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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Sixteen: Story-telling street photography > Coffee shop, Portland, Oregon, 2009
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20-JUN-2009

Coffee shop, Portland, Oregon, 2009

I saw the woman working on her hot drink in the window of the coffee shop and walked across a busy street in order to relate her to people passing by. Using a long 400mm focal length, I photographed many passing pedestrians, but the woman in blue offers a perfect match. Both women reminded me of figures from Renaissance paintings, transformed here to another time and place. I liked the striking contrast in tone and color between inside and outside as well. The woman on the street, full of energy, has just come from inside the store, and carries her refreshments away with her, while the woman seated in darkness behind the glass remains quietly pensive, making a strong, story-telling contrast.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
1/2500s f/9.0 at 200.0mm iso1600 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time20-Jun-2009 14:07:24
MakePanasonic
ModelDMC-G1
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length200 mm
Exposure Time1/2500 sec
Aperturef/9
ISO Equivalent1600
Exposure Bias-0.33
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

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Phil Douglis05-Jul-2009 20:35
Thanks, Carol. You see this pretty very much as I saw it. A study in contrasts, to be sure. As for the painterly aspect, I would like to think that had Starbucks existed in Renaissance Florence, such women might have been able to enjoy then what we have now.
Carol E Sandgren05-Jul-2009 19:45
Coffee. Your shot here definitely offers a contrast in lifestyle. To go coffee or stay in coffee? Rush or relax? It explains two ways people use their beloved coffee break, and so interestingly displayed here being so close in proximity to each other. There is a sense of isolation here, and how a coffee break often becomes something extremely personal in how and where it is consumed. And I also see the figures as painterly, as in an old master's painting, but would those women be sipping a Starbucks?
Phil Douglis04-Jul-2009 23:07
Painterly is a good word for this image, Tim. As I noted in my own commentary, both women have that look we find in Renaissance paintings. Light and gesture plays a role a well in generating such an effect. When we add such detail as the "you" on the cup, the image does link to the viewer as well. I had not noticed the three primary colors here because the red and yellow are so soft and muted, nor had I seen that green straw as a finishing touch. (The "last straw?" Ouch!) You both give me new eye here. Thank you.
sunlightpix04-Jul-2009 22:15
I see a triangle of primary colors: the yellow lamp, the blue jacket, and the red blouse. The green straw adds a finishing touch.
Tim May04-Jul-2009 19:00
The light and gesture, for me, make this painterly - and the added "you" on the coffee cup makes me a part of the image.
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