Ginger Beer vendor at Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast, Qld Australia

Ginger Beer vendor at Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast, Qld Australia, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

I met this man at Eumundi Markets in Eumundi, Sunshine Coast of Queensland. He was selling Ginger Beer and I asked if I could photograph him - which he was quite happy for me to do. I showed him the result on the back of my camera and he seemed pleased. I have been doing a series of photographs of shop owners, usually in the context of what they are selling. I took a photo of him in his stall but there was a harsh shadow over his face, so I am glad I asked for this close up.

I'm working on some portraits to print for a local camera club, plus finalising selections for an upcoming group exhibition in Wollongong. I really like the expression in this portrait and even more so in black and white. I did a lot of work on this photo and the more I stared at him the more I wish I had asked him to remove his glasses.

PENTAX K10D f/2.8, 0.017 sec (1/60), ISO 100, 50 mm