Sometimes the best photographs are not the ones you plan. They happen when you stop looking for something specific and just pay attention to what is in front of you.
This was in a boatyard in Cambodia. Boats being built by hand. Solid wood, nothing rushed. I had been photographing the kids running around, completely absorbed in what they were doing.
There was a man in the yard I noticed early on. He had a look that said keep away. Not aggressive, just closed. I left him to it.
About fifteen minutes later, I turned to my right. He was sitting down, having a smoke. Taking a break. Something had shifted.
We caught each other’s eye. The tension had gone.
I raised the camera slightly and gestured. He gave a small nod.
I got a couple of frames before it changed again. The familiar V-sign. The awareness of the camera creeping in. But those first shots held.
There are faults in the image. His hands are cut off. It is not clean. Not controlled.
It is a moment of stillness in the middle of everything else. Nothing directed. Nothing arranged.
Just there, for a second.
A few things to try
Give people space.
If someone seems closed to being photographed, leave them to it. Carry on observing without expecting a portrait.
Ask when the moment feels right.
In this encounter, eye contact opened the way to a request. Make sure the person is comfortable with being photographed before raising the camera.
Check the edges.
A quick glance around the frame can help you avoid cutting off hands. Balance that check with staying attentive to the moment.