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: