A Colorful Holiday (#252) 03-23-13

This is the nine day Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, GA. EVERYTHING is pink.

And our Granddaughter is the Cherry Blossom Queen for 2013, so Barbara and I thought that we ought to attend :-).

But this meant that even WE had to pink up for the Cherry Blossom Gala. This is NOT my thing.

So, now to the stranger story. The annual parade is always held on the first Sunday of the event, which happened to be St. Patrick's Day. So, do you dress pink or green? For me, it was easy – pink. But I saw two young ladies headed my way, and Brittany was definitely not of the pink persuasion. When I introduced myself and asked for a photo, she had no hesitation.

But her friend just evaporated into the nearby crowd; clearly she had no interest in being photographed.

My son laughed and said that he recognized the friend from work (Geico). Macon has a population of about 100,000, but it is still a small town.

Next week - back to black and white, where I belong.   :-)​

Bob

Dylan (#251) 03-22-13

Dylan and his friend, Adam, walked towards me. I stopped them and asked for a favor (You know what the favor was). As I began to explain 100 Strangers, a little smile came across Dylan's face. He said "sure", just as his cell phone rang. So, I waited. And I waited. Cell phones are the bane of my existence - so many great looking strangers are unavailable because they never get off the phone.

Well, when he DID get off, Dylan only had a minute, so I got to work. The coffee cup was a welcome prop - I liked it!

Bob

Tara and Lindsey (#250) 03-21-13

I found a new place to look for strangers. It has the two necessary ingredients for success – nice light for the subject, and a coffee shop for me. Pedestrian traffic is not very heavy, so I have to get myself psyched up as I arrive. If I let an interesting looking stranger go by without asking, I might not get another chance for a while.

So when I spotted two young ladies 50 yards away, I did not tarry. While I explained the 100 Strangers project, Tara began to smile – I knew that this would work. Her friend Lindsey was much more reticent. I am not sure if she would have allowed a photograph, had she been alone. That is a good point of finding potential strangers in pairs – if one says OK, the other will usually follow.

So Tara agreed, but said that I would have to be quick. No problem! I photographed Lindsey first, and she had clearly warmed up to the idea. As usual, I asked her to NOT 'say cheese'.

Then, with no prompting, Tara assumed this gesture.

I got a dozen shots over several seconds, and she had this head tilt in each one. Methinks that Tara has seen a camera before ;-).

Bob

Tehran (#249) 03-20-13

It is the first Wednesday in this new site format. Time to check the work on=f another photographer.

A few months ago, A Wednesday post introduced a photography project called Humans of New York. I see several posts on Facebook each day. Yes, Facebook can be pretty funky, but this project is very entertaining. See it HERE.

This is the brainchild of a young fellow named Brandon. Here are his own words taken from his website:

About "My name is Brandon and I began Humans of New York in the summer of 2010. HONY resulted from an idea that I had to construct a photographic census of New York City. I thought it would be really cool to create an exhaustive catalog of the city’s inhabitants, so I set out to photograph 10,000 New Yorkers and plot their photos on a map. I worked for several months with this goal in mind. But somewhere along the way, HONY began to take on a much different character. I started collecting quotes and short stories from the people I met, and began including these snippets alongside the photographs. Taken together, these portraits and captions became the subject of a vibrant blog, which over the past two years has gained hundreds of thousands of followers. With over 300,000 collective followers on Facebook and Tumblr, HONY provides a worldwide audience with daily glimpses into the lives of strangers in New York City.

His website is Here. 

Recently, Brandon traveled to Tehran, and continued to photograph people. Many photographers, myself included, might wonder how an American with a camera would be received in Iran. Well, here is an ten minute video about the adventure.

American Photographer in Iran

Enjoy.

Bob

 
 

Three Ladies From Poughkeepsie (#248) 19-03-13

As I've mentioned before, Venice, FL, is just PACKED with winter visitors. It's even difficult to walk straight on downtown sidewalks. But while doing so, three women were half a block away, walking toward me. One had blue hair, not common in this stodgy retirement community. So I waited for my chance, but just before they got to me they turned into a store, Drat! But I waited. And waited.

Finally they emerged with packages, and I introduced myself and explained photographing strangers. There was a pause, and I could feel that I was loosing them. So I quickly interjected that I was very drawn to one of them, and my eyes rolled toward Nicole, the blue haired lady. This got them all laughing, and they agreed to be photographed.

Like 90% of people on this street, they were not from Venice. All three were visiting the area from Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The rough phonetic spelling is Puh – kip' – see. To New Yorkers, this is considered 'upstate'. New Your City is the southernmost point in the state, so everything else is 'upstate'.

