India and Willie
I was in the midst of getting yelled at for photographing in Harlem when Willie called out saying, “Hey! You can take a picture of us!”. So I said I would, and I did. We talked about how some people in Harlem were so sensitive and mean. They were so nice and kind, photographing them was a pleasure.
I asked them how they met, they were husband and wife. Willie said he used to work at a store across the street from the park and India would walk past his shop everyday. He wondered how to work up the courage to talk to her. Then one day, India was crying outside the shop, someone had been mean to her. Willie used this chance to talk to her and comfort her. He said he was going to get whoever did this to her. And the rest is history.
India’s retired in her 60s now, she was really interesting to photograph. Her full denim outfit and red lining. Clanging keys hanging from her jeans, Marlboro’s and a fist full of jewelery.
I guess people surprise you sometimes by letting you access their worlds.
its important to take advantage of an opportunity to photograph people, especially when they ask to get their picture taken. These two portraits are very striking. I think the composition of the bottom one is great. i think all the details are really important, even though they may not be intentional. for example, i love how the green cart sort of blends into the back of the frame with the trees, and how the red bike highlights the the belt and shoes of India. And Willie’s worker boots casually sitting next to him adds alot to the conversation of the picture, almost like you can tell how comfortable they are with each other.
michael
June 11, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I really like the way you juxtaposes the pictures. It almost seems like a movie where you have close-ups and distant pans. Those photos together show much about the people than each alone does.
Oscar
June 11, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I like the first picture; with this woman who is smoking her cigarette. I enjoy the fumes which pasts in front of her face. Also, the jewel that she wears on her hand (rings) shows the importance for her to look like a woman (for sure she is one but we often associate woman/cigarette : dirty). It is a kind of person that I would like to meet.
Margot
June 11, 2008 at 1:44 pm
your way of combining photos are really cool…..a great way to show the onlooker an alternate veiw which ads more meaning to the concept and theme of the photo!
colin
June 11, 2008 at 5:50 pm
You have this strong ability to capture your subject’s emotion in your portraits. I also love the way that you edit these photos… kind of giving a desaturated feel to them that stays consistent within the collection.
Jordan
June 12, 2008 at 1:22 pm