In the Field: Photo Blog by Richard Wong

Photography field reports by Richard Wong. Richard’s work has been published in magazines, books, advertising, and offers fine art prints of his work. Images may be licensed as rights-managed stock photos by contacting Richard directly at Richard@rwongphoto.com or (626) 422-6151. California stock photography, fine art prints, photo blog: www.rwongphoto.com

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company Factory

Posted on | June 15, 2008 | 5 Comments

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company Factory, San Francisco, California Picture: Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company Factory, San Francisco, California

Four or five years ago I met this guy while walking past a gated side alley. He told me that he was a martial artist and asked if I was interested in photographing him practicing. It was dusk and the light was fading fast, so I tried my best with pop-up flash since I didn’t have a compatible flash at the time. I thought it was a rather unusual encounter, but that is what makes street photography interesting.

So I figured there might be something interesting this time around too if I walked the alleys. Walking past this half-opened doorway, I see dingy, factory-like conditions so I popped my head in there out of curiosity. The lady said I could come in so I asked if I could take pictures. 50 cents. I had just stumbled into the fortune cookie factory!

I was quite surprised by how hot and humid it was in there. To be honest, I thought it would be some glamorous, touristy looking shop just like most things in San Francisco. Fortunately that was not the case.

Unfortunately, this picture isn’t sharp even shot wide open at ISO 800. The lady was moving and I wasn’t comfortable using the flash in her face. It probably would have helped me get a faster shutter speed though by under-exposing the ambient light and let the flash handle the rest. Bounce flash would have worked better than a diffuser as well because a diffuser tends to create hard shadows if the subject is close to a wall or other objects.

See more of my San Francisco pictures.

Category: San Francisco
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Comments

5 Responses to “Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company Factory”

  1. Sherri Meyer
    June 16th, 2008 @ 7:28 am

    I can’t really tell that this photo is not sharp. I think you did a great job with what you had to work with.

    I absolutely love Fortune Cookies! Did you get to sample any?

  2. bernie kasper
    June 16th, 2008 @ 7:48 am

    Looks pretty good to me Richard, I know how it is to try work with flash, I hate it !! ;)

  3. Richard Wong
    June 16th, 2008 @ 10:02 am

    Thanks guys. I didn’t get the fortune cookies because I didn’t think I’d be able to carry them around without breaking them.

    Flash isn’t that hard if you are aware of how to balance the ambient light w/ flash output, and know what types of flash creates what types of shadow. At home is the easiest way to practice before trying to real thing.

  4. Stevo
    June 20th, 2008 @ 1:15 pm

    Great image, Rick. I’m a big fan of street photography, although I don’t get much of a chance to practice it.

    I don’t think the sharpness is an issue. It adds to the image, she is busy, etc.

    Great site, I’ll be back.

  5. Richard Wong
    June 22nd, 2008 @ 1:20 pm

    Thanks Stevo. Yeah I’m a big fan of street photography too, though I don’t do enough of it.

    Mainly her face isn’t in focus, so that is what bugs me. It isn’t noticeable at this small size though.

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