Even though Donna nor Rachel had blue hair, they agreed to be photographed too.

Have you ever been to Poughkeepsie?

Bob

Connie (#247) 03-18-13

Another art festival. I'd get tired of them if they didn't attract so many interesting looking strangers. And if you can find a vendor in a booth, the light inside is usually exquisite.

So when I saw a booth for "C. Sterling Photography", I waited for a lull in the action, so that I could introduce myself to Connie Sterling.

It was worth the wait. She was receptive to being photographed (not surprising) and the black cloth background pleased me to no end.

I got her business card, which of course, has her website. See it HERE. 

But I really like the three words on the back of her card, "Love - Laugh - Photograph". You can see this logo on the sign in her booth. I like that. I had never noticed that Laugh and Photograph rhyme.

Bob

Beau and Kristen (#246) 03-16-13

I was on a city street that I rarely frequent. I stayed on the south side, in shade, with buildings on the north side in bright sunlight acting as a reflector. In this case, I could thank Whole Foods for performing reflector duty.

A young couple, Beau and Kristen approached, so I went into my act. As is often the case, while I was describing my project, they began to smile. It was a done deal.

When I looked at the images on the computer screen, the light on Beau's face surprised me. I find it pleasing enough, but it is slightly brighter on his right (our left) side. That is the side toward the side of the street in shadow.

The light on Kristen surprised me even more. It is fairly even from left to right, but it looks like there is a reflector overhead. Moreover, she is standing just about where Beau did. I did not create this effect in Photoshop.

I'll have to find some more people in this location and pay a little more attention to the light while shooting.

Bob

Finally! (#245) 03-14-13

It took a while, but this site finally got migrated to SquareSpace 6. You probably noticed that things do look a bit different. Hopefully, things look much better for those of you viewing deinfaces on a smartphone or tablet device. ​

Of course, I have noticed a few minor glitches that I need to iron out with the technical department. Thank you in advance for your patience. And as always, thank you for being here!​

Bob

Steve (#244) 03-15-13

I saw Steve sitting on the steps in front of a library. His long hair and rugged look meant that I just had to try for a photograph. The background building eas all an off-white, and I usually eschew light backgrounds. But this would be different – maybe the Richard Avedon look! I wish.

As I approached, he was scrolling on a cell phone. When I explained my project, he was happy to oblige. He has lived in Sarasota for over 30 years and LOVES it. But it is getting more crowded, and his goal is to live on a boat in St. Croix. He has lived on a boat before, so Steve knows what that life entails. Less than two years ago while aboard his boat, he was hit by a large commercial vessel. The boat was totaled and he sustained serious back injuries. He feels lucky that the offending vessel is owned by a large company that is well insured. There is an insurance settlement date of July 2, so Steve is patiently waiting, currently homeless. He is very optimistic with a great attitude.

Before living in Sarasota, he lived for a short time in Ft. Lauderdale, but was born and raised in new York City. And he sounds like Noo Yawk. In fact he was born in a hospital in the town of Bayshore, the same hospital that my sister was born in, two years earlier. Small world.

Steve's brother still lives on long Island, and Steve is very up to date on the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, four months ago. He showed me a slide show on his phone, of his brother's 35 foot boat sitting on dry land, several blocks from where it had been moored. What a mess.

Thank you, Steve, for allowing me to photograph you. Good luck with your insurance settlement.

Bob

Jim and Cathy (#243) 03-14-13

I saw Jim and Cathy from a distance. They were walking briskly, and Jim had the appearance of a difficult demographic, for me. He wore a white shirt and tie, the typical garb of a businessman. I have had remarkably poor luck in getting businessmen to agree to be photographed. One obvious problem is that they are in a hurry, checking the cell phone, etc. But I also have an unsubstantiated theory: I think that when one dons business clothes, he/she is assuming a role, and the role does not include frivolous activities like being photographed. Very possibly, the same person wearing shorts and flip flops on the weekend would be a different story. Who knows.

Anyway, they popped into a Starbucks, and I approached them when they exited. They both seemed a bit amused and agreeable. There was only a few feet of shadow adjacent to Starbucks, so I got them to stand there.

Remarkably, the light was bright enough to make Jim squint, but Cathy had no problem. I thought that they were in the same spot, but I guess that a foot or two and the cap made a big difference.

I gave them my card, and Jim asked if I took pictures professionally. A family member was having a signature birthday, and they wanted some photos. But as an amateur I declined and, and wished them well.

