Haven’t posted a street portrait in a while, which is a pity, because making portraits of strangers and interacting with them is the most fun part of Street Photography.
When shooting the Mount Hood sunset photos the other evening at Portland’s Pittock Mansion Park, a cool looking dude running around with a camera caught my eye. So I approached him and asked him if I can make his portrait, explaining I’m a visiting street photographer from Germany.
He seemed quite flattered, which did not surprise me at all. Trust me, extrovert looking/dressed people are always flattered if you ask them to take their picture. They are the easiest subjects to approach if you want to get started making portraits of total strangers.
My standard questions are always “what’s your name?” “where are you from?” and “what you are doing?”. Turns out he is Dimitri from Russia, precisely from Moscow. Which led us to the discussion if it’s worth visiting the Russian capital. He insisted that it would be a total waste of time, St. Petersburg is the destination of choice (which it is, I can confirm). He was just moving to Portland up from LA (lot’s of people seem to do that lately) together with his girlfriend who is a professional photographer.
While he detests the Hollywood industry and the superficial people it is producing, he admitted it is much more difficult to find models to work with in the Rose City.
We exchanged some travel and eating tips and them went about our ways, me having bagged myself a fun experience and some nice street portraits of a total stranger.
Today it’s travel day again, as I’m heading back to the streets of Nuremberg. As it’s the first day of Spring Break in Oregon, the airport will be super crowded, so I might need to leave 30 mins earlier to make all lines in time to take my flight across the Northern Atlantic to Amsterdam and on to Nuremberg. Left side window seat is reserved and I’m hoping to see some Northern Lights form the plane.
Photos taken with my Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the Zuiko 12-100mm F/4 Pro Zoom. Postprocessing in Lightroom Classic CC
Wish you a great Thursday!
Marcus
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Instant Inspiration (8) – Make a portrait of a stranger
Very cool and great shots as always.
Thanks, glad you like the shots! Marcus
Dimitri was a great subject and an interesting guy to get to “meet”. I am timid about photographing people, however I do meet so many interesting people on the city streets while traveling. The camera hanging about my neck (or my potential new friend’s neck) is always a conversation starter.
Thanks, Marsi, Next time you strike up a conversation, ask someone for a portrait! It’ really easy!!! And so much fun! Marcus
I will try not to be so shy when street shooting! The only stranger’s portrait I’ve shot is a character I befriended in New Mexico. It turned out to be one of my favorite shots ever.
I’m always so impressed by your ability to truly capture people. These are amazing. Love that we got to hear his story as well.
Thanks, Amy, your kind words mean so much! Marcus
Wow, I find the last two very captivating and the b&w is my absolute favourite. I hope he sees your stunning results.
Thanks, Daniela, he was quite a character! I gave him one of my street photography cards 🙂 ! Marcus
Wonderful captures Marcus 🙂 Lynne
Thanks, Lynne, wish you a splendid weekend! Marcus
Good luck with the northern lights – I saw them once coming back from NY….and it was a total surprise, and everyone else seemed to be asleep, which sweetened the experience somehow. That was a good conversation you had with Dimitri, and I really like the black and white.
No luck on the polar lights, but thanks for your kind comment, Lynn! Have a great weekend! Marcus
Marcus, these are astonishing portraits! You captured Dimitri’s personality in a such masterful way. You also have a talent to talk to strangers and make them feel comfortable. I am very impressed by these portraits!!!
Thank you for your kind words, Kaya, so much appreciated! Have a happy weekend! Marcus
Great photos Marcus! I don’t see myself asking folks if I can take their photo though. The world gets smaller all the time doesn’t it! I’m not surprised the man has had enough of California. I strongly dislike the state for my own reasons…
Thanks, John, much appreciated! Marcus