“Will you take my picture?!”

// April 22nd, 2009 // Photo

"Will you take my picture?!"

While downtown this afternoon doing some head shots, this fine gentlemen approached Aaron and myself and asked us what we were doing. We told him we were taking photos and he asked if I would take his picture.  He told me I could “put it in the paper”. Too bad I don’t have an “in” like that, but I did take his picture and I am glad I did. I think it turned out nicely.

I didn’t even get his name or anything, unfortunately. I just snapped a couple of shots and listened to some of his stories and off he walked down the alley we were shooting in… So, if anyone out there knows this man, let him know his photo made it on the Internet and people were blessed by it.

Comments on the above photo are appreciated…

Until next time…

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19 Responses to ““Will you take my picture?!””

  1. Wonderful portrait! I love how ones that aren’t anticipated can be so amazing.

  2. Josh says:

    that’s very moving, Jeff. for the first time, I think I’m seeing something in your photography (yes, in this one picture) that sums it all up: an honest, harsh look at, well, something harsh. the part of life no one wants to look at (a stark contrast to fashion, which *everyone* wants to look at). this photo is compelling, and I for one would love to see more of it.

  3. Jeff Cross says:

    Thank you both for the kind words about the photo!

    I agree, Josh. It is a harsh look at something harsh. Such a nice man based on our brief conversation, yet so worn and in his situation, you’d think he’d be a bitter old man… But, he wasn’t…

    I may be looking to do a project like this, Josh. Maybe we will see more of this soon!

    Jeff

  4. Dave says:

    dude you are crossing the line … remember this image as your transition … anyone of us can shoot beautiful people but an artist can transform the harsh reality of life into something beautiful.
    It is not about gear , technique or getting the hotties infront of the lens. It is about the power of the art . you found it … keep it

  5. Fantastic shot with an awesome story. Situations like these make us feel so great about being photogs. Well done!

    Ariston

  6. Rob Weiher says:

    His eyes really draw you in. As you mentioned…very moving.

  7. Amy Green says:

    It’s an amazing picture. I’m glad you got to meet this man and take his picture, and then share it with us. :-) Thank you.

  8. Laura says:

    I just dont know what to say, awesome pic. Makes you wonder where he’s been in life, who he was before life got a hold of him. You can see in his eyes that he has many stories to tell of how he ended up where is he is today. THIS is life! Great to see you’re willing to move in all directions with your work Jeff. I just know one day I’ll open up People and see your pics in it. :)

  9. Toni says:

    What a wonderful capture of the human soul. Please go back, find him, and ask him his name.

  10. Elena says:

    the kind of portrait that says a 1000 words! Well done Jeff!

  11. Kori says:

    This is an amazing picture. I’m sure that man would love to see it. You should try to find him again.

  12. Jeff Cross says:

    Thank you for the kind words, everyone! I may not be able to put his picture in the paper like he wanted, but I can get his face seen across the world via the Internet! A reach far greater than our local Gazette!

    I will be hunting this man down very soon and delivering a print to him. I will keep you all updated on my progress!

    Jeff

  13. leslie standridge says:

    this is by far my favorite photo i’ve ever seen from you! i love it

  14. Jeff Cross says:

    Thanks, Leslie! I’m quite fond of this photo as well!

    Jeff

  15. loongirl says:

    fabulous photo with honest grit – good job, Jeff! When you find him, take more shots, and let him know lots of us are seeing him on the Internet. He’s a great model.

  16. Jennifer says:

    There is definitely a story in that man’s face! Will we be seeing more like this from you? Keep up the fantastic work!

  17. Eric Booth says:

    Amazing shot. The color is perfect. His expression and emotion if incredible. Great work in post in bringing out the true sense of the shot. Love it.

  18. Niloy says:

    Incredible. Very moving.

    How many photos did you take of him? Not just the one?

  19. Jeff Cross says:

    Thank you again to everyone who has posted a comment on this photo! I really appreciate it and know when I find this man again, he will be happy to hear the responses as well!

    Jeff

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