People shooting is very challenging especially when the person is aware that he or she is being photographed. That said, it is important for the photog to have good rapport with the subject before the start of the shoot. If the subject is a stranger, please try to obtain permission and spark a conversation with him. You will find that the subject is more willing and relaxed if you took the effort to understand his background. Also try to present him as a fellow human being worthy of your respect. Eye contact is important especially since the eyes are the windows to the soul.

This gentleman, I met him at an old Hindu temple in Sentul. I had approached him as I felt his wizened visage held a ton of memories and them eyes had seen better days. I was indeed sympathetic when I saw his abode and I offered him a little money after taking his photographs (of course with permission).

You will notice that I converted the photos to monochrome. I shall elaborate on my conversion process in future but I chose to relay the scene in mono simply because I wanted to enhance the atmosphere.

While I had taken many shots, my favourite one was this particular one where I managed to eke out a little hint of smile from his otherwise melancholic features. I would have preferred the portrait format but nevertheless, I felt that it did not diminish the effect of the shot.

P/S In relation to the comment made by Wong below…

My subsequent shots of him in the ‘correct’ portrait format did not hold that precious smile…