My Dad

Basia McAuley

My Dad

Here is a candid portrait of my dad…

His name is Richard, born in Poland in 1922.
Became a teacher, was in WWII, was tortured by Nazis for teaching.
Later became a Professor of Languages, Literature & History and then the head of largest University in Poland, in Krakow.
He has had 3 wives. He has 4 children, me being the youngest, he also has 9 grandchildren and 2 (any day 3) great grand children.
His favourite hobbies are photography and chess,, and he’s really good. See here and here
My dad dislikes b&w photography because growing up he didn’t have the choice of colour so now he loves it and he prefers the colour version of this photo but still,, I prefer it in b&w!
My dad has beaten cancer more than once, has had 3 heart attacks and has been hit by a car that resulted in coma,, what can I say….he’s a survivor.
I just thought I would share his story.

Candid portrait taken in natural light
Nikon D200
50mm lens 1.4 f
Processed in RAW.

My Dad belongs to the following groups:

All About Your Best Work, Australian Portraits, B&W - Character - People Shots, Polish Place, Strictly Human Faces , The Art of Nursing and Who Needs Color For Beauty? - Black & White Art At Its Best Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
My Dad by Basia McAuley
My Dad by Basia McAuley
  • Shelly Hiebert

    Shelly Hiebert

    Awwwww :) This is a wonderful portrait of your Dad Basia :) Look at that light and life in his eyes! And quite a life story he has so far! So very beautiful :)

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you so much Shelly,,, yes, he’s had a fascinating life!

  • DavidAmosPhotography

    DavidAmosPhoto...

    I wish, so much that my dad was NOT camera shy before he died, I ALWAYS wanted a portrait like this,,,, how beautiful, and look at the result, a great moment in history captured for life.
    This is such a beautiful portrait Basia, your photography has GROWN immensely since I have been on here, you truly have a beautiful gift.

  • Joseph Bailouni

    Joseph Bailouni

    Basia, a treasure to keep close to your heart. You have captured the history in his eyes brilliantly.

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you Joseph,, The only thing I missed with this b&w is that my dad’s eyes were the most brilliant sky blue eyes which have faded slowly to gray with age.

  • Karen Cougan

    Karen Cougan

    Hi Basia,
    My dad was 10 feet tall and bullet proof too, or so I thought, didn’t last forever…....I so wish I had taken more pics…......Congratulations on a wonderful portrait of your dad….......great keep sake
    xkc

  • DavidAmosPhotography

    DavidAmosPhoto...

    Oh, and the story is VERY touching Basia, THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing.
    I have thought about a photo I have of dad, I didn’t take it, but it is probably the best I have and telling my story…. maybe you have influenced me to tell it.
    How can we ever understand what your dad and others like him went through all those years ago, it horrifies me to think about it

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you so very much for your great feedback David,, It’s great to hear from you and I’m humbled by your comments. I too thought this was a nice tribute to my dad,, I know he’s not getting any younger but I’m very comforted to know that he has had a fuller life than most,, even when not always good. I think everyone should be recognised and remembered.

  • Antoine Dagobert

    Antoine Dagobert

    great shot my friend!

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thanks Antoine,, good to hear from you :o)

  • FlowersEtc

    FlowersEtc

    BRAVO, to Richard, I want to thank him for all he has suffered, no doubt for others. All his hard work. Also I’m happy that he has survived cancer. He has got to be a WINNER of life. Give him a BIG HUG for me and thank him for all he has done.
    Let him know that strangers love and appreciate all he did and is doing, even if it is just survivng.
    Handsome portrait photo.
    Love and kindness to you and your father
    Ann

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you so much Ann for your kind words. Ohh and regarding the ‘handsome’, he sure was in his prime! With a head full of curly hair,, and he was quite the ladies man,,, hence the 3 wives!!

  • Belinda "BillyLee" NYE

    Belinda "Billy...

    Lovely portrait and great story. Bravo to your Dad, he trully has had an amazing life and would be a pleasure to meet.

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thanks Billy! Good to hear from you! Yes, you are right, he has had an amazing life which continues on,, I’m really happy with this result,, it’s simple but I don’t think any more is really needed.

  • Robin Webster

    Robin Webster

    Letting us know your Dad gives us a glimpse into you Basia. Thanks so much for sharing his story. You are a wonderful daughter to honour him in this way. A fine man with so much life in his eyes. You have captured his spirit beautifully.