Bob

The Eyes Have It (#242) 03-13-13

From my beginning in portraiture of strangers, I have been obsessed with eyes. In Craig Tanner's Street Portraiture workshop, our first assignment was 'Live Eyes, Dead Eyes', demonstrating the importance of catchlights in bringing 'life' to the subject, and I take pride in doing this. We've all heard the the eyes are the window to the soul. To a point, I believe it.

Professional photographer, Steve McCurry, is the master of exposing the soul, in my opinion. Who can forget the Afghan Girl? See her HERE. 

His recent blog post is entitled "Eloquence of The EYE". Need I say more? As always, his interpretation of people as shown through portraiture is unsurpassed. I was happy to see a very short video clip with Steve McCurry speaking; he comes across as a soft spoken, humble man. And a McCurry quote, "If you wait, people will forget your camera and the soul will drift up into view" What great advice. Just the personality to draw the best out of portrait subjects. Here's the clip.

After viewing the blog post, I left this comment, "I have a dream that I win a contest, and the prize is a 2 hour, leisurely lunch with the photographer of my choice. Steve McCurry, hands down." The blog post is HERE. 

Enjoy.

Bob

Karina and Janet (#241) 03-12-13

On a sunny Saturday, a young lady was "manning" a fast food kiosk on the sidewalk of a main street. There were few pedestrians. A couple of blocks away, the street was crowded, with a myriad of potential customers. It's like realtors say, "location, location, location".

I introduced myself to Karina who had been examining her fingernails. When I explained my project and asked for a photograph, she agreed and seemed flattered. Immediately, a paying customer walked up. Maybe I'm good luck.

A few blocks away, on a different day, I saw Janet walking alone on an outdoor covered walkway. The light and Janet were beautiful, so I went into my spiel. Janet seemed VERY surprised, and I think a little flattered. And quite shy.

After I got a few shots, she asked what I would do with the images. I mentioned Flickr, and she was very familiar with it (I think that she was a little bit relieved). I gave her my MOO card with e-mail address, Flickr Photostream, and the URL of this site. Then I asked if she would like a copy of the image.

No.

Bob

Mark (#240) 03-11-13

At my usual trip to the Saturday Farmer's Market, I saw Mark – a rugged looking fellow who was looking at some organic vegetables. I explained the project and he was agreeable. He did not ask much about it, and I didn't get a 'feel' if it really interested him or not. The light was very harsh, but at my request, he moved several feet into open shade, next to a vendor's booth.

He had been speaking with a young lady who held a baby. I asked her about a photograph, but she politely declined. I think I know why, and this segues into a lesson for me.

The main goal of this project is personal development in dealing with people that I haven't met before. People are always treated respectfully, hence the permission. But one of the additional ways of showing respect is recognizing people upon encountering them at a later time.

Within the past six months, I have twice fallen down on this. I met and photographed two women, and later encountered them, but did not recognize them. One is a professional hair stylist. Not surprisingly, her hair appearance changes dramatically from time to time. The other woman once wore a hat, once had a scarf over her hair, and once was uncovered, with curls bouncing in the breeze. Ideally, this would not faze me, as I should be able to recognize people by their eyes. But, not always so.

Now I have a further goal, to be more observant and mindful of those who I meet. I want to avoid this embarrassment in the future.

Bob

Casey (#239) 03-09-13

This image is from the archives, late 2011. An Art and Craft festival was two blocks from my home. Nice.

I had to notice a petite young lady with a not-so-petite Nikon D700. WITH an extra battery grip. I don't recall the lens, but it had a substantial presence. She was speaking to a young couple with a small child, so I waited my turn. And waited. I think that she was arranging a family photo session; she was (is) a pro photographer. Her website is HERE.

After several minutes I looked away for an instant, and she was gone! But I soon saw her sitting on the adjacent grass eating some generic art festival food of dubious nutritional value. I introduced myself and explained my project. She was a bit interested and very sympathetic, so she immediately picked up the camera as a pose. Good enough!

 I liked this image, but kept cropping closer and closer. I think that this is MUCH stronger.

This encounter was MANY strangers ago. And this was the beginning of my very close and unconventional cropping. Less is more. Why show the entire camera and lens? From what is in the frame, you know what it is! It's interesting when the mind has to fill in the blanks.

Bob

Ken and Gloria (#237) 03-08-13

It was unusually cool (cold?) in southwest Florida as I walked down Venice Avenue. A slightly more than middle aged man was sitting by himself on a bench, wearing shorts. His body language screamed, "The wife is shopping, and I'm just killing time". I introduced myself and explained the project. Being a friendly sort, and bored, he had no problem with me photographing him. And, yes, his wife was shopping.

