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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Fifteen: Making travel portraits that define personality and character. > Restaurant barker, Durango, Colorado, 2010
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07-JUN-2010

Restaurant barker, Durango, Colorado, 2010

A stack of menus in hand, a restaurant barker pauses for a moment to look my camera in the eye. I come away with a portrait that reflects the tedium of repetitive work. The barker must convince tourists strolling Durango’s sidewalks to eat here, but at this moment in time there seems to be nobody to convince. We are left with an insight into the frustrating nature of salesmanship.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
1/250s f/5.6 at 200.0mm iso250 full exif

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Phil Douglis20-Jul-2010 21:22
Thanks,Jen, for noting the importance of both mood and character to this image. I am glad to how it has triggered your imagination by presenting a moment in time that made you want to interact with this person on the other side of the world.
Jennifer Zhou09-Jul-2010 15:10
I was instantly drawn to this image for the expression of this young man, I can tell he must be a very sensitive person, I feel like his eyes are talking to me! He looks frustrated but at the same time so innocent and fragile. He doesn't really enjoy his work and he seems to be trapped here, his eyes flare a trace of hope which is almost fading away. I would not turn him down just for this look, I want to light up his eyes, I want to see him smile! Thank you for making this image Phil, this moment will linger in my mind for a long time!
Phil Douglis03-Jul-2010 21:28
The more I look at this image, Iris, the more I see a sense of resignation as well. This barker accepts the task, and is making the best of its tedium.
Iris Maybloom (irislm)03-Jul-2010 17:56
It's also the look of a "someone's got to do it job" and it pays the rent.... and I get to live in beautiful Durango.
Phil Douglis23-Jun-2010 19:21
Thanks, Vera, for seeing what I saw in this portrait.
Guest 23-Jun-2010 11:03
I love it when I look at the photo and say "oh dear, he looks so bored." Then I read your comment and it is exactly what you say. To me the picture has really spoken.
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