jim_jimmy_james
Viv the spiv *
This picture is #013 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
I've not added to my 100 strangers album for a while because no one really caught my eye. Then partly feeling that anxiety of approaching strangers was creeping back in. I guess its like any skill and that you/we/I need to practice it to maintain it.
I had to do a mini assignment for college homework and thought the vintage car boot sale at the weekend in Kings Cross, London, would make a good topic and surely be a good place to practice some street portraiture.
I was surprised that there were not that many people that looked the part and at how many photographers there were.
The few that I did want to photograph were within the boot sale's footprint which was far too busy and would have just made for a very cluttered and distracting image.
Just outside was Viv the Spiv. He was meting and greeting the crows and seemed like the obvious person to approach.
He ws dressed smartly in the style that I was hoping to see and he was already warmly interacting with people which obviously made life much easier for me.
The conversation was brief; mostly about the weather and we exchanged a handful of jokes.
I had a reflector with me but decided not to use it because the shadow from his hat didn't appear to be too strong.
I think I should have given it a go so that I would have a comparison. I wonder if a reflector would have reduced how strong the contrasty light was.
I considered changing position but the light was pretty much the same.... It has only just dawned on me that I could have actually got someone to hold the reflector and used it as a diffuser (Its a five in one reflector/diffuser).
I did direct Viv a little, asking him to turn slightly to the side and lean ever so slightly towards the camera. This was in the hope of producing a more engaging portrait.
I'd like to thank Viv the Spiv for his time and kindly agreeing to be the unlucky number 13 in my 100 strangers project.
Please do have a look at his website: www.vivthespiv.co.uk
If I was more photoshop savvy there are a few edits I would make. Such as removing the bald chap... Constructive critique and comments are always welcome.
Viv the spiv *
This picture is #013 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
I've not added to my 100 strangers album for a while because no one really caught my eye. Then partly feeling that anxiety of approaching strangers was creeping back in. I guess its like any skill and that you/we/I need to practice it to maintain it.
I had to do a mini assignment for college homework and thought the vintage car boot sale at the weekend in Kings Cross, London, would make a good topic and surely be a good place to practice some street portraiture.
I was surprised that there were not that many people that looked the part and at how many photographers there were.
The few that I did want to photograph were within the boot sale's footprint which was far too busy and would have just made for a very cluttered and distracting image.
Just outside was Viv the Spiv. He was meting and greeting the crows and seemed like the obvious person to approach.
He ws dressed smartly in the style that I was hoping to see and he was already warmly interacting with people which obviously made life much easier for me.
The conversation was brief; mostly about the weather and we exchanged a handful of jokes.
I had a reflector with me but decided not to use it because the shadow from his hat didn't appear to be too strong.
I think I should have given it a go so that I would have a comparison. I wonder if a reflector would have reduced how strong the contrasty light was.
I considered changing position but the light was pretty much the same.... It has only just dawned on me that I could have actually got someone to hold the reflector and used it as a diffuser (Its a five in one reflector/diffuser).
I did direct Viv a little, asking him to turn slightly to the side and lean ever so slightly towards the camera. This was in the hope of producing a more engaging portrait.
I'd like to thank Viv the Spiv for his time and kindly agreeing to be the unlucky number 13 in my 100 strangers project.
Please do have a look at his website: www.vivthespiv.co.uk
If I was more photoshop savvy there are a few edits I would make. Such as removing the bald chap... Constructive critique and comments are always welcome.