strangers in a frame

There are not enough words to accurately describe the character that is RJ Awesome. I knew that his portrait would be more elaborate than the rest the moment I met RJ, which was about thirty moments later than we had planned. RJ owns a vintage shop in a very hip neighborhood, so I definitely wanted to incorporate his store into the photograph. It’s an eclectic mess of trendy items from decades past, and it is in fact awesome. RJ is the embodiment of his store, in his personality, his passions and his tattoos. He was in character for the entire shoot. I’m not entirely sure he’s ever out of character, but it made for an entertaining rainy afternoon. We had actually wrapped shooting when I shot this portrait. He was on a rant of sorts, when I snuck my camera out to get him in his element. Sleeves rolled up to expose his Topps temporary tattoos made permanent, he was leaned on the counter having a conversation with his mascot (the Real Justin Beaver in the left corner of the frame). He is a kid, and this is his candy store. You can see it in the jovial half smile he wears while he speaks sincerely to a stuffed beaver with a collection of prized items stacked from floor to ceiling behind him. The store itself is quite impressive, and RJ really is awesome. I felt obligated to show him in all his shiny, plastic glory.

  msieja2 Jul 5, 2013 11:08 AM