Old Man Seattle
Sep, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photograph near the Pike Place Market off the pier in Seattle, Washington. The elderly man was taking a break down an alley entrance from the marketplace.Time
It was morning around 10 or 11 am when I found this gentleman while walking down the alley.Lighting
The light in the alley was radiant and it shined on the brick walls and the fellow to a point of illumination. It seemed like a spiritual moment when I took the photograph with my camera.Equipment
This was with my Canon EOS T1i and telephoto lens set at a focal length of 150 mm. I had no tripod so had to steady the photo on a post nearby. The day was cloudy with sun peeking out of the clouds now and then so set the ISO at 800. My f/stop was about 6 and my speed was about 200/sec.Inspiration
This old man, whom I called "Old Man Seattle" just described the age of this pier and market and the area surrounding him: centuries old! I noted his clothes and beard were as ancient as the surroundings he walked nearby. It made me also wonder if, in fact this might be a man of the streets surviving an unfortunate life or just a retired fisherman walking out to see what the docks looked like that day. I wanted to think of him as the latter and him remembering the days gone by.Editing
I believe on this photograph I did lighten up the photograph, and this certain photo used a process filter from Topaz that brought out many of the details. But the lighting was there already!In my camera bag
I now carry a Canon T6i along with my great advanced cell phone camera. My camera bag holds 3 lenses: an 85mm, a 50mm, and a 300mm Canon Lens. I have several lens filters and various accessories as a slave, light meter, cable for attaching to my computer, extension lenses, extra batteries, cleaning towels, clothes, solutions. I carry a monopod and table-top monkey pod but have a tripod in my trunk at all times.Feedback
I've always told my high school photography students to be prepared for the weather and the environment. To chase the light because lighting is the essence between a good photo and great photo. They would have to choose whether they are the kind of photographer that seeks the opportunity shot or the planned photograph. My morning at Pikes place was all opportunity for every photo. I took hundreds of photographs that morning in and around the market place - of the docks, the people selling at the market and their goods, the flowers and color, the brick and mortar surrounding the pier. But only 2 or 3 of "Old Man Seattle" with the sun shinning bright around him!
