John, the cobbler. When I saw this shop from the outside, I knew I had to go in and photograph John, the owner and cobbler. There are no strangers in my life; I talk to anyone and everyone. I went in and introduced myself and told John I wanted to photograph him and his shop, at the risk of him declining my request.
This was 2022. I knew there couldn't be too many cobblers around anymore. I knew it was going to be a unique photo. John asked me what I wanted him to do. I told him to ignore me and just keep on working. He did. I wanted a natural-looking portrait, with John doing what he does best. I wanted to add context to the shot, so I made sure I also included John's equipment and, of course, lots of shoes.
The challenge was to ask John to stop working and to pose for me. Some people would have considered that rude and inappropriate. But, john was very accommodating.