I sometimes try to create artwork when I’m on local jobs, and it’s fairly easy because I’m well known in my community. I especially like to create artwork when I’m out of town where no one knows me. Since I’m a passionate and experienced people shooter, I have no problem finding subjects.
 
I usually photograph people on the street and in small businesses. Independent coffee shops are my absolute favorite locations because smaller coffee sellers attract a somewhat unique, casual clientele that prefer non-corporate ambiance.
 
Additionally, independent coffee shops attract artists and art-friendly patrons who don’t find it weird that someone would ask to take their picture. That would be me. And I’m rarely turned down.
 
I encountered the lovely young woman on the square in a medium size community. She was with a couple young men in her age range – early to mid-twenties – when I approached and asked to take pictures of the all three.
 
Although I only wanted to photograph the woman, I thought it prudent to work my way in. I photographed all three, then the two men, before targeting the woman.
 
The sky was overcast, and I told her where to sit. I shot all images with an 18 – 55 mm lens from about ten-feet away. My camera was set at P (Program), ISO 400, and the flash was popped up. I later added sepia tone and a ragged black border with an app.
 
The picture is exactly way I want it. I never second-guess or make excuses for a finished photo. I saw everything I captured; from the woman – the strength of the image – to the graffiti on the concrete and the background. That’s my style.
​- Chase