Human Pantone portraits.

I wish that portraiture weren’t so damn hard for me.

The way their faces (and the background) are such different colours from the skin pulled tight and reflecting off their shoulder joints weirds me out. But that's not something I'd have noticed without the Pantone match.

I'd love to say portraiture isn't hard for me, but I know I'm at best a talented amateur, at worst a person who takes photographs that sometimes include people. But I really do like that. I miss the no-stress portrait--the one where I grab someone and we go driving around town and just stop places and burn a roll or two of film.

Which indicates a bit how long it's been since I did it.

Oh hey, Steph? What were the meds you suggested for IBS?

I finally have an appointment with a specialist. I'm over whatever New England pathology I have that says enduring treatable pain is a sign of character.

Dunno about portraits, Tom, but you have an awful lot of amazing pictures of buffistas! :)

Kate P: I didn't have to wait until I got home-- [link]

At least, I think that's the SGA vid I meant, I can't follow the link at work.

Taking people’s pictures isn’t hard; it’s the going up to people and asking them that I have a problem with.

it’s the going up to people and asking them that I have a problem with

People you know, or people you don't?

Both.

Oh hey, Steph? What were the meds you suggested for IBS?

(1) Bentyl (generic name dicyclomine) and (2) Levbid (sometimes also named Levsin; I have no idea why) (generic name hyoscyamine). They make your colon chill out and stop spasming. Taking both can help more than just one -- the Bentyl is longer-acting but doesn't kick in right away, and the Levbid kicks in pretty quickly.

I got nothing on you for people you don't know, but for people you do? I swear--just ask them. Which seems to be what the post you linked to says too.

There are some people who will WTF and get all camera shy, but I think you might be surprised by how many people won't. I've had more than a few great shoots with friends (which reminds me--I don't think I ever actually gave Burrell copies of the pictures I took of her when she was pregnant with Frannie. I should totally scan those...)

If you're considering anyone who doesn't already know you're a camera person, soften them up by familiarising them with your work. So they know you're not just serious, but talented (which shouldn't have to matter, but totally does, so take advantage of it). Once they grok all that, put on your nonchalant!Tom hat (I know you have one) and say it would be fun to take pictures of them too--I think it would help if you have a theme in mind--I spent a whole day driving through Ann Arbor and Ypsi looking for a playground with a see-saw (we never found one, but we did get a lot of fun shots anyway)--because that removes some of the "is he thinking naked pictures?" questions that they might be asking themselves (for the record--not everyone minds that--I think my window is closed now, but I have been kinda naked for some people I didn't really know--but they should know upfront if that's what it's about).

Basically, you're a good photographer and you should feel good about yourself. Go take pictures of people that they will be eager to upload to Facebook.

I am the only fucking person on my team in a tie. Slackers! The other groups are dressed properly.