Photo: © Stan Banos
Although I generally prefer candids, sometimes there's no getting past having to ask a person directly in order to have any chance of getting the picture, my guess is that people consent about 60% of the time (considerably higher during public events). Compliance certainly doesn't guarantee success, but at least ya get yer chance and go with it! Recently, I noticed this guy who sporadically boards my bus on the way to work and he's a killer dresser, a style very much his own, somewhat reminiscent of Michael Jackson. A visually striking individual who makes one wake up and take notice during the early morning commute. Getting off the bus I decided to approach him the next time to see if he would be amenable to having his portrait taken at a time of his choosing, even if it was just meeting him at his bus stop a coupla minutes early before boarding. Finally, saw and approached him several days later, made my quick pitch right on the bus- and the guy just... stared at me. No yes, no, verbal or non verbal sign of acceptance, rejection, or even confusion- just a blank, unemotive stare. "OhhK, thanks anyway," I said, as I made my way to the door at my stop. Weirdest outright rejection I ever did get, but then this is the weirdest stretch of commuter travel I ever have traversed. That weekend I did manage a portrait I rather like (see above) along the same route, but the bus guy still kinda haunts me- a) because there was just so much there for a striking portrait, and b) the inexplicably bizarre manner of rejection.
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