Ken and Gloria are from Sudbury, Canada and totally unimpressed by our 'cold' weather. His attire assured me that he was from 'up north', as is 75% of the population this time of year.

After a few shots, Gloria appeared. She was even more amused about being photographed than Ken.

They were about to walk to the beach to watch the sunset. I was about to walk home to get a heavier coat.

Bob

Peggy (#236) 03-07-13

Walking down a sidewalk, I was going through a dry spell. I had passed a few somewhat interesting looking people, but just didn't pull the trigger. Even after asking, and photographing hundreds of strangers, sometimes I have to push myself. REALLY push myself.

And then I saw Peggy heading my way. I stopped her and explained the project. As so often happens, she began to smile while I was speaking. All was good. I asked her to remove the large framed sunglasses that she wore. When they came off I said "Wow, glad that I asked". Her eyes were magnificent. She giggled a bit and said that she was a hair stylist and makeup artist. We agreed that I had asked the right person. :-)

     (click to enlarge)

So I checked out Peggy's website, which is HERE. 

Yep, I found the right person!

Bob

Learning How to Ask (#235) 03-05-13

It's a Wednesday, so here we go again. Two weeks ago, I posted a series of three posts about fear – the fear of photographing strangers. I feel confident that the nidus of that fear is in asking permission. We often feel uncomfortable because we are asking someone else to do something for us. The stranger gives, and we take. But is that totally true?

Well, no. For most people (those who will say yes), the gift goes both ways. We get a portrait (and more). The stranger gets human recognition by a fellow human being, and in this disconnected world, this is a lot. Easy to see when asking a disadvantaged, homeless person. She goes for hours, maybe days, without anyone demonstrating recognition of her existence, her humanity. Speaking on an even plane while making strong eye contact is a gift seldom received.

But what about middle class, and even well off strangers? They (we) too, live in a disconnected world of internet appliances and inner loneliness. It amazes me how many strangers like to talk, and even share fairly personal thoughts and experiences. The unexpected chance to connect with a fellow human being is a gift for many.

So, with that thought, below is a video, a TED lecture by musician Amanda F. Palmer (don't ask what the 'F' stands for). This is not specifically about photography. She explains how she learned to ask, and how the other person not only gives back, but finds delight in doing so. Without stealing her thunder, she learned to give away her music, her art, and by doing this gets in return more than what she needs.

This is about 13 minutes long.


Do you give away your art? Might someone else find joy in giving back what you need (permission)?

Bob

April (#234) 03-04-13

April was sitting outdoors with Russell (yesterday's post). When I explained my photographic project, she said "Oh, I do that too". What?? Almost no one photographs strangers with permission. But she said that she was an illustrator and often photographed people whom she did not know. Amazing!

     (click to enlarge)

Russell spoke up and said that April was a real community mover-and-shaker, well known in the area. April said that she was heavily involved with community development, and gave me her card. It reads, "Aprilart Studios – Art to spark and inspire". Her website is HERE.

She is a strong proponent of Asset Based Community Development, and you can read about it HERE. 

Nice to serendipitously meet another photographer of strangers. :-)

Bob

Russell (#233) 03-04-13

Russell was seated with a young lady (tomorrow's post) at an outdoor cafe. When I approached them with my spiel, she took the lead and was outgoing. Russell was a little more reserved, but ultimately had no problem with being photographed.

     (click to enlarge)

His friend, April, said that Russell is very modest, but is an accomplished artist. He shrugged modestly, and said that he did have a studio in Bradenton (~12 miles north). I asked if he had a business card, and he said no, not with him. Then I asked if I googled "Russell Starr", would he come up. Yes, and that his name had two 'R's. So I did, and his site is HERE.

Clearly he IS accomplished and has a very strong,characteristic style. I gave him my card. I hope that he sees this post and becomes motivated to carry his cards at all times.

Bob

Thank You! (#232) 03-03-13

I don't usually post on Sundays, but here's a brief exception. Just something that needs to be said from time to time; Thank you, for being here. I am well aware that you have taken a scarce resource, your time, to stop by this site, and I appreciate it.

Sometime around next weekend I will have upgraded this site (slightly) from SquareSpace 5 to SquareSpace 6. The main improvement should be for those of you who view the site on tablets or smart phones. SquareSpace 6 is optimized for these devices, so hopefully you will have a better viewing experience.

Have a good Sunday.

Bob