It’s been a long long time since I had a chance to post. Work and family had kept me fairly busy. Still had a bunch of backlog of pictures I had taken in the past couple of years that have not been edited. Likewise, I did had a chance to post some of them up on Flickr. Just didn’t have any chance to write about them.
Even though I haven’t been shooting, I still have been doing some reading about street photography. Especially some blog post by Eric Kim. One of the skills I’m always timid to try was approaching people and ask them for their portrait. One of my buddy recently moved back to the States. He’s the one I blogged previously about how I got started in photography. With the recent passage of the equal rights marriage on Friday and the Pride Parade happening on Sunday, it was just as good of a chance to dust off my Leica and go hang out and shooting with my buddy. Likewise, there would be ample opportunities to mingle with the people as well as people that are just dressed for the occasion.
To make sure I work on the goals I set out to do, I brought only 1 camera and 1 lens. I choose to bring the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux so I can get up close to the people I’m shooting. Likewise, the Leica M240 since shooting in color was a must for such an event. I did contemplate about bringing my film Leica as a backup camera, but I know I’ll end up focusing too much on which frames I want to shoot and miss all the decisive moments.
I had 2 criteria I set out to do.
- Talk to people before I shoot. Looking to get the eye contact in the camera.
- Add multiple layers of complexity in the composition.
I can’t say I achieved it in all the frames, but overall it was a good experience. Likewise, all the folks were beautiful, wonderful, and very friendly subjects.
Enough blabbering. Here are the photos and commentary. Remember, you can always click on the photos for larger image and camera settings off my Flickr account. All photos were only lightly retouched and/or cropped in Lightroom.
Love Won
This was the first frame I captured right off the Powell Bart station. It was a good start to the theme of the rest of the day!
Rainbow
The other trending theme of the day. Lots of vibrant colors and jovial groups of people.
Ahead Merging
For those that have followed the blog or seen some of my work. I like to shoot streets. Literally. With the right angle, they are visually appealing (Well, to me anyways). Likewise, be able to find something that always conveys the theme of the Pride Parade. We are finally merging all diversity and creating equality.
Selfie Stick
Now days, you wouldn’t be able to go to any events or destinations without seeing one of these. But for this couple, I’m sure the selfie sure will create lasting memories!
All Ages Welcome
It was a great sight to see how true the statement on the banners says. EQUALITY WITHOUT EXCEPTION. This is truly crossing not only gender, race, orientation, but even AGE!
Wrap Around
There were plenty of Rainbows!
Disco Inferno
And Dancing!
Freedom
And People
Clusterphoia
And More People
Diversity
More Dancing
Shall We Dance
Even more dancing
No Turning Back
This was one frame I really wanted to capture. But I don’t think I was able to fully convey the multiple meaning in the photo. The US rainbow flag was fully extended when the cable car wasn’t there. As soon as the cable car passed by, the flag dropped. The message I tried to show was Cable Car = SF. US Rainbow flag = Equality with out exception. One way Sign/No Turning back = we are finally progressing.
Grip
Here is yet another missed opportunity. After taking this frame, I notice there was another couple to the right of them. Both couples were arm in arm, very focus on the parade. As soon as I got the picture I wanted framed up, a pink tutu girl on the cellphone stopped right in my frame blocking the arm position of the couples I try to capture. When she finally walked away, both couples had already dropped their arms.
Black and White
I wanted to capture a portrait of each of the LGBT. Starting with this one. [L] It was the hat that drew my initial attention. Further more, it was the contrast in the black and white shirt that created a sub-context of Racial equality.
All American
[G] This was a lovely couple. Showing the true meaning of America, where equality is achieved in race and orientation.
Boogie Night
[B] It was deliberate pose he did, showing it all. I was playing on the store name behind him to insinuate “Peck Cashing”
Smoke a Fag (Brit)
[T] I intentionally put a controversial title for this photo. He was very kind. He even took a break from smoking to pose for me. I only wished I had capture the full body in the frame. He had on a lovely black 5 inch heel.
Peek-a-Boo
As I approach this gentle-lady and asked for a portrait, I was surprised on what happened next. Though it was fitting with the face half veiled and the bottom exposed.
Thor’s Uncle
Even Thor’s Uncle showed up. It was fitting especially we’re in the Leather Alley “The Fetish Zone”!!
It wouldn’t be a SF event with out the Police presence. Especially one donning a black leather jacket.
And more police presence to make sure no Chasting of the Law happens!
If you made it this far reading and viewing my photos. I like to say Thank You! This was an interesting capture as there were a plethora of street venders selling everything. Funny part was you have these old Chinese ladies selling all exactly the same cereal, can food, juices. While you have Mexicans selling bacon wrapped hot dogs. Then you have the Brothers selling waters and beers out of igloos.
Anyhow, it was an eye opening experience for me. This was an experience beyond what I originally setup out as a photography expedition. I’m really glad I was able to participate as part of history and celebrate Diversity and Equality without Exception. Likewise, I like to thank all the subjects that graciously allow me to capture their portraits.
d.Clin.design 