Tyler and Caitlin (#272) 04-15-13

Sometime I believe in Divine Providence, or some other guiding hand that is directing our affairs. I often (usually?), have to 'kick start' myself when it comes to approaching strangers. My fantasy mind can think of all kinds of excuses to NOT approach someone for a photograph. But when a happy coincidence seems to have occurred, I feel that a meeting is pre-ordained, and that it is my duty to make contact.

Driving slowly, I watched hoards of senior citizens on foot, soaking up the relative warmth of the Florida sunshine. Suddenly, one young couple stood out. Both by age and body language. They were clearly enjoying themselves and each others company, as only young people can. Immediately began looking for a place to park. There was none. I drove for four more blacks before finding a (too small) spot, but used it anyway.

Then I began walking back towards where I saw the couple. No luck, hundreds of silver haired seniors, but no young lovebirds. After retracing the four blocks, I headed back for the car. But suddenly, they popped out of a store and walked my way, almost right in my face. I barely had time to collect my thoughts, but when a lucky coincidence occurs, there is no question what I must do.

So I stopped them, explained my project, and easily got permission for photographs. Tyler and Caitlin were on spring break from college in Akron. When I asked how they liked the area, Tyler said, "cool!". I asked what they would like better about Venice – less traffic! My sentiments exactly. Tyler's grandmother lived on the beach – a great place to visit.

Now, Caitlin's eyes were something to behold. I do think that she is wearing some pigmented contact lenses; God can only do so much!

Yes, Divine Providence is better than no Providence at all.

Bob

Approaching Strangers for Portraiture - Again (#271) 14-04-13

I have come across yet another article about approaching strangers. I can never see enough of them, because:

1. I am always nervous approaching strangers

2. No matter how often I do this, it is never easy

3. My inner weasel always tries to find an excuse to avoid approaching someone

So, reading another photographer's thoughts on how to do this can be helpful and reassuring.

Photographer Adam Morelli has weighed in on the subject in his April 12 blog post. See his site HERE. 

The post title is humerus and provocative: "Can I Take Your Picture? How to Talk to Strangers without Upsetting Your Mother" See it HERE.

There is one area in which I take exception. One of his criteria for asking for a portrait is to ask yourself three questions. One is, "would I talk to them if I did not have a camera?". His response is that if you would NOT talk to them without a camera, you should not ask for a portrait. I disagree in that I use the camera as a tool, an excuse for striking up a conversation.

As always, you decide for yourself.

Enjoy.

Bob

Nina and Needa (#270) 04-13-13

These two young ladies are unrelated; I photographed them on different days in different locations. Even used different cameras!

A couple of months I went stranger hunting at a motorcycle rally. As I walked by a side street, I saw Nina with a young Oriental man. They seemed oblivious to the noise and general commotion of the rally. When I approached them about being photographed, Nina readily accepted. The young man declined.

Sorry fella, Nina is the one who caught my eye anyway. :-)

On a different day, several blocks away, I was trolling with my rented Olympus OM-D camera. A young lady was walking my way on the next block. I thought that we might meet in the middle of a crosswalk, so I stayed put for a few moments. Then when I began walking again, we met where I wanted to.

When I asked "the question", she seemed shy, but pleased. Needa is a student at the Ringling College of Art and Design. No surprise, as several of my strangers are students there. But, Needa is here on a student visa, and is a citizen of Iran.

I have no idea how many Iranian citizens are in the U. S. But I am glad that even though the U.S. is at odds with Iran (to put it politely), it is nice to see that individuals can enjoy some freedom. And, doesn't that reflect the usual situation? When two countries don't get along, it's the governments that argue. When common citizens mingle, they usually play together quite nicely.

Enjoy your studies, Needa.

Bob

CAPA Interview – Photographer, Colin Strain (#269) 04-12-2013

Several weeks ago I posted two photographer interviews by CAPA, an international education organization. Well, here is a third.

Colin Strain is an Afrikaner who has lived in England for 14 years. He has been a very active member of the 100 Strangers Flickr group. See 100 Strangers HERE. 

Colin is now on his third round of Strangers, in other words, he has posted over 200. A seasoned veteran. See his Photostream HERE.

It is difficult to not be impressed by his work. And the CAPA interview is an enjoyable and insightful read. It is HERE. 

Enjoy.

