Street Photography: Caught Looking

Parliament Funkadelic. That was what I thought of when I saw the fellow on the right and decided to take the photograph. Or did I take the photograph because of the coziness I felt from the coffee shop?

I no longer remember even though I created the image less than a month ago. And my memory is hazy as to whether this was the result of aiming my camera when I had it at shoulder level or whether I quickly held it to my eye and peered through the viewfinder.

Such is the nature of street photography for me. I shoot instinctively as triggered by whatever conglomeration of elements registers in my subconscious. The creative process for premeditated photographs, like the ones I make for the National Park Service, are the ones I can often recall in detail.

Looking at the photograph carefully, though, I think I was motivated to press the shutter because of the scene inside the coffee shop. My intention might have been to create a color-centric composition based on the lighting, patterns, and shapes as there is nothing inherently interesting about a customer at a counter.

The reason why I think this is because the coffee shop is in sharper focus than the George Clinton doppelgänger. Since my focus point is in the cafe, it makes sense that “George” – given my settings – will look blurred as he rushes into the frame.

On the other hand, it is possible that – since I am also a musician – “George” caught my attention and I timed the photograph to get him in my frame. In my hurry to position my camera before he rushed into view, I may not have noticed that my focus was trained on the scene inside the shop – especially if I was not looking into the viewfinder.

So I guess I don’t really know. I would have to check my folder of RAW files to see if I might have any other photos of the shop or of “George” to indicate what I was thinking. Though even that is not dispositive. Maybe it was a combination of things.

In the end, whatever the motivation, I really like the instant of time that was preserved. If you’re on a smartphone, you may have to zoom in to fully appreciate the customer’s surprised gaze as “George” walks by the window.

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