PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE

I don't consider myself a people or portrait photographer. That said, there are, some people that grab my attention. You who know me know that there are no strangers in my life--I'll talk to anyone and everyone. That part of my personality allows me to add unique images of people to my collection.

The key ingredients are simple. I let go of the social cocoon walls around me--it allows me to approach people. Smile, be friendly, be me, and, if appropriate, compliment them on something; anything. All this breaks the ice between us and relaxes both of us, Then I introduce myself as a photographer and ask them if they would mind me taking their picture? There have just been a handful of folks who declined, and this is after thirty years of doing this! 

I always photograph people without a tripod, again, to keep things relaxed and informal. I want that direct connection between us. And, to no surprise, they will usually try to pose themselves, try to smile, and ask me what I want. I always tell them that the way they are is fine. In fact, sometimes, as we're discussing those details, I get a couple of shots off, to make sure I don't get that "smile!" look.

I like unique lighting, if available. If it's not available, I create it by underexposing the image. I want my images to tell a story, to translate a feeling, or to beg for questions. 

My "people" images are not portraits. Sometimes the people in the image don't take up that much space in the scene, but because they are so unique it's hard not to find them in the image.

So, with that introduction, let me share some of my "people" images.

I saw this Muslim woman, believe it or not, at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Denver, Colorado.
I used a 300 mm lens to keep my distance, yet get a tight close-up. 

As I photographed throughout the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, I saw this cute young street performer playing a giant tuba. Look at the duct tape used to hold his instrument together!

I was getting shots of this Plein Aire artist in unique and historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I decided to convert the image into B&W, except for the artist's painting and his make-shift palette.

Here are some more street performers, this time on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado. These guys were painted in silver! I waited patiently until something interesting happened. Then, the young guy in the middle took a quick glance at me. Click! 

I seem to be attracted to street performers. This guy, "JAMBOT," really got my attention. I saw him, not performing, but walking down the street in Denver, Colorado. I quickly found a parking spot, grabbed my camera and chased after him. After a few minutes of introductions and casual conversation, he let me take his picture. 

I have received a lot of comments on this next image. It's the kind of image that begs questions. Who is she? Why is she there by herself? Where is she going? Why is she dressed like that? 

Walking along Pearl Street Mall, in Boulder, Colorado, I saw a man, Michael, sitting inside a Subway. after a few casual moments together, he let me get his photo. I liked the studio-like lighting.

I saved this one for last. I like shooting in the rain--some of my best images have come from shooting in the rain. As I did that one day in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, my current hometown, I saw this young woman with her umbrella. A lot of folks, including me, were staring at her. I stared with my camera, hoping to get a good shot before I lost her. I shared this with one of my former students and she said, "I wonder how long it took her to plan that outfit?"

So, go out there and find some interesting people to photograph. You might get that "one in a million" shot!!