Thanks for Posing

Every week I participate in a photo challenge. Last week the subject matter was “woman” and for extra credit the portrait could be environmental. That meant, based on my understanding, capturing the subject in their place of work. That approach would mean asking a person to pose. So I did that three times when we took a morning walk on the National Mall. The first stop was the Capitol police officer who was standing with three male colleagues at the north gate; the second was a very friendly greeter at the entrance to the National Gallery of Art; and the third was an usher inside of the Gallery. I was a bit uncomfortable requesting a “photo shoot” but reassured all of them that it was for a weekly photo challenge. After I took the photos I sent the images to their emails and named the website. In the end I ended up selecting the police officer because she made the biggest statement, but all of the portraits turned out well. I noticed that 52frames “liked” three of my entries on my Instagram feed - two of which were my favorites, and another of a construction worker in front of a food truck. I never really know how the photos will turn out until I get home and analyze and spruce them up. It’s a very enjoyable process, but I don’t think I quite figured out what the “judges” are looking for. After all, my camera is my iPhone and I’m not really a photographer. I just enjoy taking photos. Thanks for posing! 

52Frames_woman

I wasn’t sure how I would take an “environmental” portrait for the 52Frames photo challenge last week until it hit me in the face. We usually take a ride to the national mall and go to a museum or garden or place that might help achieve the goal of getting a decent shot of the subject matter. So we parked near the American Indian museum and walked through the First Ladies garden hoping to find a gardener. It was too early in the morning. So we headed up towards the Capitol building. A female construction worker was too far away, so we continued on towards the east side. For whatever reason, the streets and Capitol grounds were eerily quiet - there was no one to be found. So I took a photo of Freedom on top of the dome thinking that may be my only option. When we hit the north gate, I saw a female police officer and three male colleagues observing us. So I walked over and asked her if she could oblige a portrait for my photo challenge even though I much prefer candid shots to formal portraits. After she learned why I wanted to take the photo, she was willing. It turned out better than I expected. After that we walked on towards our latest favorite place - the National Gallery of Art - where a greeter at the door and an usher inside also approved of having a portrait shot. I sent them copies to their email address on the spot. Once inside the gallery, there were plenty of “woman” options, but they were candids and not environmental. Once again outside, we headed to the food trucks where there was a construction worker and a food truck owner near their vehicles. On our way home I took some street scenes with interesting back drops. In the end I selected the police office to submit for the challenge, although I liked the head scarved woman in the gallery in front of the female portrait. The unflattering bullet proof vest and work gear made quite a statement. Having lived on Capitol Hill for thirteen years this photo had more of a connection.