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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Sixty: Dining impressions – shooting at mealtime. > Waitress, Café, Tortilla Flat, Arizona, 2011
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20-APR-2011

Waitress, Café, Tortilla Flat, Arizona, 2011

I made this character study from across the room with a 400mm focal length. A customer had just paid his bill, and the waitress was simultaneously giving him his change and responding to his comments. I liked her thoughtful expression, the folksy posters, and the dollar bills that paper this café’s walls.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
1/8s f/5.3 at 166.0mm iso400 full exif

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Phil Douglis23-May-2011 01:44
The fellow we photographed in Seligman does the same job, but added a twisted sense of humor to all he said. This waitress seemed to be a hard-working person, with little time for flippant niceties. She meant business, and did her job well.
Iris Maybloom (irislm)21-May-2011 23:51
I agree with Tim. This certainly has a Route 66 feel to it. I'm thinking Seligman with the dollar bills, the posters, and the funky feel to it, although the guy at the cafe in Seligman is humorous and congenial. This woman appears to be more disgusted than doubtful and certainly not humorous. Looks like it's been a long day.
Phil Douglis18-May-2011 20:06
Honky Tonk is a good word to describe the feel of this place. It is intentional. The tourists flock here to enjoy this atmosphere. The waitress does indeed look a bit doubtful, but I saw the expression as thoughtful. Of course, she could be expressing both human values. She is certainly a memorable character. (She was not our waitress. I spent most of the meal running around the cafe making pictures. As for the tip, I always try to be helpful. Many years ago, when my own daughters were young, they served their own time as waitresses, and I know how difficult their job is.)
Carol E Sandgren18-May-2011 18:22
All the old dollar bills and signs really create the somewhat honkytonk atmosphere of this image. I like the ernest yet somewhat doubtful expression on the face of the cashier. Hope you tipped her good! A great character shot indeed!
Phil Douglis18-May-2011 00:12
It is a very similar place -- a haven for tourists from all over the world.
Tim May18-May-2011 00:00
reminds me of the pictures we took at the Bagdad Cafe on route 66.
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