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thanks Robin! Well, I guess, this does glimpse into my life also,, I am ‘daddy’s little girl’ after all!! ;o)

  • RebeccaT

    RebeccaT

    Sounds like a very special…and incredibly resilient man… – perfect image for father’s day… – wonderful :)

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you Rebecca!

  • Linda Sannuti

    Linda Sannuti

    Sounds like one tough guy!!!! Thanks for sharing!! great portrait!

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you Linda!!!

  • Ken Mucke

    Ken Mucke

    First…he looks amazing for his age…and what a loving and heart felt portrait of your dad…and what an AMAZING life he has lived….I love his images of him playing chess…..You are blessed to have such a dad

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you so very much Ken,, your feedback is so very much appreciated as I’m a great admirer of your work.

  • LisaR

    LisaR

    Sounds like he would have a very interesting story or two! Fantastic capture. I have a great one of my dad too, I think these are the most special photographs, they are such treasures :)

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you Lisa! Yes,, he has lot’s of stories and knowledge to pass on,,, you should put up one of your dad too then!

  • monkeyfoto

    monkeyfoto

    2nd best portraite this year …....your on fire!! awesome story and adventure your dad has been through…you must be very PROUD!

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you so much !!! I feel honoured!

  • dimsim

    dimsim

    what an incredible story! thanks for sharing :) and the pic is brilliant!

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you so much !!

  • Clare Colins

    Clare Colins

    I think your dad would be very proud of this portrait Basia :)

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thanks Clare,, he prefers the colour version of this portrait though :o)

  • Lorraine Creagh

    Lorraine Creagh

    Wonderful story of a survivor Basia. You must be so proud. Thanks for sharing this. btw…fantastic shot.

  • Joseph Bailouni

    Joseph Bailouni

    Basia, following up from your response, why don’t you colour in your dad’s eyes?
    Just a thought.

  • simonesphotos

    simonesphotos

    Such a beautiful image of such an amazing man Basia. His spirit really shines through this image, as you say, a survivor, of times most of us will never see nor ever understand. You are so lucky to have him still. My dad passed away seven years ago, sadly I learned more about him and grew closer to him only after his death. I would give my last breath now just to be able to tell him how much I loved and admired him.

  • John Robb

    John Robb

    Wonderful capture Basia.

  • brian pendrey

    brian pendrey

    brill portrait work

  • grimduke1

    grimduke1

    Now there’s a real hero!...

  • LindaR

    LindaR

    this is beautiful Basia ~ you’ve captured his portrait full of feeling ~ it’s his eyes that draw me in ~ your story of your dad is all there in his face ~ just one of the most moving I’ve seen xx

  • SusanR

    SusanR

    Sounds like a wonderful man! Wonderful portrait. (I am polish too :))

  • RajeevKashyap

    RajeevKashyap

    Excellent Capture

  • Vicki Ferrari

    Vicki Ferrari

    This is a wonderful image of what looks like a very kind man, with his soul shining through his eyes, with a glint of humour mixed in! Thank you for sharing your story Basia, and for sharing your wonderful photography! This photographs just speaks volumes and volumes, and the life in those eyes in amazing…..

  • Basia McAuley replied

    Thank you Vicki for your wonderful words,, I’m humbled, thank you.

  • Patricia Gibson

    Patricia Gibson

    Your dad is a kind man and he doesn’t seem to change at all, I guess that’s where the good genes come from. He should be very happy with this image regardless of tones. He looks happy and confident, I guess you get that from him too!!!! Well done Basia.

  • Scott d'Almeida

    Scott d'Almeida

    wonderul capture

  • micklyn

    micklyn

    What a beautiful portrait! great emotion and a wonderful description to go with it. I’m sure this will be a treasure for you and your family, both now and in the future. ( :

  • Brandie1

    Brandie1

    Lovely tribute,
    He sounds like a very good man.
    Always tell him you love him every chance you get.
    I lost my dad on the 21st Dec, 2008.
    I miss him so.xxx

  • Paul Thompson

    Paul Thompson

    Lovely image Basia and a great story you’ve told about your Dad. Be proud and thankful. Cheers Paul xx (from one 2nd generation photographer to another. :-)

  • annie curry

    annie curry

    Basia this is a lovely photo & you’ve portrayed him beautifully. Isn’t it lovely to be a proud offspring! :-)

  • Andrew Bradsworth

    Andrew Bradsworth

    Beautiful capture Basia. Well done for taking this. My Dad sadly passed away in 2005, born in 1920, so this image is quite stirring for me.

  • Wayne Cook

    Wayne Cook

    Marvelous portrait….Love it!

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