This was taken with my Canon T5i and an 18-135 kit lens. It was part of a course I was taking last spring and the assignment was to ask 3 strangers for portraits. This guy was a rather atypical police officer. Pony tail, tats and shorts.
When I asked he said, "Why do you need someone to ridicule on the web?" I was a little taken aback and he started to laugh and inform he was a community relations officer and that part of his job was building relations with the public and that a photo would be a great way to do that, especially if I were to email him a copy. I sent him several variations and he got back to me telling me how pleased he was. Got similar responses to that from everyone I asked that day so it was indeed a learning experience. I know now with this guy being so cooperative I should have moved him to a more pleasing background.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 10 comments posted
Dr Isaac Vaisman
Bill, I think this guy is overarmed for a Community Relations Officer, but what do we know. Interesting pose, with an attitude body language. Agree with you that perhaps changing the site of the background, would make the image more appealing. It is sharp. Posted: 03/09/2023 20:25:45
Bill Wright
The vest does seem to say swat rather than community relations
Posted: 03/12/2023 10:32:51
Ed Taje
It is a good image, and while I appreciate some departments have regulations that require all officers to be equipped like he is, it makes we wonder what message he is sending to the community as a whole. I am wondering if he noticed you and struck that particular pose for the camera. Posted: 03/14/2023 16:17:36
Bill Wright
Yes, I had actually asked permission to shoot, he chose the pose. Posted: 03/29/2023 08:47:37
Bruce Goodman
I'm impressed that you asked this officer to pose for a photo. Yes, having a simpler background would help, but I'm sure that in the moment all you wanted to do was to get the photo.
Kudos for following up and sending all of your 'subjects' copies. What a great way to build bridges between strangers and to make it easier for the next person on the street to take photographs.
If he is a community 'relations' officer, I would not like to meet some of the other police officers in this community. It looks like he is carrying enough armaments and gear for a small army. B Posted: 03/26/2023 12:57:14
Bill Wright
Oddly enough some of his 'enforcement' officers were less obviously armed. A major tourist section of the city that is now heavily patrolled for drug dealers, panhandlers and a large homeless community. Posted: 03/29/2023 08:50:24
Sally Erickson
He does look ready for anything. His gear contradicts his kind face. :) Posted: 03/26/2023 14:50:22
Bill Wright
Yes, and his total demeanor as well. He was absolutely jovial and friendly. I chatted for several minutes with him and a couple of fellow officers for an interesting perspective of this area known as the Byward Market, a major attraction in our fair city and would happy to take any of you on a photo tour of the area should you decide to visit. Posted: 03/29/2023 08:53:15
Gloria Sprung
Bill, as mentioned by the others his gear and equipment does strike me as being intimidating. I am not sure that I would have chosen him to ask for a picture. But I also think that the tattoos and beard add to his character. I also like that you have chosen to present him to the left of center which makes for a more interesting composition. Posted: 03/27/2023 12:01:08
Bill Wright
I liked the juxtaposition of the gear and the role. The fact he seemed to me to be the antithesis of the "expected look" of an officer is what drew me to him. Posted: 03/29/2023 08:54:58
