Camera: Nikon 800
Strobes: Profoto B1X
Light modifiers: beauty dish
F 11
ISO 100
SS 250
The lighting was positioned just above and slightly in front of Cass’s face to emphasize the deep character lines and expression in his features. The light was close—too close, really—and I could tell he was uncomfortable, so we kept the session brief, shooting for no more than ten minutes. Truthfully, I knew I had the image I wanted within the first few frames. My wife, Mary, added a subtle HDR effect in Photoshop during retouching, enhancing the texture and depth without losing the honesty of the portrait.
Cass Carlton was someone I’d known nearly my entire life. He was my father’s insurance agent—and eventually mine. After his wife passed, I started visiting him, bringing meals and spending time together. One day I asked if I could take his portrait as a gift for his children, who lived out of town. At 86 years old, he reluctantly agreed.
When I showed him the final image, he chuckled and said he didn’t like it—it made him look old. I smiled and said, “Cass, no offense, my friend, but you are old.” He passed away not long after that day. This portrait remains my way of honoring his memory and sharing his quiet strength with those who loved him.