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HEADLESS TRAVELER???

© Michelle Alton

HEADLESS TRAVELER???

Uploaded: November 09, 2013

Description


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The story behind this photo may never be known. I made this photograph at the Trenton, New Jersey Transportation Center as I was about to board a train to NYC to attend the Photo Plus Expo.
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I watched this man (I think) who sat just behind and under the electronic Arrivals and Departures sign.
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He never moved a muscle and I could not see any chest movement either. I'm not saying he was dead, or that he was even REAL. I just don't know. But how could a person breathe like that? By the way, it was not cold inside the terminal.
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I swapped out the window (it was track ugliness and blown-out foliage) with a sky I shot as a storm approached during a football game last weekend. Also used TOPAZ Restyle to get the glow on his body, and OnOne Perfect Effects to add a grungy vignette.
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What do you think was going on here?
Might this have been his "home away from home?"
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Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/500 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 6400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 70.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Comments

Donna La Mattino Pagakis November 09, 2013

Nicely seen, I think he was sleeping and didn't want to be bothered. But who really knows, excellent work! #1551884

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe November 09, 2013

Outstanding - Great storytelling image! You could make a TV Special about this one! #10894465

MELODIE C. ROBERTS November 09, 2013

I think he's an introvert ;0)

Excellent capture work and story Mickey!!

Reminds me of a similar experience I had last week
I pulled to the side of the road, rolled down my window and picked up my camera. I was preparing to capture, what I thought was an Awesome Halloween decoration. "It" got up and walked away!!!......True Story....It wasn't a decoration it was a man with a big beard, long hair, overcoat, felt hat and cigar. I wasn't sure if I should drive away in fear or laugh myself to death #10894472

Gord MacEachern November 09, 2013

Just sleeping , keeping warm. Seen some young men pulling their arms in from their sweaters and wrapping themselves in their arms, not wanting to be bothered by the outside world. Made a great photo op anyway, lol.. #10894473

William C. Raco level-classic November 09, 2013

I have no idea what's going on here
I just know I'd take the shot with a long lens
Great find and treatment, Michelle #10894502

Gail Sullivan level-classic November 09, 2013

Michelle...great shot and treatment and amazing story! #10894513

Tiia Vissak November 09, 2013

very original! #10894586

Monnie Ryan November 09, 2013

Not sure what the story was, but think I wouldn't get too close! Well done and thought-provoking! #10894727

John Connolly November 09, 2013

A great capture but a spooky subject Michelle! I think I would have moved quickly on to greener pastures! #10894737

Ermanno Radice November 09, 2013

Very special meet a person so singular and mysterious, wonderful capture and treatment! #10894780

Mitch Spence level-classic November 09, 2013

That is wonderfully eerie, both the experience and your capture. I suppose his arms and head could be pulled down in there, and I can almost see right where the arms are, but somehow the ratio of the legs makes it seem unlikely that he could get the head down this far. I don't know, but I love the image. #10894889

Guy D. Biechele level-classic November 09, 2013

Captivating image. Very creatively handled! Striking work, Michelle. #10894919

Michael Frazier level-classic November 10, 2013

Great work on this Michelle. #10895233

Carol L. Fowler November 10, 2013

Very unique- and great effects! #10895493

Laura E. Swan level-classic November 10, 2013

"Indeed, (Said Watson), this looks of a Mafia Hit. They excel at Headless."

No wait. Let me guess again... #10895529

Laura E. Swan level-classic November 10, 2013

Okay THIS was done by a vampire. ONLY A VAMPIRE could have left no traces of blood. The quiet chest and body PROVES without a shadow of a doubt that this man is diseased.

Hmmm...Maybe I will guess again. I could be wrong. #10895531

Laura E. Swan level-classic November 10, 2013

Okay- Ten more guesses came to me. Better narrow it down. (HeeHee)...Too much fun!

You will either see yourself on Candid camera next month or this was a fellow napping inside of his jacket. Amazing how he scrunched arms and his head down in there however. His jacket had to have been too large for him to begin with!!!

Amazing mystery image and you did a great job on the DDR and technicals, Michelle!

-Laura :D #10895538

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic November 10, 2013

Honestly you get the greatest and most unusual shots. Your post processing ability is truly amazing. #10895698

Ken Smith level-classic November 11, 2013

That's pretty cool, Michelle. Nice story-telling that's open-ended. #10895996

Leslie McLain level-classic November 11, 2013

Terrific capture, Michelle. #10896515

Jill Odice level-classic November 12, 2013

You sure see the strangest stuff in train stations :-) This is so cool! I think this one deserves a Grand prize! A Fav for me Michelle! #10897157

Cindy Bendush level-classic November 13, 2013

Cool image Michelle - superb effects and presentation! #10897553

Deborah C. Lewinson level-addict November 13, 2013

Great story and image, Michelle!

Debby #10898043

Jeffrey R. Bange November 13, 2013

Another one of your fantastic street captures Michelle, I wouldn't know what to make of him either except that I do know that I wouldn't want to disturb him. #10898327

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer November 14, 2013

This sure is a special image, Michelle.

I've always loved surrealistic paintings and this reminds me of just that. #10898625

JO ANN CLEVELAND December 16, 2013

Well....I must say this is an original! I do think they pulled their arms inside, after they had put their cap on! I don't think anybody will bother him for sure! lol Great capture Michelle!

jo ann c. #10923191


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