Bob

Paul and Millie Portraits (#268) 04-11-13

Driving on Venice Avenue, I saw a retired-aged couple sitting on a bench. Their body language was relaxed, and cloud cover made the light situation appear favorable. When I approached them with "The Question", there was no hesitation.

They are from Massachusetts, and have spent winters in Venice for 12 years. It's still cold 'up north', so they are more than happy to be here. When they heard that I live in Florida year round, Paul asked how I could stand the heat in the summers. I told him that I am getting less tolerant as the years slide by. It's not the high temperatures and humidity, but the duration of the discomfort. June is OK, but by September, I've had it! He understood – they once lived in Minnesota and could stand a few freezing days, but being stuck indoors for 30 to 40 days was difficult. I told him that I would become an alcoholic in such conditions. He laughed, and explained that ice fishermen drive trucks onto frozen lakes, and the fishermen huddle in little houses to fish. And to drink. Lots.

As a technical aside, I have photographed most strangers with a Nikon D90, with a prime lens at wide aperture, usually f2 – 2.8. This combination has a shallow depth of field; the background becomes blurred. This summer I plan to switch to a micro 4/3 camera that has a smaller sensor. The backgrounds won't be quite as blurred. So to get used to this, I am shooting at f4, beginning with Paul and Millie.

Although they live in Massachesetts, they are very familiar with New York City. I was born in Queens, and we talked about the neighborhoods there. Several years ago, I visited the neighborhood where I lived as a small child. It has not withstood the test of time well. Paul and Millie were familiar with such situations. And, the crime...

I wished them well, and handed them my MOO card. We will probably cross paths next winter.

Bob

Smile Inducing Portraits (#267) 04-10-13

In keeping with my self-proclaimed tradition, this Wednesday post showcases the work of another photographer.

A couple of weeks ago I broke down and set up a Twitter account. I still don't "get it", but by using #photography, I see a zillion tweets daily. I should say that I GET these tweets; there are so many that I don't really see them all. But I have stumbled across an interesting blog called PetaPixel that seems to be run by Michael Zhang. A have found no "Home" page or "About" page, so I can't tell you anything more about it. Except that there some interesting (to me) posts. See PetaPixel HERE.

The March 30 post is the one that caught my eye. Entitled, "Smile Inducing Portraits of People Lost in Daydreams and Happy Thoughts", it is a project by Alexandra Santu.

For each of the portraits, she asks the subject to think about something beautiful. See it HERE.

As I usually ask subjects NOT to smile, so that I can get an authentic expression. This project certainly turns things upside down. The gestures are presumably authentic, but reflecting only happy thoughts.

Enjoy.

Bob

Ray (#266) 04-09-13

OK, here is a bit of a shaggy dog story.

Scene 1. Recently, my wife and I visited my sister in Blue Ridge, GA. We were her guests at a Rotary meeting. The guest speaker, Dale, was 94 years old, and spoke perfectly without notes for 20 minutes. Impressive! Having lived in the area for several decades, he became a de facto historian. Among other studies, he chronicled all of the cemeteries in Fannin County, well over 200! Most were small family cemeteries. As my wife is into genealogy, she spoke with Dale for a while, after the meeting.

Scene 2. Less than an hour later we were driving on a back road, just two blocks from "downtown". And there, was a tiny graveyard. Most of the tombstones were embedded in the ground, and numbered. A tiny kiosk housed a book with the numbers and names of the interred. But a larger stone in front of the cemetery said:

                      Padgett Chapel Cemetery

                                      Black

Now was this a coincidence? My wife's maiden name is Padgett, although she is Caucasian. In her research, she has learned that after the Civil War, many emancipated slaves took the surnames of their former masters. Very possibly, a white slaveholder named Padgett (an ancestor?) freed his slaves who then became Padgetts.

Scene 3. Still an hour later I was stranger hunting, downtown. I approached a young blond woman who was cleaning in front of a store. She wore a Tennessee Volunteers shirt, so I did not mention that I am a Florida Gator. :-) As I spoke, she smiled, but suddenly put her hand up and said "oh no, not now, I look like s**t". She did not. But she felt that because she was working, she was not ready for a portrait. Then she said, "photograph HIM", and pointed. I spun around and saw Ray approaching. The words were only halfway out of my mouth when he said, "sure", and gave this look.

