Lunch Break

Photographers Comments
An old hand from Port William (Galloway, Scotland) on his lunch break

High Orbit Photography

Nice character study, Steve, but I think the camera picked up the focus from his jeans - his face is a little out. He looks like a left-handed heavy smoker!

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You could be right about the focus setting.

It was a long zoom sneaky shot without the subject knowing what I was up to and I didn't have the opportunity to take several shots.

The guy had about 4 ciggies for his lunch break.

Steve

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High Orbit: The Photographic Galleries of Steve Milner

Like this photo a lot, have you tried this photo in black and white? I reckon it would look really good given the textures of the brick, wood and concrete! Just a suggestion!

Thanks for the feedback David.

I haven't tried it in B & W, because I liked the colours.

I think the best thing I could have done to improve this photograph would have been to pluck up the courage and go and talk to the guy and get some decent shots from a much nearer position.

I'll cast my eye over a B & W conversion to see if I like it.

Regards,

Steve

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High Orbit: The Photographic Galleries of Steve Milner

Have to agree, Steve. I saw it was taken at 250mm. I find it best in situations like this (where the subject is stationary) to take the long shot first and then go up close and ask them for a close-up - they can only say 'no'. But then, photography is surely about confidence as well as technical skills?

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The world needs smoothing out.

http://www.carregwenimages.com

I have the same problem with photos of unknowns, never seem to be able to get in there and ask them for their photo. I think part of it is that I don't know how I'd react if someone came up to me! I think confidence is a major player in portraits, although I think that comes with improved camera skills?

It is tricky. I think it's really important to show people you are not a threat to them, after all, you are a stranger - you could be anyone. It sometimes works to just start talking to them first, and quite often they will ask you about the camera and that gives you a lead-in. I find it often helps to say 'may I take your portrait', rather than 'may I take a picture of you'. I know it sounds pretentious, but people do like to be flattered. It also helps to explain why you are taking the shot, and what it may be used for. After all, some people (say a couple) may be having an affair...

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The world needs smoothing out.

http://www.carregwenimages.com

Rob,

that's some good advice there.

I like the idea of taking the long shot first, giving you "one in the bag" if you don't get a good reaction.

Regards,

Steve

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High Orbit: The Photographic Galleries of Steve Milner

Awesome tips, thanks! May give this a go soon, ok, just need a stranger first...