Ishan - a photo on Flickriver

Ishan

I was having coffee with a friend and catching up on the news when this man walked in and set up his laptop at a nearby table to do some work. My eye went to him instantly because of his fashionable and unique look. I told my friend that I would like to approach him for my project and he said “Go ahead. I have an errand to do and we can finish our chat after.” Great.

I stepped over to the fellow’s table, leaned over and he looked up with a smile. That’s always a good sign. I introduced myself and my Human Family project and said that his great look made him an instant candidate for inclusion. He laughed and said “It sounds like a great project. I’d be happy to participate. Actually I do modelling so I’m used to being photographed.” How perfect is that? We shook hands. Meet Ishan.

He closed his computer and said he would be glad to step outside for a few photos. The fact that it was an unusually mild February 1st in Toronto made the plan that much more comfortable. The only relatively clean background was the polished stone facing of the building we were in. I took some photos and Ishan was very easy to guide into the position I had in mind for a few straightforward photos.

We went back into the coffee shop to exchange information and for me to find out a bit about this friendly and accommodating man. Ishan was born and raised in Toronto and works as a model, stylist, and visual merchandiser. He pointed across the way to a set of display windows and said they were to promote the upcoming Toronto Men’s Fashion Week in Toronto. “You should come” he said. I laughed and pointed to my faded blue jeans and baseball cap. “I could use a lot of help in that department” and we laughed. “No” he said. “It’s for everyone. You’d love it. I’ll email you the information.” (www.tomfw.com/) The display windows and the entire promotion office are Ishan’s artistic design.

When I asked Ishan how he would describe himself to a person who didn’t know him, he replied “I’m an open and caring person and all things artistic are my passion.” His advice to the world? “Everyone just needs to care about others more. It would make the world a much better place.” When I asked about his greatest challenge, he paused and said “Oh, so many.” He then went on to say “My greatest challenge was getting people to accept me for who I am. I’m a gay man and I discovered that acceptance by others would only come once I accepted myself. That wasn’t easy.” When I asked what was the turning point in self-acceptance he replied “My divorce. I was married, you know, and once I divorced I was able to move forward in self-acceptance.” He was happy to share this story and hopes that it could inspire others to come to terms with themselves. “I’m actually in a really good place now.”

As we talked I noticed Ishan’s rings and bracelets and asked if we could step outside once more for a couple of quick photos that included his hands. I admitted I’m not very experienced at posing subjects and asked if he could place his hands on the front of his shoulders. He did and we both sensed that it looked quite awkward. At that point, he said “How about this?” and crossed his hands. Perfect.

I couldn’t get over what a friendly fellow Ishan was and how interesting. His enjoyment of the project and the unexpected meeting matched my own. I left him with my thanks and a handshake. Isham is known as ishanriley on Instagram.

Thanks, Ishan, for the friendly chat and for participating in The Human Family Group on Flickr.

This is my 136th submission to The Human Family Group.

I hope Men’s Fashion Week (the last week of this month) is a big success.

You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.

Taken in: Canada / Ontario / Toronto / Downtown Toronto (show map)

Taken on: February 1, 2016

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Ishan

Toronto

Toronto Men's Fashion Week

The Human Family

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Sets appears in: • Set generated by "interestingness." • The Human Family - Round 11

Groups appears in: • One Face @ a Time ~ Street Portraiture • Toronto is where I live more » • Portraits... Get Closer! • Can I take your picture? • STRANGERS! • Documentary Portraiture • Human Faces: Fascinating Just the Way We Are • Micro Four Thirds (Micro 4/3) • Prime Lens Portraits • Global Photojournalism; Protest, Culture, and News • Portraits and Faces • Mirrorless Movement • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8 Olympus µFT • TLP - Travel Light Photography • Portraits from the Street • People Portraits World • Olympus PEN-F,OM-D E-M1, E-M10, E-M5 and E-M5II user • Mirrorless Photos • Human family HQ • Olympus E-M1 Photography • Olympus OMD EM-1 • Street Photographers Around the World • Great Portraits (10th.Year) • We Just Being Human • The Human Family • PORTRAITS ~ (CLOSED.. please post to 'PEOPLE.. colourful moment • Makes you proud • very handy « less

Camera: Olympus E-M1, f/2.5, 1/125 sec, 45mm (=90mm), ISO 200 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Olympus E-M1
Lens:	OLYMPUS M.45mm F1.8
Aperture:	f/2.5
Exposure Time:	0.008 sec (1/125)
Focal Length:	45mm (35mm equivalent: 90mm)
ISO:	200
Exposure Bias:	-0.3 EV
Flash:	Auto, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Gain Control:	Low gain up
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Windows)
Show full info

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