What a guy! We spoke for a minute and I asked if he lived in Blue Ridge. He gave a hearty laugh and said that NO blacks lived in Blue Ridge. I begged to differ, and described the Padgett black cemetery. He seemed a bit perplexed, so I showed him the sign on the camera's LCD. He seemed at a loss for words when I said, "OK, maybe we can say this; there are no blacks ALIVE, living in Blue Ridge". He howled in agreement, and loved it.

Thanks, Ray, for being a character and a good sport. I like shaggy dog stories.

Bob

Tom and Sue (#265) 04-08-13

I had just gotten out of the car with camera in hand when Tom and Sue came walking my way. Fortunately we were on the side of the street with good light. Approaching strangers does not come naturally to me, so I have to sort of psych myself up before leaving the car. Then, the best medicine is to approach someone fairly soon. Being rejected is better than not asking at all – passing opportunities is contagious. When I talk myself out of asking someone, it becomes easy to continue finding excuses. Better to dive right in and get started.

So I approached Tom and Sue and asked my question. They seemed surprised, but Tom shrugged and said, "Why not?"

As a lover of sharp eyes, I am slightly disappointed when a person squints. But the light was not too bright or harsh; Sue later stood in the same spot.

Some people just naturally have a squint, and that's just the way it is. I should not complain, as I personally would pose another problem to a photographer. People like me with deep set eyes don't easily get sufficient light in the eyes to get good catchlights. Just an anatomic variation.

Anyway, they asked what I do with the images. I showed them my phone with the flickr photostream. Then Sue asked that I not put her head onto a nude body. Yes, the public is well aware of Photoshop trickery.

Sure enough, the rest of the morning's shoot went well, having approached people right away.

Bob

Andrew (264) 04-06-13

Driving in Sarasota, I approached a major intersection and stopped for a traffic light. A man was pacing on the sidewalk holding a sign,"Homeless, Need Work, Please help, God Bless."

Such folks carrying signs has been a politically hot issue in Sarasota. The local law had banned people carrying signs at intersections which was enforced by police, so this had been practically unknown. Recently, however, the courts began reconsidering the sign carrying practice and placed a temporary injunction on these people being arrested. Immediately, many street corners became populated by sign carrying Homeless. Many think that this is often a scam, that the people are not really homeless, but are just looking for easy money. I am not sure how 'easy' such money would be.

Anyway, there was a bank on this corner, so when the light turned green, I turned the corner into the bank parking lot. Got the camera ready, a few bucks in my hand, and went over to meet Andrew. He was originally from Massachusetts, and has been living homeless in Sarasota for 13 months. Tents are much warmer in Florida!

Andrew says that he is not into booze or drugs. He retreats to his tent after dark, as that's when the druggies prowl for people to rob. A few weeks ago, Andrew had his wallet,with identity cards stolen, so he's in a holding pattern until they can all be replaced. I must say that he speaks very well and doesn't fit the homeless stereotype (at least MY homeless stereotype).

His mother still lives in Massachusetts. I asked him how she feels about his lifestyle. Andrew says that she knows that he's a survivor and is not judgmental.

Bob

Kelley and Backlighting (#263) 04-05-13

Backlighting. The sun behind the subject, so that the head is outlined by bright light and separates from the background. But then the face is often dark. It is a delicate balancing act with which I have had little experience.

Near the Selby Library in Sarasota, I had a good chance. A portion of sidewalk was under roof and fairly dark. A woman quickly walked my way, and the sun behind the left side really lit up her hair. I intercepted her and asked my question, even though she was clearly in a hurry. Kelley agreed and seemed both shy and flattered. I quickly clicked away.

Of course, I am a bit frustrated by the result. The light in her eyes is good, and I like the relaxed expression. But Kelley's hair is clearly blown out (overexposed) on her left side. Backlighting. Can't have it all!

Bob

Less is More, in Creativity (#262) 04-04-13

I was taught by Craig Tanner to simplify gear when photographing strangers. I use one camera (Nikon D90), one prime lens per outing (50 or 85mm), one shooting mode (aperture priority) and one f stop per outing (2 – 2.8). Thus when approaching a person, I can keep my mind on the personal interaction, light, and composition - the important stuff. The camera settings are fixed, thus, a constraint.

