Giorgio has worked in the restaurant trade since he was 16 and for the past eighteen months has had his own place, Giorgio's Mediterranean restaurant in Bishops Waltham, a market town local to where we live.
A friend and I went into his restaurant to see if I'd be able to stay for lunch: the dining area is in the basement and I find it hard to cope with enclosed and windowless spaces. No problem as a strip of the top part of one wall and the adjacent ceiling have been given a little glass roof treatment opening on to the stairwell, plus we sat at a table beside a huge mirror giving light and space.
I decided early on, although I had my camera and portrait lens with me (surprise) that I would not ask for a portrait in this situation.
We had a delicious lunch of tapas followed by lemon tart and ice-cream and I had a glass of white.
But somehow, after coffee, when we were the only ones left, I found myself asking Giorgio if I could take his photo. He misheard me and thought I meant a photo of the restaurant and said OK as long as he was not in it.
But when I explained, he did then agree to 'one' shot - so I took two and in fact the first was the best. It was not as difficult as I thought, given the very low lighting and the spots of bright light. I didn't use flash but set f1.8. I'm sending him a copy via email.
The building, Merchants House, which houses Giorgio's, used to be a wine cellar and dates from 1617.
This is a great capture. The angel he is s standing at is perfect that and the slightly turned head make it perfect. That restaurant sounds quite lovely with some history and atmosphere.
@quietpurplehaze not really this was a long time ago and I didn't do it for long. The only thing I do remember is better not to photograph a subject head on. I would think that if you Goggled it you might get more useful information.
Thank you and yes, I think I shall remember that a portrait slightly at an angle can work well.
Ah, thank you! (Do you have anything else to say?!)
Thanks - I do have some info from various online sources - it was good to get your feedback.