Street Portraits

March 1, 2009

Having recently discovered the intrigue and allure of street portraits, it’s been a while since I’ve wanted to share some shots from the past couple of street sessions that I had.

However, i’ve been busy trying to work as much as I can to save up for my trip to Oz, so it’s been some time coming.

Experiencing the energy while trying to capture a portrait on the street was refreshing for me, and the closer I got to the subject, the faster my heart galloped. It was my first time shooting a street portrait with a wide-angle lens. Apart from shortening the distance between the subject and myself, this lens forced me into a realm in which I had never ventured before – actual interaction with many of the subjects. In addition to assessing the quality and direction of light, environment, background and other factors that I try to remind myself to consider, I now had to juggle the possibility of my face, and camera, being smashed. Not at all an inviting thought.

I’m glad that I emerged unscathed, and a little more enlightened. I enjoyed myself immensely while shooting the subjects. Some of them allowed me to engage them, through subtle nods, a smile, or simply with a slight gaze. Some ignored my efforts at forging a momentary relationship, and thankfully there was only one who looked like he wanted my head on a platter and eyes carved out with a spoon.

I allowed myself to sink back into the the stealthy role of a poacher for the next short set of portraits. Switching to a longer lens allowed me the distance that I was comfortable with, as well as providing me with ample time to frame my subjects, and to wait for the right moment. Although i may have gotten better exposures on these shots, the exhilaration was missing. More apparent than that, was that the eyes of the subjects in this second batch seemed to lack rigour. Cast away, almost.

So what will you have? Lively, or a little more pensive? That’s the beauty of art, isn’t it? It can work both ways. Enjoy!

Set 1: Little India, Singapore

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