John
This is John. I met him near the ocean at Williamsburg. He just started talking to me about how things used to be so different there. How when he was 12 years old, he used to jump into the water with his friends. You’re not allowed to do so anymore…
He said there used to be a railway there and that they’d jump off the pier into the water and swim to the side of the tracks to press all the buttons for the trains. Then the trains would start to hoot and move. I’m sure he’s exaggerating but that’s okay.
At the end of it all, I asked to take his picture. He eventually decided to go into some pose on the ground. With no prompting on my part. That was pretty amusing. Then he invited me to visit him at the bar around there anytime I wanted. Don’t think I will though.
Do you have any suggestions for getting people to let you take their photo? I like your portraits but don’t feel very comfortable doing street photography.
Kerry
June 3, 2008 at 11:24 pm
i love the one on the bottom. there is something happy or funny about it. your photographs have the look of an experienced photographer, i am really impressed with your work. you make me want to take better photographs. I think that you should but up the ones from Harlem.
mike
June 4, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Oh you should totally hang out with him. Juuust kidding. But seriously, I think I’ve told you this before, but I love your portraits. Not just because portraits are my favorite type of picture. When I look at these pictures, I somehow just KNOW that these are of strangers. I envy you for that! It’s a great reflection on you that you have the guts to talk to strangers and then make them feel comfortable enough with you that they’re willing to let you take their picture. And then inviting you to hang out… !
sophievalentine
June 4, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Same question with Kerry…… I think you have a great power as a photographer or as a film maker to have people talk to you and uncover things that are not apparent at the first glance.
Oscar
June 4, 2008 at 2:10 pm
hi kerry. i guess my only suggestion is to be thick-skinned. i sorta go on a rampage when trying to take a portrait of a stranger. the only thing i’m thinking is: take his picture! take his picture! now! now!
it’s when i pause to stop to think of the consequences then i don’t manage to get a good shot :X
mm… yeah.
Amanda
June 10, 2008 at 6:54 pm
johns pose really represents the street culture in the 80′s around new york….shows you what era he lived in and what type of guy he is…your combos are really inspiring.
colin
June 11, 2008 at 5:53 pm