Constraint increasing creativity is not a new concept. But as humans, we tend to forget once in a while. OK, a lot! C. J. Chilvers authors a blog called "a lesser photographer" See it HERE. 

His 3/18 post is called ""Constriction and Creativity" and is about exactly this. Here is an embedded video. It lasts only 3 1/2 minutes.

Are too many options stifling your creativity?

Enjoy.

Bob

Street Photographer Bruce Gilden, Videos (#261) 03-04-13

Bruce Gilden is a street photographer from New York City. He has typical Noo Yawk speech, and attitude. Not only does he NOT ask permission for portraits, he gets really close and uses flash! I cannot imagine doing that, but it comes second nature to him. His website is HERE.

In June, 2011, street photographer and blogger, Eric Kim, met and interviewed him. The blog post has a most provocative title, "Bruce Gilden, Asshole or Genius?" That pretty well sums up the reactions to his style of photography. See it HERE.

This youtube video is embedded within Eric Kim's post.

And here is another video about Bruce Gilden, while photographing in England.

​Quite a character.

So, what is your verdict, A-hole or genius?

Bob

Porter (#260) 04-02-13

Now, Porter was an interesting looking fellow, even from a distance. The prominent beard caught my eye, of course, and that with his gait seemed a bit enigmatic. A Bohemian artist? A Professor? A fellow down on his luck?

The sure thing was that he wore long trousers on a cold day. Seems logical, but on a winter day in Florida, northern visitors usually wear shorts no matter what, to convince themselves that they are in the tropics (Florida is NOT in the tropics).

But no, I misjudged again. Porter WAS a winter visitor from western Pennsylvania. When I mentioned the long pants, he looked at me like I was an idiot - politely (no comments please). He said that he was a bit disappointed that this place was so COLD.

Me too. (I still like his look)

Bob

Jermain and Corissa (#259) 04-01-13

I spotted Jermain and Corissa about a block away. Both seemed relaxed playful, and enjoying each others company. They were looking into a restaurant window – I just hoped that they wouldn't duck inside. They didn't. But when I spoke, they seemed startled. I guess that they were totally absorbed by the menu that they were reading.

I always try to approach people openly and from their front, to avoid surprise. Well, Jermain and Corissa were surprised anyway. Nuts! Jermain was fairly solemn, but pleasant enough, and agreeable. He is from Trinidad, but had no discernible accent.

Corissa began smiling and giggled as I gave my spiel. Immediately the tongue came out. YEEESSS!!!

And then a couple of more traditional looks.

After photographing, I gave them my MOO card with the URL to this site, e-mail address, and Flickr photostream. I posted the tongue shot within a couple of days. Corissa promptly e-mailed me and asked for that file and a few others. She has done some modeling and wanted images for promotional materials. I was delighted, as so few people ever get back to me.

Bob

Contessa (258) 30-03-13

While visiting Blue Ridge GA, I tried to find a few strangers. Problem was that it was a cold, raw, day – not many folks wandering the streets. But as Contessa approached, she just seemed relaxed and 'in the moment'. In other words, not living in the past or future in her mind. 'In the present' people seem more likely to be open to new experiences, like being photographed.

So when I asked her for a favor, and explained my project, she was happy to oblige. And I think that her relaxed, pleasant demeanor shows in her face. The breeze shows on her face, too!

Blue Ridge is a tourist town, and she is from Cartersville, GA. Cartersville is in Bartow county which is next to Floyd County, which contains Rome, GA. The previous evening, a tornado had passed through Floyd county. I asked Contessa if Cartersville had any storm damage. She thought not, but was anxious to get home to see for herself.

I told her that I was from Venice, FL. Contessa's parents live in Naples, about 90 miles away. I do believe that half of the world's population have parents (or grandparents) on the west coast of Florida.

Bob

Zack and Michael (#257) 29-03-13

I went stranger hunting on an unseasonably chilly morning, two blocks from my home in Florida. The sidewalk was crowded, and it was easy to tell locals from the Snowbirds visiting from 'up north'. The locals wisely wore long pants and long sleeved shirts. Visitors wore shorts. That simple.

Well, two young men walked my way, each wearing shorts, and carrying a skateboard. A very large skateboard I believe, but what do I know? Each man was well over 6 ft. And wore a straw hat. My friend Eric has informed me that folks wearing hats seem to be open to being photographed, so my confidence was up. When I approached them and explained my project, they both smiled and said sure, why not? Each of them seemed happy as a lark, without a care in the world. I photographed Michael first.

