50 mono portraits at 50mm : No. 19 : Goose Fair Food Vendor by phil_howcroft

50 mono portraits at 50mm : No. 19 : Goose Fair Food Vendor

I asked this stall holder if I could take a picture of him behind his food stall counter.

He was pleased to pose for a couple of quick shots. His wife wasn't keen to pose and shook her head and laughed when I asked to take her picture. She asked if I was from the newspaper and what would do with the pictures. I told her I was just an amateur photographer and member of my local camera club and it was just a hobby.

It was probably the most difficult shot to date of my series because the light was all artificial and there was some steam heat coming from his food prep area.

I struggled to get the mono conversion too, but the dynamic range filter in G'MIC and then an AGFA film emulation seemed to get the desired tones.

There is some catch lights in his eyes which is a bonus.

The image is quite grainy, probably due to the lighting, but this seems to add to the shot

His stall had a prime location , right beside the 'gate 6' entrance / exit.
Great shot! I just finished my first year and have been contemplating what to do with my second year. I love your 50 mono portraits at 50mm idea. I may just try that!
October 2nd, 2014  
I'm not aware of all the problems you had with taking the photo. It looks perfectly sharp to me - even down to the strange teeth! You must have balanced the light really well as it doesn't look like artificial light at all. Terrific.
October 2nd, 2014  
@backpedaler thanks cathy, it's quite a tough little project for me to do, because 'portraits' are outside my comfort zone. I got the idea from a friend on here @sidecar who is doing 365 of them :)
October 2nd, 2014  
@busylady thanks judith, I just shot on aperture priority , AWB, ISO 400 and let the camera do the rest and then about 5 mins post processing editing
October 2nd, 2014  
This is a very high energy pic! You are doing great with your Stranger project. I tried that 100 Stranger portraits challenge. I have 4 taken.
October 2nd, 2014  
@espyetta thanks MB, it is a touch challenge but one that i am indeed enjoying
October 2nd, 2014  
Awesome portrait
October 3rd, 2014  
He looks like he is enjoying his moment of glory.......there is a certain look of fame in his eyes!
Your portrait series has certainly challenged you, one that I would find most hard to do....the asking would be the worst! I like the way your mans face still sounds out despite the busy background....he could have been overwhelmed but it all works very well.
October 3rd, 2014  
Another happy face and another great portrait, Phil. You must be brave - or going nuts - to go on people asking to take their photo. I would never do that. But I am really enjoying your series of portrait shots.
October 3rd, 2014  
What a jolly fellow.
October 3rd, 2014  
Another great portrait
October 3rd, 2014  
Great character Phil! You caught his personality in this shot..I am sure! Well done!
October 4th, 2014  
@eyesmile thnks gena, glad you think so

@lpot1985 many thanks lee

@sangwann thanks dione, it is surprising people don't mind having their photo took , although i got turned down at the football today !

@happypat thanks pat, I get a little narvous doing the 'asking', but most people don't seem to mind :)

@kerristephens cheers kerri :)
October 4th, 2014  
Lovely background for him Phil.
October 5th, 2014  
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