The Bookseller
Rome, Italy 2015
Another “save” of a photograph that lacked punch. Bright sun entered the shop from the window on the man’s right. As I looked at this portrait, I thought “Rembrandt light”…something I often tried in the darkroom. It’s much easier in the electronic darkroom. Basically you darken the edges and highlight the focal point. And in Photoshop, plus plug-ins, you can give an aged, golden glow plus brush strokes.
My daughter and I took a food tour in Rome and our guide, a lovely, charming young woman, brought us to this shop partly to give us a moment’s pause between our mini meals and partly for book browsing. I remember how friendly the conversation between the bookseller and the guide seemed. He was mildly flirtatious and she pleasant and respectful. I wonder if this was customary or if they knew each other. I’m thinking it was customary.