Stranger No. 56: Sean

It’s been months since actively looking for things or people to photograph.  Thankfully, it was sunny this past weekend and there were tons of people out and about.  The Cougs had just played the Ducks and the streets were saturated with fan gear.

As I strolled through Pike Place Market, I repeatedly crossed paths with a guy who kept asking me if I could take his picture (in front of the market sign, in front of the pig, the usual).  Being the nice guy that I am, I couldn’t refuse.  Then, I thought to myself, “I haven’t made a portrait in a while.  I might as well ask this guy for a portrait and see if he’ll allow me to hear his story.”

Sean is a merchant vessel inspector and this was his last day on shore before heading out to Stockton, CA.  He’s been a sailor for 19 years and got his start on a commercial fishing boat.  He became a captain and at some point, got promoted to inspector.  He asked what I did for a living and I told him that I worked for an online golf retailer.  I asked if he played golf and he simply responded, “I don’t have time for golf.”  At this point, he took out his camera again and we took a photo together, myspace style.

Stranger No. 55: Ms. Amy Hatfield

The 100 Strangers Project rules state no archived portraits.  However, this portrait was, at the time, a failed attempt with the intention of including it in my project.  I had just started the project and had this crazy notion in my head that every portrait I made should be of a somewhat high caliber.  Maybe not Explore worthy but my point is that I made portraits for likes, faves, comments, attention, whatever you want to call it.  It was not included because of that hideous shadow covering her eyes.  In hindsight, that was just stupid.  How is one supposed to learn if they don’t accept their mistakes and improve upon them.

Fast fowrward 2 years.  I was looking through my archive and came accross this portrait. I remember how happy I was that I had made another Stranger’s portrait only to find out later that it was flawed.  It took 2 years to marinate but it it what it is.

About the person.  Meet Ms. Amy Hatfield, a dancer for the March 4th Marching Band.  This portrait was made in 2010, at HONK! Fest West.  I got to the event early and everyone there was warming up for their performances.  Ms. Hatfield was practicing her hula hoop skills when I approached her.  At first I tried to get a shot of her in action but that didn’t turn out so well.  I asked her if she could pause for a moment and she obliged although I could tell she wanted to continue with her warm up.  I took the picture, said thanks, and was on my way.  1. Fill flash is your friend.  2. Try not to interupt an entertainer, athlete, whatever, who’s trying to get their mind right for their performance, game, etc.

Jason Cabreros, Kim

Jason Cabreros, Dalmation with Chew Toy

Jason Cabreros, Spunky

Jason Cabreros, Phineas T. Phogg

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He’s kind of a big deal.