Saturday, September 1, 2012

Theme Day: People Watching

I don't often photograph people. It's not that people aren't interesting, it's that I'm shy of invading their space. But last spring's LitFest Pasadena was an excellent people-watching opportunity. Folks expected to be photographed. At least the authors did.

I was seated on the ground, getting ready to take pictures of an author panel, when young-and-handsome here popped into my frame. I snapped the shutter. Junior was obviously not watching the same people I was watching.

City Daily Photo, last I checked, is over 1400 blogs worldwide. We will have a new website one of these days, but in the mean time, please visit our Facebook Page to find your favorite blogs around the world. You can also visit Julie's Page to see who's participating in today's theme.

22 comments:

Leeds daily photo said...

I too rarely photograph people, its simpler with dogs or cats as they do not generally have a wrong side and their owners love them from whatever angle. I love the way you caught this little guy who is oblivious.

Dina said...

Seeing the bright eyes of youth is always a delight.

I also have that shyness about photographing or even watching people. But sometimes we are lucky and become a captive audience, where mutual photographing becomes kosher, as you showed.

dive said...

Stunning portrait, Petrea.
How refreshing to see children at a literary festival.

Lude said...

Excellent Petrea I know - and understand! - your reservations when it comes to photographing people ;-)

And I salute your optimism too: "City Daily Photo, last I checked, is over 1400 blogs worldwide. We will have a new website one of these days..."!

Petrea Burchard said...

Paul, I also find that pets and children are popular posts!

It's my fear, Dina, that this boy's parents will see his picture and ask me to take it down. But perhaps they'll see it and like it. I posted a picture of a Litfest child last spring, and his father posted a comment, saying I had impeccable taste.

There were a lot of kids, Dive! People move to Pasadena because of its reputation for erudition. That and the Doo Dah Parade.

Thanks, Eric. Nice to see you here again! I hope I'm right about the website...one of these days!

Adele said...

Love this guy - so happy. I'm sure his parents will love it. (Wait til you see how I copped out entirely on People Watching. The Force led me thusly, and I obeyed...)

Jilly said...

I love this Petra. The sort of candid photography - grabbing the moment - that I love. I always find parents absolutely love having their child's photograph on my blog. In fact in Gorbio, they'll push their child in front of me asking for a pic. So I'm lucky there. Normally tho, on the street, I snap a shot and then ask the parents if I can use it. So far no refusals.

Petrea Burchard said...

Adele, I wouldn't call that a cop-out at all!

Thanks, Jilly.

Lynette said...

Fine photo--so glad that you took it and had it ready for Theme Day. As for taking photos of people when they know I'm doing it, I feel somewhat unsettled. So far when I've posted such photos, no one has come out of the woodwork to holler at me.

LOLfromPasa said...

I foresee more people/children photographs in your future. Lovely choice. I feel like I am a participant and I can look at everyone ie 'people watch' right now.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks for the encouragement, Lynette. Is it a self-consciousness issue, I wonder? I think that's a bit of what I feel when I catch someone catching me pointing the camera at them.

LOL, thanks, I'm glad you like it.

Ms M said...

Great photo of this little guy!

LONDONLULU said...

I also have some hesitancy photographing people, though I feel better about it if I've asked their permission or it's an event where it's pretty much expected (parades etc). I really like the look you captured on this little tyke's face, plus his colorful shirt - very sweet!

Petrea Burchard said...

I think I was lucky with this boy. Don't you think though, from looking at him, that he must be a charmer?

Tanya Breese said...

i feel the same as you about photographing people...love this shot, what a great expression on his sweet face!

Deb said...

A lovely example of how the young have their own agenda when it comes to enjoying a day out.

Petrea Burchard said...

Tanya, you just made me realize how lucky I was that this boy popped up instead of, for example, a creepy guy!

So true, Deb. There was a section for children, with faeries, comedy and kids' books, so I hope he got to visit that part of the park.

Valladolid Daily Photo said...

The boy has a very cheerful and vivacious look.

Buck said...

What a beautiful accident! Glad you posted this - it's a perfect photo for the theme!

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi Valladolid, Hi Buck! Thanks for stopping by.

irinapictures said...

I like this theme day contribution. I, too, am afraid of photographing people. Time to step out of the comfort zone!

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't know if I'll step out of my comfort zone or not, Irina. But you go ahead!