't be like me. Be yourself !

[Antonio Correia]

I just landed on this thread a while ago noticing the start image was missing as well as others bellow.

The first one I asked Donald to place sending him the link but the other two are lost in space.

Thank you !

[Donald]

The first one I asked Donald to place sending him the link but the other two are lost in space.

Done

[Antonio Correia]

Thank you Donald !

Have a nice day !