Stranger
This is a bit of a confession post. I am one of those photographers that FEARS photographing strangers on the streets. I’m working on that, but for some odd reason, when I’m on vacation, that fear goes away.
Take this shot for example… We were in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for vacation and attended the resort’s bi-weekly beach party. Everybody is having fun and I had my camera with me, of course. I didn’t care who was surrounding me or watching me. I saw this woman on the stage in front of me having a blast and I just couldn’t resist photographing her. Now, I must say that I took approximately 20 images of her and this is the ONE image I keep coming back to.
30mm, f/5 @ .5 sec, ISO 250
I wanted to capture her as she was… having fun… in the moment. I didn’t want her to be frozen in time, as most of these images could be. You see the movement in her hands, dress, but especially in her hair.
Could this photograph be better? Of course it can, but that is NOT the point. The point is that when on vacation I overcame my FEAR of photographing strangers. And BTW, I’m extremely happy with the outcome of this photograph. It is one of my favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
August 11th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Wow, this was a really high quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and actual effort to make a great post… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Love it! Glad you got over that fear so we can share your experience. I think capturing moments like these is what makes photography so special.
August 12th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Great shot- you froze the moment, but captured all the energy and movement!