Dennis | Stranger Portrait

[Austin Greene]

This is Dennis.

I met Dennis today, February 6th 2015, on a rainy day in San Francisco. Visiting the incredible Legion of Honor for the first time, on an admittedly poor choice of days in terms of weather, I noted an older man leave the stone halls and sit at a nearby bus stop. Still standing under the cover of the Legion's halls, I watched. He carried a simple backpack, and wore simple clothes. A yellow jacket kept him dry amidst the gusts of wind and rain. Eventually, I decided he was the reason I'd driven the hour to San Francisco to begin with.

I introduced myself, and explained that I'm a local photographer. Only then did I pop the question, and ask if I could take his photo.

"Can I ask what for?" Dennis asked.

"It's part of a project I've been doing. Really more part of a new project I'm starting soon."

"Ok then, sure." he obliged, just as his bus showed up. Luckily, the driver had other plans, and decided to take a quick break. I set to work, snapping off a couple quick shots while asking about the Legion's history. Dennis seemed like the type of guy who would know. I soon learned the fortress is almost one hundred years old, having been build just after World War I. I also learned that Dennis is an artist himself, and while he's an S.F resident, he frequents a pottery studio in Pacifica.

"Art is my belief system" he mentioned.

Soon after, Dennis got up, I shook his hand, and thanked him for the opportunity. Turning to board, Dennis chuckled "You know, you're the second person to shoot me for a project."

"The last person's was on old men of San Francisco."


Dennis by TogaLive, on Flickr

 

[DavidVote]

I like it.

 

[Forkie]

That is a really nice portrait, actually. Nice little story to go with it, too

 

[tirediron]

Well done!

 

[FITBMX]

I think it made your trip well worth while!

 

[rexbobcat]

That's a really good portrait. The background is a fitting for the mood and environment.

 

[Trever1t]

Works for me too. Story adds ambiance. I love this type of photography but lack the nerve

 

[Austin Greene]

Glad everyone liked it! I don't think I've had such a positive response to a portrait in awhile I'll see if I can't find more strangers to shoot. Considering making it my next year-long project!

 

[W.Y.Photo]

Excellent shot!! He looks like a sailor with that yellow coat.

Glad everyone liked it! I don't think I've had such a positive response to a portrait in awhile I'll see if I can't find more strangers to shoot. Considering making it my next year-long project!

That sounds like an awesome idea. IMO portraits can never get boring as there is so much about a person to see and so much to learn in the process of making them.

 

[elizpage]

This is an awesome portrait and tells a great story

 

[VWKing]

great job

 

[K_Pugh]

Excellent!

 

[joeymas]

Great photo and I love the encounters we get to have while just out and about with the camera.

 

[littlenomad]

Lovely. Good work.

 

[mogahdsian15]

Reminds me of..