PORTRAITS

I frequently take photos of people, only occasionally asking permission to do so. When I do ask, I usually begin with a complement, then follow with a request, e.g., “What a lovely hat, do you mind if I take your portrait?” The use of the word portrait is deliberate in order to add dignity to the process. Sometimes, I do not wait for the answer and just confidently and joyfully jump into action snapping away.  In any event, my request is rarely denied. Light, background, relationships of foreground to background – check, check, check - then the picture. Strangers, friends, family, fellow pickleball players, even the great photographer Steve McCurry, they’re all targets. I consider these portraits to be street photos as I do them spontaneously with the mindset of a street photographer.  External appearance is only part of the picture. Identity matters yet is not always easy to capture in one image. My multifaceted good friend Bruce for example, can be deeply serious one moment, act crazy just for fun another, and is always a health fitness nut.  He has three portraits, so far.