The card player
Feb, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in a small Portughuese village in a café near a school I used to teach at.Time
This was taken in the afternoon with light coming in from a window on the right side of the card player.Lighting
I only work with available light so this shot was a challenge as there was strong light coming in from the window, but I also wanted the other side of the face a bit lighted by the interior lighting. So not changing the lights, my positioning was the challenge.Equipment
Canon 70D. 18-20mm lens. Aperture f/5.6?ISO 2000?Shutter 1/100?Focal Length 50/1Inspiration
I used to go for a coffee to ths café during my brak at school. I love watching people play "sueca", one of our traditional card games. This man caught my attention from the beginning.. his posture and facial expressions... the hat... How he didn't get into arguments... So one day I asked the players if I could photograph them while playing and all said yes. I later printed the shots I took and offered them as a present. Everyone thanked, but this man in particular accepted it with a tear in his eyes. He was sincerely moved by the gesture. I later discovered he was the grandfather of my younger son's best friend at the time.Editing
I did some editing on highlights, shadows, contrast. I don't like heavy editing and don't use photohshop. I have learned so much more abourt light and photography in general since I took this shot over 4 years ago, but I still stay true to my simple and basic editing.In my camera bag
Canon 70D. 50mm fixed lens & 18-200mm. Cleaning material. A grey card.Feedback
Don't be shy and ask people if you can shoot them... with a camera that is. Gift them in return with a shot you took. Learn their stories. Some things are worth more than money. I usually say that if I can make someone smile with one of my shots, then my day is done. (I am NOT a professional photographer). This shot and the expression of the Card Player's face when I gifted him a print? Priceless!
