Close to the chest

Close to the chest – that’s where the old timers play their cards.

A lot can be learned from the “old timers,” and a good deal can be positioned by playing your cards close to the chest. Too many people these days let it all hang out. Wear everything on their sleeves. Leave nothing to the imagination.

Now, I’m not talking about areas in need of full disclosure. Rather, I mean engaging your clients, sparking interest in a relationship, negotiating a deal or even simply telling a good yarn. Leave a little something to the imagination: keep at least some whisper of mystery to bring the party back for more.

About the photo: I’ve always been torn in regards to street photography. I love to see it done well, and there are some great examples of it on the Internet. There are also just as many (maybe more) examples of it done poorly, beyond the point of invasive, or without even the slightest notion of compassion for the subject. I’ve always personally approached photography with a respect for the subject, and I carry that mindset into the realm of street photography as well. I think photos should be a celebration of the subject therein, not an exposure (the figurative sense, not literal … obviously a photo is an exposure of light) or a tool of leverage against someone.

EXIF data

Canon 5D Mark ii body, Canon EF 100mm  f/2.8 USM macro lens

Exposure: 1/800 second

Aperture: f/4.0

ISO: 100

Focal length: 100mm

Manual exposure mode, Auto white balance mode

Strobist data: none