100 Strangers #7/100 - Dave

This is my seventh portrait for 100 Strangers. I introduced myself to Dave in Chandos, a Sam Smith's pub on Trafalgar Square and just over the road from the National Portrait Gallery (NPG). I'd been in to the NPG to see the David Bailey's Stardust exhibition; 'twas brilliant! I'd come out feeling inspired and somewhat overwhelmed by the talent on show. I approached Dave and explained the concept of 100 Strangers to him; he was sat in one of the small booths with light flooding through the stained glass window and thought it would work as a portrait. I thought Dave was working hard on his laptop while enjoying a couple of pints, so I apologised for disturbing him. As it happened he was not working but having fun at the end of the week and was more than happy to chat for a short while and have his photograph taken. Dave is a Civil Servant working in Whitehall at the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC). I used my new Canon 50mm, f1.4 to get this shot (OK OK I know 50mm isn't an ideal portrait lens!) and failed with the first couple; but this one seemed nice and sharp where it counts. I used only the available light. So thanks Dave and here is your portrait; hope you enjoy it; Dave is no longer a stranger :-).

 

I intend to make this a 100 strangers in B&W with maybe the odd splash of colour!

 

This picture is #7 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

Done