I met Carmine today, but the process actually started a week ago.  Let me explain:

I had stood in front of this church last weekend debating whether I should enter, but decided against it for fear of intruding or being denied the opportunity to photograph.  I just didn’t want to be rejected.  When I returned home I looked up St. Andrew’s and saw how lovely it was inside, so of course regretted my decision.

Today I found myself there again, and this time I noticed a sign by the front steps advertising a free concert. Well that gave me all the reason (and courage) I needed to enter.

I was happy I did.  When I stepped inside, I saw this tranquil scene of a man playing acoustic guitar, alone, at the front of the church.  He was preparing for his concert.  The sound was simply beautiful.  Without really thinking, I walked down the main aisle toward him, closing the distance between us.  I got within a few steps before he stopped playing; he looked up, quizzically, at which point I awkwardly said “Hi, I would like to take your portrait, would it be okay?”.

He said yes, and the result is what you see.  Thanks Carmine.

—Peter.