today the weather was a beautiful sun-dappled light-breeze sort of day. people were out on the streets in full force, and everything in the city glowed and expanded.
today was the day to step out and interact. people looked into your eyes and you could see the joy in their hearts. i saw multi-colored toenails, a battalion of the fluffiest puppies, and everyone seemed like they were open.
taking all of that into account, i chose today to be a day where i would talk to anyone who wanted to talk to me. i found the opportunity to photograph one person who turned out to be a very interesting person. you just never know what you'll be able to do, until you open up.
this afternoon, i talked to a ticket sales person for the NY city ballet, a cinephile from mississippi, an indian tourist looking to find the right train to W. 4th, and a tunesian taxi diver keen to purchase a DSLR of his own one day so that he may pursue a dream of being a photographer. it was quite the day.
in your photography, you must do the same. these aren't secrets that only a select few understand and utilize. the ability to open up and be honest with the world around you, is one that people can sense, and then your stock multiplies exponentially.
i've heard this said to me, and i believed it fully, and it's been fruitful in it's implementation and follow-through..."be bold and courageous." be it, take a risk, take a chance. take a chance on yourself, and believe in the openness of others.
oh yeah, and to Mr. Danny Glover, of whom i interacted with very briefly today at the NY film festival...sir, you are a gentleman and i salute you as well as your stellar career (insert the image of tipping one's chapeau, and a bent knee here).
tonight's homework:
when you're out there in the world, choose one person (if the occasion so arises) to take a portrait of. make sure that the permission is granted, and then actually spend some time learning about who that person is. sometimes you just need to be aware of your surroundings, and so many great conversations can arise from simple situations.
remember to exchange information or have a pen and paper handy. you never know what treasures you'll find in those few moments.
email me your best stranger portrait all throughout next week, and i'll post the five (5) choice ones at the end of next week.
---
septembre 09:
septembre 10:
septembre 11:
septembre 12:
septembre 13:
septembre 14:
septembre 15:
septembre 16:
septembre 17:
septembre 18:
septembre 19:
septembre 20:
septembre 21:
septembre 22:
septembre 23:
septembre 24:
septembre 25:
---
