I have wanted to get a good picture of this lady for a long time. Many times I have been down to our Main Plaza in the heart of downtown for some new images and have seen her. She comes every day at a little after 5:00 with her cane, and walks very slowly in front of the San Fernando Cathedral to some tables where several of her homeless men friends sit. She'll stay and chat awhile, then meander back across the plaza to wherever she lives. The pigeons know her and seem to follow her every time she gets up to walk. She has always fascinated me.
Tonight, I went down there, and almost missed her. It was nearing 6:00, but I got up my nerve and walked right in front of her and asked her if she minded if I took her picture, I could tell she was almost blind and could hardly see me. I suspect that what happened to her face is the result of a fall. But, she smiled graciously, and posed, then nodded sweetly as I said, "God bless you!" (and meant it!) and moved on. I'm so glad to have this picture of her. I really like it. And I like her.
Here is another picture I took of her on a colder evening in the fall.
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Place: 7 out of 94 Avg (all users): 6.6463 Avg (commenters): 8.0000 Avg (participants): 6.5208 Avg (non-participants): 6.6983 Views since voting: 2586 Views during voting: 369 Votes: 164 Comments: 26 Favorites: 2 (view)
Sandy - you just keep producing these rich, intimate character portraits, and with the background stories we get a tiny vignette of the person and their situation.
very good portraite, She reminds me my grandma..
I love the words you wrote here, yet I prefer to "read" it from the image.
I think you could have gave us some more of the story by using ~24-50 mm lens and see some more of her ..the cane and the background.
Yes Sandy , you are magical with portraits like this- you seem to have an unspoken understanding with your subjects cuz their expressions are always full of emotion & character- well done , My Dear -hugs too / pat
hey sandy .. i noticed that 'street portraiture' had rolled over and wondered if you'd entered anything, portraiture being just one of the many things you're awesome at .. !!
i thought i wouldnt have to get onto the second page if you'd entered ..
your lady has an amazing face .. i keep scrolling up while i'm writing this to see her once again .. she makes me feel quite emotional ..
many congrats on such a wonderful and real portrait and your 7th place .. :)x
Oh that poor thing, I wondered what happened to her face. You are always so brave to go and get these fascinating portraits. Congrats on another great shot and for 7th place too :)
This is a beautiful capture that really tugs at my heart. Makes me want to cry. And she can still put on a smile in spite of it all. I hope you've included details of her story in the Photographer's Comments.
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