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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Sixteen: Story-telling street photography > Parenting, Port Angeles, Washington, 2009
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24-JUN-2009

Parenting, Port Angeles, Washington, 2009

I often use a fully extended telephoto lens for street photography. In this case, my focal length is equivalent to 400mm, long enough to not only be unobtrusive but also focus very selectively. This image is about parenting – the man not only must safely carry his vulnerable child across dangerous streets, but also must answer the inevitable sequence of questions triggered by such a situation. We can already see a question forming in the child’s expression and gesture, no doubt related to the softly focused cars that hurtle past them. I also liked the way the child’s shirt echoes the yellow hydrant at the bottom of the frame.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
1/250s f/5.6 at 200.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Phil Douglis06-Jul-2009 19:25
You are right, Rose -- if Tim's guess is correct, you have good reason to think of such things. I saw him coming and going from the mortgage office as well, but I did not mention it originally because I did not want to jump to any conclusion here. Perhaps he works there and this was his day off? Or perhaps he was simply running an errand for somebody else? Context makes a huge difference when reading pictures.
sunlightpix06-Jul-2009 04:12
Wow, Tim's added info expands this image so much. I think of the father trying to keep a roof over their heads and be a good provider for his family. It's a daunting task and the child has no idea of all the things parents do for them.
Phil Douglis05-Jul-2009 20:45
You add context that gives this image an entirely new meaning, Tim. Yes, he seemed to be dealing with business issues, and that might account for the weariness you see here.
Tim May05-Jul-2009 20:38
But in this case he was going back and forth between a mortgage company and his car - I fear that he may have been weary because of financial issues.
Phil Douglis05-Jul-2009 00:13
Especially in the middle of street.
sunlightpix04-Jul-2009 22:09
Beautiful. Dad looks a little bit tired, kids have a way of asking the craziest questions.
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