OG boardwalk. Oct 21, 2021. Paul Goldfinger. © Click to enlarge.
Paul Goldfinger, Photo Editor at Blogfinger.net
I am on the OG boards today looking for some candid portraits or action shots. I am glancing around trying to imagine a composition which would be revealing in some impressive way.
As this woman approaches from my left, she would reach me in about two minutes. I have already pre-set my Leica M-9 camera for focus, exposure, ASA, and depth of field. I sit on a bench looking towards the ocean and I aim my viewfinder straight ahead waiting for the magic moment when she would walk unaware into my field of vision. But nothing happens.
So I lower my camera and look left.
She had stopped in her tracks when she noticed me. She stands still. So I motion for her to walk by as I aim my camera straight ahead. I did not want her to know that she is my subject. She walks briskly about 10 feet right past me. I trip the shutter without being sure what would result. Neither of us said a word. She kept walking southward,
If you click on her portrait, you will see her face. I love her dignified expression and her evident strength of character. And the way her hair flows behind.
I usually am unimpressed by portraits where critics think that one’s character can be shown. But in this case we begin with a photographic uncertainty yet I believe the result reveals something about this person.
Too bad she won’t see the post. I usually photograph anonymously. That is an inevitable component of street photography,
CHET BAKER from his album My Funny Valentine: