Today begins my 4th year of this blog. This year I want to challenge myself and add a new dimension to my photography. Portraits have always been challenging for me and I want to learn and understand that craft. It will be challenging because I will have to learn the lighting process online – we don’t have any lighting classes here (although there is one 3 hour class in two weeks that I am going to take). I have been inspired by other blogger’s portraits and hope to learn more from them.
To this end, another challenge I’m taking on is “100 Portraits of Strangers.” This will not be easy for me as I am basically a shy person and the thought of going put to complete strangers and asking to take their photos is a bit terrifying for me. I actually started this challenge when I was in Hawaii in November. People in Hawaii tend to be quite friendly so it wasn’t quite so intimidating. This is my first “portrait.” This gentleman, whose name is Alfie, was sitting outside his shop at a marketplace on Maui. We ended up talking to him for several minutes. He’s originally from Scotland and has a wonderful Scottish accent. He emigrated from Scotland about 15 years ago and ended up on Maui.
I will still be posting my landscape, nature and flower photos but this year you will see more portraits.
Here’s to new adventures in 2015.
Maralee
Through My Lens 
I’m so excited to see this new road you’re going down!
I’m excited too. A little terrified but excited.
Lots of character in that photo. Good luck with your project.
Thank you.
Happy New Year, Maralee! I really like the first photo. I am focused on his eyes. Your cousin Suey has taken many photos of strangers over the years that have always impressed me. She may be able to give you some suggestions if you need them. Looking forward to your new endeavor.
I’ll have to write to Sue and have her give me some suggestions and some courage. 🙂
A good start.
Thank you.
Nice. So are you having them fill out release forms?
I have a very simple release form. Since I’m not using it for any other purpose than this blog and there is no commercial use, it is just to allow me to publish it here.
Sounds will be exciting dear Maralee, Good Luck for your new challenge. Happy New Year, Thank you, love, nia
Thank you, Nia.
I love the expression you captured and that you shared some of your experience with taking these images. You inspire me and yes we need to get together for coffee now that the holidays are over. I’ll email you.
Thanks, Reggie. I will call you so we can meet over coffee. There are a couple really nice coffee shops in Sisters and several in Bend.
Sounds good. It will be fun.
You have captured him well… can almost see the Scottish accent…
Thanks, Rob. I love a nice Scottish accent.
I think this guy does great candids and might inspire your latest endeavor?
http://mikeprattphotography.com/
Thanks so much for the blog. It will be a great help.