Ndeye [Stranger #3/100]

This picture is #3 in the 100 Strangers Project - Round 2

 

Meet Ndeye!!!

 

I was in Bethesda to return a rented lens during a rushed lunch break. By habit though, and hoping to be ready for any potential opportunities that may spring up I carried my camera and am so glad that I did. Its on my way back, and heading towards my parked car, that I noticed this lovely young lady waiting, with her friend, at the light across the street. I am sure a lot of my fellow "stranger" photographers will understand (but is a little difficult to articulate otherwise) some people just are a instant trigger for a photograph and Ndeye would certainly be in that bracket. Though she was at a distance from where I was standing, she stood out immediately - tall, with a upright posture and thick wavy hair. Not to lose a great opportunity I walked briskly and with a quick excuse me made my pitch. Although I am quite used to a occasional refusal, I sincerely hoped that Ndeye would participate. Luckily for me not only was Ndeye open to participating but also walked with me a few minutes to a neutral backdrop that would allow me to only focus on the her terrific face.

 

Our little conversation during the walk revealed that Ndeye's parents are from Gambia; her name translates to "mother" and interestingly through our shoot she and her friend chatted in Wolof (a Gambian language). She works close by with a Seniors living facility. She loves her job and working with elderly folks - indeed a wonderful sentiment especially for someone so young. Besides that she loves to eat. Though she was hard pressed to think of anything she hated, if she had the power to change anything she indicated it would be eradicate poverty.

 

Having walked to a appropriate background - in this case it was a large black piece of wood (or similar material) by some construction on a street corner - we shot for a few minutes using some open shade to help despite the midday sun. A more conscious effort on the light is definitely my focus for this round. Her friend patiently stood by - helping with the reflector as requested and occasionally clicking a few pics with a cell phone. I am not sure if others have experienced this - I have a few times - but as soon as I started shooting with the reflector etc in place a lady close-by tried to click a few pics using her phone (probably thinking something important was happening).

 

Ndeye was a absolute treat to photograph - a attractive young lady walking tall and erect, her orange top complementing a amazing bronze skin tone and strong features with high cheek bones and intense eyes. Above all, she showed tonnes of confidence - she posed and gazed with absolute nonchalance and ease. Personally, though I always see a lot of room of improvement for myself, I really liked how Ndeye's pictures turned out with a little bit of touch up, and had a difficult time to make one selection for the project. One thing that I did not do a good job with - is to bring out the golden nail polish.

 

Personally, I do think the young lady could consider modelling - a few friends and my wife too agreed and were effusive in their appreciation. I mean with a professional set-up and make-up with a experience photographer, I think she could do really well. What do you think?

 

Anyways, I did request her for possibly shooting with me again and she agreed - so am definitely looking forward to that.

 

Thanks a lot Ndeye for taking the time and spending the time doing these pictures. Special thanks to your friend for helping out and also for her patience. It was great making your acquaintance and look forward to shooting with you again.

 

 

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

For my other pictures on this project: 100 Strangers - Round 2.

For pictures from my prior attempt at 100 Strangers: 100 Strangers - Round 1.

Done