This is Jo, aka the "Chalk Chick"... she travels around (mostly in Canada of late) making lovely pavement art... She generally uses the tips to support herself, but today all money she collects will be going towards the Snooter Farm Animal Sanctuary...
Her chalk picture of Edgar the Pig, along with a few other photos for context, including another crop of this portrait are on my flickr site...
I was paired with Jase and he challenged me to: "(get) a street portrait of a stranger, find out their name and a little about them etc. and something they think is interesting about them."
Now, I am not entirely certain this qualifies for flickr's 100 strangers group because I didn't tell her about the group... but I did tell her I was working on my portraiture skills, and asked if I could take pictures and post them on the internet... the picture on flickr of her at work is "candid" in the sense that she didn't pose, but she knew I was taking it... anyway, I hope it counts for the challenge on this site, although I will try to do at least one more this week (weather and work permitting)...
By the way... I'd appreciate any thoughts about how I could have improved on taking this picture (portraits are a HUGE challenge for me)... and also, if you have the time, whether you prefer the other crop that's on flickr... It was a bit of a dilemma... it just did not feel right converting this to b&w... the other crop gives you a better sense of Jo, but it also has that window in the background with the shiny shoes...
And if you've read this far, thank you so much for your time and patience!!!
@shannew Hi Shanne... would you happen to know if this would qualify for 100 strangers? i have her email addy (i said i would send the pictures), so I could let her know in the email that's what I plan to do... tx :)
Excellent street portrait shot. Love the fact that you got some of the chalk smudges on her face and body. Not loving the nose ring, but that's no fault of yours (lol).
@humphreyhippo tx HH... i would have said the same a few months ago... but since doing a fair bit of street photography, I find that the camera ends up being a conversation starter... in a way, I feel like it was cheating a bit because as a street artist she was putting herself out there and welcoming this kind of attention... so it was really easy...
@cromwell tx Cromwell... i am not a huge fan of nose rings, but I think on her, it seemed right... and yeah, i couldn't have had a chalk free photo if i'd wanted one... but as it happens, i wanted the chalk... that's who she is! :)
FANTASTIC!!!! Great character to find, she looks cool and so does Edgar. Not cheating at all, a stranger is a stranger and I think I prefer this crop. Super stoked, nice one.
nice to meet you Jo! great talent you have. Great "get pushed" shot Northy, loved the read-up about Jo, she will love the exposure you have given her and that she deserves. I do prefer the crop that is on flickr to this one...I like the background in it and I think it gives nice composition to the shot, but thats just my take on it.
I think with portraiture its not about replication of a face but showing character with a good use of light! You have done this and I really like it! (in spite of the nose ring as @cromwell says)
Brilliant shot and you seem to have met the push really well! I like both crops, but this one definitely has all the focus on Jo! Although, I do like the tat on her arm in the other one..I don't blame you for finding it hard to decide!
And I think this would have lost something in b&w conversion - like the bright blue on the underside of her hat and the light blue background. It adds the right color for her bright smile.
@38mm tx Jase... i was really quite pleased with how this portrait turned out... the challenge was both easier and harder than i thought it would be... i was really really worried that my picture wouldn't do her justice!
OK, rules for 100 strangers are here http://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/ looking at what you've done and why it may well fit 100 strangers. It's a lovely portrait, and I like this crop - I also liked the pig
Good on you, the crop on this is great, nice close up to see the expression in her face, as well as some of the chalk. I really liked her art, wow, pretty awesome. I think you have met your challenge very well.
Well done Northy, this is great! This one would have been a push for me too. Yet the idea intrigues me. I would struggle with giving direction to someone I've just met but I would want the light etc and to be right all under pressure...ugh
Fantastic shot! It s so good to challenge yourself, and you have done it really well here. I had. Look at the Flickr shots too, she is. Very talented lady :)
I personally think this is perfect Northy! She's a free spirit and you captured that......love her eyes, they speak volumes. Could you have found anyone better to photograph? I think not!
fav, you aced this challenge!
I think I like this closer one better. I have tried several times to ask strangers and my heart starts beating so hard, I think I'm having a heart attack. :)
I LOVE how well you did with her portrait. Awesome. I also enjoyed getting to see more of the photos on Flickr. Her art is cool and you portray her so well.
it's fine, I wondered about doing it when I'd read the details - there was someone on the tube the other week who was so stunning I wanted to take their picture, and an old lady the other night with the most amazing face
I love this portrait Northy and i think i would have liked that get pushed challeng i will have to chedck into that next time! Great job on it all i will have to check out the other crop later...going to bed now! Have a Great Day! :)
good challenge, and a good response. It isn't easy is it? My challenge was similar, I've posted mine on November 2012 because I ain't got a second folder. Portrait wise I think its cool.
Wonderful street shot, I also love that you got some of the chalk on her face. I feel to this for me is of a very open character & a generous smile.
p.s I think the nose ring & plug is great ( ;
September 30th, 2012
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fav, you aced this challenge!
The sunlight was harsh to work with & you have done well (the hat was always going to blow out the highlights) - did you use spot metering?
I have wondered about cropping faces in the past, and I found both of these interesting reading -
http://improvephotography.com/1305/101-portrait-photography-tips-to-improve-your-photography/ http://www.redbubble.com/groups/photography-critique-and-advice/forums/4108/topics/263152-recent-model-shoot-jack-salzke
p.s I think the nose ring & plug is great ( ;