Great article. For a time I was taking portraits of people while I walked in a particular city. I did struggle with this idea of getting a great portrait. How to ask someone to take their photograph! I remember this guy who fixed espresso machines. He always had a cigarette hanging from his mouth. I thought he was a perfect subject for my portrait. When I asked him to take his photograph he said “Why would anyone want to take a photograph of me?” It was a great photograph.
Wonderful article and images. As a viewer I can feel a connection with the subjects, which is the key to a successful portrait.
As a fellow introvert that conducted a 100 Strangers portrait series around 10 years ago, I feel every word you wrote. Not all the images were successful, but all the experiences were valuable to me, even years later as I try to make a living as a photographer.
Maybe something about street photography on a gray/gloomy/rainy day? (Not sure if you've already written about that)
I recently had a conversation with my mother (I inherited my camera from her father) about how I was sad there wasn't any good light lately, and she remarked "so you only ever take good weather pictures?" (in het Nederlands heeft dat trouwens nog een interessante emotionele dubbele laag, de veronderstelling dat ik alleen "goedweer plaatjes" zou maken)
Great article Wesley. I found this newsletter after admiring your street portraits so I always love reading about that subject. I think an interesting idea for a future issue might be one about past projects that didn’t quite work out or materialize into a finished product (if you’ve had any!) You could discuss lessons learned, why the project didn’t end up working, if the project ended up evolving into something else, stuff like that.
Thank you for sharing, I'm also an introvert photographer but I would like to do street portraits. I like portraits but in a situation where I am under control, I will try to follow your tips. Great pictures!
Would love to see a Process letter about letting go of perfection and putting your photo work out into the world, not letting your audiences opinion affect your work and hold on to your true creative self.
Cheers—this was a great read. I'm a long-time introvert turned street portraitist. I got into it because I somehow felt even more self-aware shooting candid street scenes. That, and the topography of Baltimore doesn't lend itself to conventional street work.
I learned early on that the easiest way to get out of my own headspace was to interrogate what it was that drew me to a person, and then tell them that. "I like the way your hair looks in this light," or "Oh I like you're shirt." Those were good jumping off points to a photo.
I still go into each encounter with my heart racing a mile a minute... but I find the ability to notice and share my observations directly helps me land more pictures than not!
Thanks for sharing Wesley, as always love your articles and your photos! I also enjoy doing street portraits though I get immensely nervous when asking. I wanted to know if you have any advice on how you approach the sharing of said portraits. Do you ask the person for their email, do you send them via phone? Also do you think it necessary to ask the person if you want to use the photo in a post or publication afterwards? Thanks in advance! 🫶
Street Portraits are practically how I got started in my Street Photography a few years back. Couldn’t agree more with everything you wrote. Great read!
I love the term “An Introvert Extroverting”. That’s what I consider myself when I’m running around town and interacting with people. These photos are some of the best street photography photos I’ve ever seen.
Great article. For a time I was taking portraits of people while I walked in a particular city. I did struggle with this idea of getting a great portrait. How to ask someone to take their photograph! I remember this guy who fixed espresso machines. He always had a cigarette hanging from his mouth. I thought he was a perfect subject for my portrait. When I asked him to take his photograph he said “Why would anyone want to take a photograph of me?” It was a great photograph.
Wow, loved Audrey's picture and vibe!
Do you ever snap a candid portrait before you ask permission?
Also, since you are using film, do you do digital post processing?
Great tips Wesley. Like these portraits. They breathe comfort and trust.
For a next topic, I'd like to know how you ensure cohesion in your projects.
Wonderful article and images. As a viewer I can feel a connection with the subjects, which is the key to a successful portrait.
As a fellow introvert that conducted a 100 Strangers portrait series around 10 years ago, I feel every word you wrote. Not all the images were successful, but all the experiences were valuable to me, even years later as I try to make a living as a photographer.
Good ideas here. Dankuwel!
Maybe something about street photography on a gray/gloomy/rainy day? (Not sure if you've already written about that)
I recently had a conversation with my mother (I inherited my camera from her father) about how I was sad there wasn't any good light lately, and she remarked "so you only ever take good weather pictures?" (in het Nederlands heeft dat trouwens nog een interessante emotionele dubbele laag, de veronderstelling dat ik alleen "goedweer plaatjes" zou maken)
Great article Wesley. I found this newsletter after admiring your street portraits so I always love reading about that subject. I think an interesting idea for a future issue might be one about past projects that didn’t quite work out or materialize into a finished product (if you’ve had any!) You could discuss lessons learned, why the project didn’t end up working, if the project ended up evolving into something else, stuff like that.
Thank you for sharing, I'm also an introvert photographer but I would like to do street portraits. I like portraits but in a situation where I am under control, I will try to follow your tips. Great pictures!
Lovely article Wesley!
Would love to see a Process letter about letting go of perfection and putting your photo work out into the world, not letting your audiences opinion affect your work and hold on to your true creative self.
Great post, Wesley! The photos of John and Audrey from Austin are pure magic.
Cheers—this was a great read. I'm a long-time introvert turned street portraitist. I got into it because I somehow felt even more self-aware shooting candid street scenes. That, and the topography of Baltimore doesn't lend itself to conventional street work.
I learned early on that the easiest way to get out of my own headspace was to interrogate what it was that drew me to a person, and then tell them that. "I like the way your hair looks in this light," or "Oh I like you're shirt." Those were good jumping off points to a photo.
I still go into each encounter with my heart racing a mile a minute... but I find the ability to notice and share my observations directly helps me land more pictures than not!
Thanks for sharing Wesley, as always love your articles and your photos! I also enjoy doing street portraits though I get immensely nervous when asking. I wanted to know if you have any advice on how you approach the sharing of said portraits. Do you ask the person for their email, do you send them via phone? Also do you think it necessary to ask the person if you want to use the photo in a post or publication afterwards? Thanks in advance! 🫶
Street Portraits are practically how I got started in my Street Photography a few years back. Couldn’t agree more with everything you wrote. Great read!
Really enjoyed this subject. It's something I've noting for a future post, and hearing how others approach this is fascinating. Thanks for sharing ✌🏾
I love the term “An Introvert Extroverting”. That’s what I consider myself when I’m running around town and interacting with people. These photos are some of the best street photography photos I’ve ever seen.