While standing on a parking lot trying to photograph a giant mural in downtown Portland last Saturday, I couldn’t help noticing this guy leaning on his car and munching a fully loaded sandwich he had just picked up from one of the food trucks across the street.
The reason I noticed him was because he had a good loud chuckle. So after snapping the mural, I walked up to him and asked him what was so funny. He pointed to a car still trying to maneuver its way into an empty parking bay, explaining it was his buddy who is just never able to properly park the car. I just replied that to some it is given, and to some it is not. And we shared a good chuckle together.
I thought he had an interesting face, so asked him if I could take his portrait. He thought for a second, than agreed without hesitation, and threw himself into this very serious pose. I just took two shots, and immediately liked this one with the tighter framing, after checking my camera screen to see if it was sharp. We wished us a good day and went our ways.
Just one of a few nice encounters I had with the people of Portland last weekend. More to come.
The photo was taken with my Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the mZuiko 12-100 F/4 Pro Zoom. Image specs are 1/125 sec @ f/4.5 and ISO 200, 44mm focal length.
Wish you a great Wednesday!
Marcus
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You capture people so well Marcus! A good laugh is a wonderful thing!
Thanks, Amy, perfect words!
excellent portrait and cool backstory.
Thanks so much, highly appreciated! Marcus
What a wonderful portrait! I am still working on striking up the courage to take my first street portrait 😛 this is very inspirational.
Thanks, Mikki, much appreciated 🙂 ! Let me tell you, there is not much courage needed! Most people actually appreciate being talked to and get their portrait taken! And the more extrovert their looks, the more likely they like the attention they are getting! Try it!
I will try really hard to give it ago next time a person grabs my attention. I saw an elderly man who almost had his life written on his face in Portugal. I really regret not asking him. Thank you for the encouragement!
An exceptional portrait. I’d definitely, like to have him on my side if I got into altercation. I hope I never need him.
Thank you, Tim, appreciate your kind words! Marcus
You’re welcome
What a great story! I love how his “serious” pose still has a hint of a smile and laugh!
Doesn’t it? He was so much fun to talk to!
Great portrait, love it
Thanks, Jim, highly appreciated!
It is a good portrait shot but then when you analyse it there is a lot more to it.. The pattern on the shirt, the shapes in the background which has some directional lines happening. His chain and earring as little bits of interest and the texture in the food shape and the fact that it is light shape which relates to the background pale greys, good shot, Marcus. I love your street photography. Louise
Awesome feedback, Louise! I haven’t thought consciously about those tings you mentioned, but I instantly liked the portrait and for sure all those points factor in. I was more focused getting the catchlights from the setting sun behind us into his eyes. Thanks! Marcus
There’s a lot of knowledge in those eyes. I wonder what his story is
Thanks, Deb. This is what I love about Street Photography…..
Great character pic. Love those sort of encounters. As for that poor person trying to park, it could have been me! 😏
🙂 Thanks, Miriam.