And then, Zack.

They are both visiting the area for a week while on spring break, from Milwaukee. I said that it was a shame that a cold front just passed, and the unseasonably cool weather (65 degree daytime highs) was forecast to last for several days. Michael said that I must be kidding. It was 30 degrees in Milwaukee, and the weather in Venice was heavenly.

It's all relative.

Bob

Two Tidbits For Wednesday (#256) 03-27-13

#1. I always like to Read another photographer's take on how to photograph strangers. Dan Westergren, photo editor for National Geographic traveler, gives his thoughts on how to photograph strangers. Even when there is a language barrier. See it HERE. 

#2. Detroit resident, Noah Stephens, has taken umbrage to the way that the media portrays the poor in Detroit. In his words;

"The People of Detroit is an ongoing photodocumentary focused on people who live in, work in, or otherwise have a significant impact on the City of Detroit. I started the project in April 2010 after seeing a Dateline NBC documentary wherein metro-Detroit ex-pat and child molester inquisitor extraordinaire Chris Hansen profiled a man in Detroit who hunts, cooks and sells raccoons.

The implication being, of course, that things are so dire in Detroit that raccoon meat has become a staple food.

I grew up on welfare in the city. I've never eaten raccoon. Nor have any of my friends.

The Dateline story is endemic of most media coverage of the city. Its often times accurate (there is in fact a man who sells raccoons in the city), but it's rarely representative (most people in Detroit have never eaten raccoon).

I started TPOD to chronicle the intelligent, attractive, industrious, talented people who enliven the city and make it a place I enjoy calling home."

His project is HERE.

And the individual images in his Flickr set are HERE.

My kind of stuff! Enjoy.

Bob

Marshall (#255) 03-26-13

Sometimes I have to chase potential subjects, but sometimes they just come to me. I was photographing Tara and Lindsey (Post # 250, 03-21-13) on a sidewalk, in front of the main Bar Sandwich Shop in Sarasota. A young man popped out the door and said, "Photographing people, want to photograph me?" Isaid sure, but did not take my eye fron the viewfinder. When I put the camera down, he was gone.

So after the Tara and Lindsey encounter, I went into the Main Bar Sandwich Shop. If you are interested, see it HERE. http://www.themainbar.com/

I found the young man, Marshall, and offered a photograph. Although working, he readily stepped outside and I went to work.

I showed him the images on the LCD, and he seemed to approve. Then I gave him my MOO card and offered to send him a file if he e-mailed me. Marshall's girlfriend models, and needs images for her portfolio. The image has been on Flickr for about a week, and I have not heard anything :-(. Perhaps the black and white treatment is a put off.

Bob

Eric and Jan (#254) 03-25-13

They walked toward me during an art festival. The sidewalks were crowded, so when they were in a relatively clear area, I approached them and asked to make portraits. Eric smiled, shrugged and said, “Why not?” He thinks that he is an old timer in the area (31 years). Ha! When I explained that I graduated from the local high school, Eric was impressed!

As is often the case, Jan said that she didn't look good in photos, that her hair was a mess, etc., etc. But thanks to Eric, she agreed. And am I glad! The most difficult part of this project is not getting permission. It is getting past the nervous, smiley phase. And Jan had such great, authentic expressions!

It is refreshing to meet people who are relaxed, and “comfortable in their own skin”. I wonder if I would be.

Bob

The Photography of Carlos Ferreira (#253) 03-24-13

A little housekeeping: I hope to be traveling intermittently over the spring and early summer. Posting to this blog may get a little less frequent, pending Internet access, etc. My goal will be to maintain at least four entries per week, but not necessarily on a specific daily schedule.

Having said that, I came across something that I wold like to pass along in a rare Sunday post. Carlos Ferreira posted a message on Google+ that I find interesting. He does what is usually called 'Street Photography', although he does not like that term. His recent blog post is named "Street Photography:a Personal Reflection", and can be seen HERE. 

Like most street photographers, Carlos does not necessarily ask permission of individual people. Instead, he is the 'fly on the wall', photographing people in the context of their environment. Although different from my project, I always feel a kinship to street photographers – my cousins.

Enjoy.

Bob