Flickr a Week 23a: ‘Selfmade Man’

We pivot unexpectedly, following entries “I Can’t Breathe” and “Black Lives Matter Protest, Seattle WA“. Somewhat peaceful protests continue across America, and in some other countries, decrying racism and urging localities to “defund the police”, which, honestly, is a shocking demand. Finding no other compelling, Creative-Commons-licensed street shot to document the historical moment and mayhem, I chose a simple portrait that appeals to my visual tastes—and hopefully yours.

Oddly, our selection comes from a search for “calm”, which I had hoped would turn up a soothing shot to take the mind off the current cultural chaos. Sometimes when looking for one thing, you find something else better.

Per Gosche captured self-titled “Selfmade Man” on August 31, 2015, in Notting Hill, West London, using Olympus E-M10 and M.Zuiko 45mm f1.8 lens. Vitals: f/2.2, ISO 200, 1/250 sec, 45mm. The portrait is a keeper for bokeh, color, composition, detail, and mystery; why is the gentlemen self-made? Where is he going? I want to know. Don’t you?

“I’m a street photographer from Germany, who lives in Czech Republic”, Per self-describes—assuming that’s still true. Our Sunday shooter, who joined Flickr in November 2013, stopped posting new photos three years ago.

Photo Credit: Per Gosche