Encounters. “Meet (someone) unexpectedly.” I tried a series before, to take a portrait of those I meet. Somehow, for whatever reason, the series didn’t last long. Can’t really recall why.

However, a new setup is a great reason to (re)start a project. And I need one, to form my ideas, to shape myself, to push the creative me. So, a retry of “Encounters”: a portrait series of those I meet. Setup will be simple: one camera, one lens, available light and that’s it.

There is no better day to start than today. I should not postpone. The camera is still unknown to me, settings as with the x-series, but it might not be good enough as the sensor is totally different. 

Today I meet Zeljko, he reacted on my ad of the XF90. We discuss photography, I guess we’re about the same age. We talk film, medium format and all that stuff. He works for national TV, and knows about photography. 

I decide to take my shot. Nervous as I am, as I always am when I ask a stranger for a portrait, I ask: “can I …”. He allows me, and silly me, I take only one shot. A quick frame, badly composed, not fully aware of the in-camera settings.

I must improve myself, I must get over the anxiety of asking. I simply must. And when I finally ask, I must take those five seconds, or may be even five minutes to put myself on easy. To create the image I have in mind, to create that great portrait.

Funny, with paid assignments this fear is not there. You selected me, you trust me, and I will deliver. The problem arises when I ask you…

Anyway, enough talk, meet Zeljko. 

As my film simulation was too gritty (most probably not for indoor usage), I processed the image in capture one: conversion to B&W and some dodging/burning.