My little Portland Christmas miracle

Hey What's Up
Hey What’s Up | Portland | 2017

Finally got to do some photography in the streets of Portland, heading to the Pearl District on my free Saturday in the Rose City, on a splendid but freezing cold afternoon.

I started shooting people through restaurant windows, where I got some cool reactions from the guest like from this genuinely surprised guy. As always, making eye contact and throwing some genuine smiles did the trick.

But I also experienced my little Portland Christmas miracle, when I approached an interesting looking guy and asked him if I could make is portrait, which he readily accepted. So I snapped off a couple shots why doing some small talk with him. We chatted about why I’m in Portland, and I asked him what he was just up to. Telling me he was just coming off work in one of Portlands large theaters (the Armory  – where we happened to stand just in front), he suddenly asked if I would like to see one the shows that were on last night. When I said yes he just took me inside to the box office and presented me with a complementary ticket.

I was totally taken aback by is genuine friendliness and generosity. Just because I asked him for his portrait and was interested in what he does. So I got to see a Truman Capote Christmas play with integrated musical performances by two stunning singers, a show I enjoyed tremendously.

This is why I love Street Photography – you meet so many great and interesting people.

The photo was taken with my Olympus PEN-F and the mZuiko 25mm F/1.8 prime lens. Image specs 1/125 sec @ F/2.5 and ISO 200.

Have a great Sunday!

Marcus

Related Posts:

Back in Portland

On the Streets of Portland again

My Eric Kim Workshop Experience

I conquered my fears

64 thoughts on “My little Portland Christmas miracle

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  1. Such a beautiful photo! It is very personal, and humorous. I also like the coloring that you did upon the glass window with the reflections of the street. That is a great view, and definately could see it attached to a great article! 🙂

  2. Marcus – loved your wrap up of Eric’s workshop. After a very full career as a photojournalist where I interacted with people every day. The thought of going out on the street to do it some more is not fun anymore. But you never know! Enjoyed your post very much.

  3. Some perks of chatting with the people, I suppose Marcus! That’s a great shot, I must say especially since it’s not staged! keep sharing

  4. That capture was great Marcus! It was lovely to hear about your interaction with the gentleman and his gift to you for the gift of your time. It sounds like a wonderful time. 🙂 -Amy

    1. Thanks, Marion, for your kind words. And yes, I’m totally amazed by the kindness and friendliness of the people I approach on the streets. A great treat for me I get through my street photography! Have a great weekend! Marcus

      1. That’s good! Glad to hear it. Should you be in Las Vegas some day we need to meet for lunch. 🌴🌵

  5. We’re seeing Capote’s Christmas Memories on Wednesday night! Can’t wait to see your portrait of your benefactor.

  6. What a great story! I’ve been struggling with my city for awhile….money is changing it. The high rents are making our homeless problem even worse. Precious old places like artist’s lofts are being torn down for shiny new condos. But it’s obvious from your experience that the true heart of Portland still beats. Thank you for sharing. Happy holidays to you & yours.

    1. Thanks for your comment, Gina! And yes, I find the true heart of Portland so often. This is why I love being here. Any money changing cities is not a Portland problem alone, I can look at my doorstep in Germany and find the same. Holiday wished happily returned! Marcus

    2. I’ve been posting photos from Towne Storage for the past week, now soon to be tech offices instead of condos, but pretty much the same thing.

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