The girl in the window
While walking along Congress Avenue, I spotted this young lady in a restaurant. Gesturing with my camera, she nodded her consent, allowing me to photograph her. It was just a spur of the moment thing, a brief second in time, but her smile seems timeless. I snapped the photo, waved at her, and moved on. I don’t know who she is, but I’m glad our paths crossed.
Those of you who have followed this blog for any length of time know that portraits are not my thing. I almost never photograph people, preferring to shoot landscapes or cityscapes. If there are humans in the photo, it’s generally because I simply couldn’t avoid them. But on this day I decided to deliberately seek out and photograph people. This can be difficult, for several reasons. First, I’m not the type who can approach a complete stranger and ask if I may photograph them. Second, not everyone wants to be photographed. There are many people, myself included, who guard their privacy. But I wanted to make the effort, and see what I could capture.
There were no words spoken for this photo, just gestures and nods, but it was all I needed. I have other portraits from that day which did require conversation. But I have to say that I enjoyed the experience. Perhaps next time I venture onto the streets, it will be a little easier.
Enjoy the photo, and have a great day!
Great capture, Van! She has a great expression on her face, sort of a “Mona Lisa” smile. Very inspiring!
January 26, 2012 at 10:36 am
Thanks, Evan! I agree, looks a bit like Mona Lisa.
January 26, 2012 at 11:58 am
Although portraits may not be “your thing,” you certainly do a fine job. This is awesome, Van.
January 26, 2012 at 10:55 am
Thanks, Shelly! Perhaps one day I’ll see you through a window. We do need to get up to north Texas some time.
January 26, 2012 at 11:59 am
Boy I like this shot. The expression, the candidness of it. These are the shots that really stand out in portfolio’s. It is these type of shots that are fun to find and the reason we walk around with our camera’s attached to our hips.
Well Done Sir!!
January 26, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Thanks! I am so glad I had my camera that day.
January 26, 2012 at 5:23 pm
It is the most touching photograph you ever took.
January 26, 2012 at 2:25 pm
Thank you, so much!
January 26, 2012 at 5:24 pm
As a photographer it’s always good to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. This is a very beautiful picture!
January 30, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Thanks, Michael!
January 31, 2012 at 6:31 am
Very romantic – the picture and the story.
February 8, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Thanks, Paul! I really wish I had spoken with her, as I think her smile is fascinating.
February 9, 2012 at 6:46 am