Seth
I had just checked the light on a nice graffiti wall in Toronto’s Kensington Market after photographing Kaley (#848 in my project). The light was excellent and I figured if I saw another interesting subject before leaving the Market for home, I would pose them near the wall. He walked toward me on the sidewalk. Ask and you shall be rewarded. His appearance was more formal than is the norm in this artist’s colony neighborhood where dreadlocks and tattoos are more the norm. He also had a face with a lot of character.
I approached him and although he didn’t stop, he did slow to hear my request. People who keep walking are usually avoiding getting tied down to deal with someone they don’t know. Slowing down, however, represents uncertainty - something to be worked with. When I said I could make the photograph in a couple of minutes tops, he shrugged and said “Well, ok.” Meet Seth who told me he was on his way home. He must work nights.
I explained I wanted to use the wall just around the corner as a background and I sense his hesitation again but he followed me and understood my plan. I positioned him and took a quick photo or two and then asked if he would mind removing his sunglasses which he did. I said he dressed well and asked if he always took such care with his appearance. He looked embarrassed and said “Yes. I like to be presentable.” Photo taken he was ready to move on. He said he didn’t need a copy of the photo and declined the card with a subtle smile and was on his way. I asked a quick “Where are you from originally?” and he replied “Ghana.”
Thank you Seth for pausing on your way home to meet and be photographed for The Human Family. Meeting you was brief but pleasant and you did have a nice look on the streets of Kensington Market.
This is my 10th submission to The Human Family group. Visit the group here to see more portraits and stories: www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily.
Seth
I had just checked the light on a nice graffiti wall in Toronto’s Kensington Market after photographing Kaley (#848 in my project). The light was excellent and I figured if I saw another interesting subject before leaving the Market for home, I would pose them near the wall. He walked toward me on the sidewalk. Ask and you shall be rewarded. His appearance was more formal than is the norm in this artist’s colony neighborhood where dreadlocks and tattoos are more the norm. He also had a face with a lot of character.
I approached him and although he didn’t stop, he did slow to hear my request. People who keep walking are usually avoiding getting tied down to deal with someone they don’t know. Slowing down, however, represents uncertainty - something to be worked with. When I said I could make the photograph in a couple of minutes tops, he shrugged and said “Well, ok.” Meet Seth who told me he was on his way home. He must work nights.
I explained I wanted to use the wall just around the corner as a background and I sense his hesitation again but he followed me and understood my plan. I positioned him and took a quick photo or two and then asked if he would mind removing his sunglasses which he did. I said he dressed well and asked if he always took such care with his appearance. He looked embarrassed and said “Yes. I like to be presentable.” Photo taken he was ready to move on. He said he didn’t need a copy of the photo and declined the card with a subtle smile and was on his way. I asked a quick “Where are you from originally?” and he replied “Ghana.”
Thank you Seth for pausing on your way home to meet and be photographed for The Human Family. Meeting you was brief but pleasant and you did have a nice look on the streets of Kensington Market.
This is my 10th submission to The Human Family group. Visit the group here to see more portraits and stories: www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily.