"Unusual Immigrant Occupations : 'Alex The Clown'"

I went to give 'Alex the Clown'; my name so he might see my photo

posted of him, but learned he didn't know his letters and couldn't spell

the letters if I told them to him. Even given his Spanish heritage, he

appears illiterate, which told me (without my expressly asking) that with

his thick accent, Alex came from across the Southern border, and was

working the 'streets', and I didn't ask to see his 'documents' (I never

do.) Without his outfit, however, he is virtually unidentifiable -- so this is

not a giveaway of 'who' Alex 'is' exactly (as even I don't know).. Your

ratings and critiques are invited and most welcome for this very colorful

photo. If you rate harshly or very critically, please submit a helpful and

constructive comment; please share your superior photographic

knowledge to help improve my photography. Thanks! Enjoy! John

Lovely color and light.Tight cropping and framing make the potrait stand out.

Regards,

Susmit

I saw this fellow last at one of those times when I didn't have a camera, spoke to him, and told him I wanted to take his photo, so when I later encountered him, he was prepared and instantly was ready for me - no special words of anything necessary.

He was absolutely astonished to see this (and other) photos I took in the few minutes I was with him. 'Jou [sic] took thees [sic] photos of me? he said, his voice indicating true astonishment at how great he looked. He had expected something with much less quality, I think. I had told him he would take a 'great' photo, and I think he did, and I happened to recognize it. He delivered on his part, and I think I on mine - a mutual undertaking, but mine much more deliberate than his (for a photograph). Of course, this is his work gear -- greasepaint for the crowd.

I made no plans about how to photograph him, just took out a camera,pointed it at him, made choices 'on the fly' and started snapping. I shoot mostly intuitively, and I seldom plan out shots beyond a bare thought here and there.

Most photos are fairly identical - all seeking those qualities you have written about. That was the obvious choice for this guy's face under the circumstance. Cartier-Bresson complained 'I don't do heads' disdainfully.

I do 'heads' and I hope interestingly, as here.

;~))

Alex, I think made a much better subject than he thought he would be - a fine outdoor 'street' portrait subject, with a bunch of photos taken in a few minutes.

Thanks for the observant comment.

John (Crosley)

Fantastic capture of the colors. Regards..'

Pardon the delay in replying.

The colors were good, the sun was strong and this was taken with a Nikkor (Nikon) 105 macro lens with the new coatings which reduce almost all internal reflections and glare -- simply one of their sharpest and most glare-free lenses ever - a true standout lens AND a prime lens at that.

I don't often use prime lenses (fixed focal lengths) as I value quick shooting and often must change focal lengths quickly, sometimes surreptitiously and being disabled must often travel light, but here I had luxury of traveling more heavily and had this lens available, and Alex the Clown was patient and willing.

Interestingly, he was basically illiterate -- he didn't know his letters enough to write his name without errors - educated in Mexico I think where they don't have state mandated education - a major failing of the United State's Southern neighbor which is a horrific waste of good brains and other talents.  How sad.

Alex was a very nice guy, and I was happy to photograph him, as he was happy to be photographed there on a pier in Southern California.

Thanks for the nice comment.

john

John (Crosley)