Yesterday I set out with the intention of killing two birds with one stone, or two assignments with one shot. As I stated in my previous post, I started Project 52 a couple weeks late, so even though it isn’t required, I’m playing catch up. I am currently on assignment four, which I will explain in more detail once it’s actually done, but I also have assignment one to do, photograph a stranger.
As you can imagine, the thought of heading out in public and walking up to someone you’ve never laid eyes on before and saying “Can I take your picture.” is a little daunting, to say the least!
There was an obvious method to the madness behind this assignment, get the tough stuff out of the way or, as Zig Ziglar put it “Eat the frog first.”
The parameters of this assignment were fairly straight forward:
- These are not shots of unsuspecting subjects through a telephoto lens, they have to be aware and participating in the shoot
That’s it. So, with that in mind, I grabbed my camera and headed to the park. Here are a few of the photos I managed to capture.
This guy was an interesting fellow, he seemed to be a bit of a pigeon expert, when I got there he was wowing a guy and his son with his knowledge of these birds. I was particularly impressed with his lack of fear of being crapped on, to my knowledge (which in regards to pigeons, is obviously much less than his), they tend to be less than concerned on where it happens.
Apparently, these two were males, fighting over turf, not sure if the “turf” was him or his hand. My suspicion was that they were fighting over the crumbs in his hand, but what do I know.
Once I had taken in as much information as I could on the breeding and migratory habits of the Common Pigeon, (if I can believe there is such a thing anymore), I headed on my way to see who else I could convince to pose for me.
I followed a couple of older ladies around the walking path for a bit, trying to gear up the courage to ask them if they would mind being photographed. I must have been following them longer than I realized, because once I started getting a bit closer, the lady with the cane stopped leaning on it and started wielding it in one hand, kinda like a club. I chose to circumvent the path and head across the grass to the pond, for my own safety.
I’m glad I did, because once I got there I came across a young mom and her pretty little girl, Grace, happily feeding the birds. Grace’s mom was kind enough to allow me to photograph them as they tossed bits of bread to the frenzy of feathers and beaks. Unfortunately, I was having so much fun watching little Grace laugh and squeal as she played, I almost forgot why I was there, so I came up a little short on useable photos. So, Grace’s mom (sorry, didn’t think to get your name), if you’re reading this and are interested in a re-shoot, let me know, you have my card.
This is Grace, not too hard to see how much fun she’s having.
There was a bit of a showdown going on here, the geese were like a roving band of gangsters, trying to steal every crumb of bread handed out, and Grace was having no part of it!
If you look closely, you can see what looks suspiciously like breadcrumbs on Grace’s cheek. You don’t suppose she was dipping into the rations, do you? NAHH! Couldn’t be!
This assignment was a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to heading out again today or tomorrow for another run at it, under the guise of Assignment 4.
And once again, Grace’s mom, if you’re reading this, as a sign of my appreciation for being such a good sport, I’d be happy to do another shoot of you and Grace, no charge. If you’re interested, drop me a line, via email, text or give me a call. It can be a family shoot of you, your husband and Grace,or a solo shoot of either of you, whichever you prefer.
See you all again in another day or two.
The Outer Display of Your Inner Beauty 