My challenge this week is to share images featuring faces, in a crowd or standing alone, human or animal. Selfies are approved. I look forward to seeing which one of these “Faces in a crowd” speaks to you! Thanks, John from Journeys with Johnbo for providing this forum.

For this challenge, I limited myself to the more formal definition of a portrait.”A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expressions are predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person.” My professor did not accept snapshots or photographs where the person’s eye was not directed at the camera. It took a while before I was comfortable asking a stranger to allow me to take their photograph. I was strolling along the street in Sedona. An artist was working on a sculpture in the front of the shop, and I wanted that image. I passed on the image and talked to my brother. He said, “Let’s get that photograph.” I learned that the worst thing that could happen is to get an answer of “No.”

Festivals and Parades

It is fun to photograph people dressed up and in a festive mood. The first two images were taken in December 2019 (pre-CoVid) at a Victorian Christmas in Nevada City. The bagpipes were brought out in 2007 for a July 4th parade. I liked the way the little boy was paying attention.

Back when parking was “the” problem attending large gatherings!

Selfies

One of the problems for photographers is that they are often not included in the picture. This may be the reason some of us pick up a camera. We are more comfortable behind the lens. But then when looking back over time there is no history of our changes. I try and remedy this by looking for reflections.

Environmental Portraits

One type of portrait is Environmental Portraits where the surrounding is essential to the subject. Given this assignment, a friend and I entered a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle store and we asked the employees if they would pose for us. It was easier to do this with a fellow photographer.

The Bird Shop is now located in Roseville. Great employees, experienced staff.

Boudin Bakery at the Wharf in San Francisco

I have been returning to Pacific Grove for over 20 years. We ate at Fishwife and sat near the door. As each customer was leaving, the owner would rush from wherever she was and personally thank the men with a hug. We watched, as some tried to leave quickly, but she was quicker!

These images were taken in 2005. Sadly, she is no longer there.

Namaste! A local farmer’s market in Carmichael, Ca

I want to thank all the volunteers who help make the experience at the zoo, museum, and visitor center so much more informative. Docents add to the community.

Portraits

Docked in Old Sacramento Trowler and owner pose

2010 Amgen cyclist in Sacramento expresses his feelings.

And that’s a wrap! Any favorites? Let me know. Come back for more!

For this week’s challenge Journeys with Johnbo has me considering sharing images of interesting or unusual subjects that represent notions or ideas that seem incredible even today or seemed unrealistic at some point in the past.

An idea, narrative, suggestion, etc., which is extremely imaginative and which appears to be entirely unrealistic, untrue, or impractical; thinking which is very speculative.

My usual dream state is very practical, and not very whimsical. When I was a child I had a recurring dream of being able to fly and living in a department store. Now, most dreams I have are realistic, and lean toward darkness. But in my photography I look for fun and imaginative images.

Taken at a fountain I saw this figure pop into view.