New York: Bleecker Street, West Village
Inspiration: I saw this this gentleman standing outside of a building on Bleecker relaxing while smoking his cigar. The minute I spotted him, I wanted to photograph him. He exuded this big, badass, Sean Connery-esque aura that I wanted to capture in a photo. Yet, because of that very reason, I thought he would say no. So, I kept walking along. But what's the big deal about the word "no"? Well, not much, really. I've realized that it just means I'll keep walking until I find another person who says yes (this is a part of the psychological banter that I've been having with myself lately). So, I turned around, walked back to where he stood and asked. It turns out that I was right. He has a great, big, wonderful personality. Definitely a little badass but mostly generous. Turns out that he is a photographer too, so we chatted for a bit about my project, light, and the fact that most people, when asked (and especially after you chat with them) will agree to be photographed. Check this out for a color photograph of him.
P.S. I know I've been posting tons of portraits lately, but I've really been enjoying this project. I'll be back to candid street shots soon enough, though.
I love the pattern of his shirt in the b/w better I think the badass quality comes through better too. What lens and settings were you using? I'm taking some photography classes but I'm not getting anywhere near the results you are. I'm so jealous....in the best possible way. Your photographs keep me inspired when I start getting frustrated.
Posted by: Carla | June 10, 2010 at 10:04 AM
wow, you have truly wonderful photography. there is a lot of depth and pathos in the faces of your portraits.
www.xAZDdesign.com
Posted by: xAZD | June 10, 2010 at 11:24 AM
But you are so good at the portraits, you must keep them going. I have also found that 99% of the people I ask say yes. They ususlly turn out to be very generous indeed.Xxx
Posted by: Fashionistable | June 10, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Very nice captures. I wonder how they would turn out with a 50mm. They might be less dramatic.
Thanks also for the link you posted on my blog. Very interesting. I answered you more fully on my blog.
http://davidikus.blogspot.com/
Posted by: davidikus | June 10, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Nice shots! Sadly, I can never muster up enough strength to ask someone.
Posted by: NYC In Photographs | June 10, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Davidikus: I think that they would turn out great with a 50mm. You'd just have to stand a little closer to the person. I was using a 70-200 at 70mm, so not so much different. I also like using my 85mm prime lens for portraits.
Thanks Fashionistable. I agree with you. People are more generous that one might imagine.
xAZD: I appreciate your comments and compliment. Thank you.
Carla: I was using a 70-200 lens at 70mm with a 2.8 aperture. My ISO was probably at 100 or 200. Cannot remember shutterspeed though . . .
Posted by: The Photodiarist | June 10, 2010 at 01:34 PM
I love your portraits, so keep doing them too! And he definitely has a face with character. I especially love the first shot the most, but both shots are pretty great!
Posted by: Biana | June 10, 2010 at 03:28 PM
Looks like wings in the first ph.!
Posted by: minor keys | June 10, 2010 at 09:03 PM
Good for you!
He looks a lot like Jason Robards....
Posted by: Ms. Pearl | June 10, 2010 at 09:36 PM
Cool guy.
Posted by: Kiki | June 10, 2010 at 09:40 PM
...una especie de Henry Miller... puede ser...?
Posted by: Martita | June 11, 2010 at 03:10 AM
Cool dude.
Keep the potraits coming. no need to apologize, it's your blog. you can do whatever the hell you feel like and if the audience don't like it, they weren't meant to like it anyway. they can go somewhere else.
Posted by: the nyanzi report | June 11, 2010 at 05:28 AM
Superb portrait!
Posted by: frankdejol | June 11, 2010 at 06:09 AM
I love 2nd photo.
It's splendid!!
expression,and eloquent eyes and background and all...
This is dramatic.
Posted by: Lady M | June 11, 2010 at 06:21 AM
keep the portraits coming! love it very inspiring
Posted by: Ruth | June 11, 2010 at 05:04 PM
Incredible !
Great shot !
Posted by: C. | June 11, 2010 at 05:08 PM
I love what xAZD said : pathos . I always look for new and interesting ways to tell you how much you ROCK with out saying the same thing over and over because you searously blow my mine with every photo! Pathos that is a good one. I will have to look that up. You are truely gifted, and now we are enjoying your gift of spotting rad people to photograph!
Posted by: cristi | June 12, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Great picture!
I see a man of honour and depth. In the black and white picture, you get an mysterious feeling out of it. that's why I love your black and white portraits so much.
There is so much a face can tell you.
Posted by: PrecillaSedney | June 22, 2010 at 08:23 AM