Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Pictures

So I haven't shared photographs in a good few months. Just under 3 months actually, which is fukin' forever. I suppose every now and then one just has to step back and ask yourself, why are you doing this. THIS, being daily life and street photography. The 2 genres with the least popularity and purpose. Because lets be honest, there's almost no money nore fame in this. 

Unlike fashion, babies or weddings, no one is asking to be photographed here.  Actually, I don't even know if these people want to be photographed. I 've never asked, and never will. Because again, this is daily life, NO ONE, is asking you to be here and unlike "proper jornilism" there is no news worthy story. No agency to sell to. So why do it? Why make the effort of walking through the city for 5 hours "looking and observing" strangers to photograph (stalking doesnt count, and is wrong...by the way) on your own. Or photographing your friends and family, whom are mostly just a basic part of society. And with whom photography is not the main of aspect of your relationship anyway. So why? What is the point?

After about 5 years of photography, my conclusion is this. I think we do this, because we ALL NEED to share something. To give something, anything  back in anyway possible, no matter how insignificant. Some people do it with music, some with small gestures of text and graffiti found on an otherwise useless wall. Some do it with cooking (which I highly appreciate by the way),  and some do it with stories. Not stories only about dragons, but instead, stories about how dragons can by slain. In essence, it comes back to the art of giving. Its a very basic human trait which can even be accomplished with a compliment. Unfortunately, It is sometimes ignored,and overpowered by the more popular human traits, like honour, intelligence, beauty and bravery. And somehow, money made it's way in there too. Though funnily enough, sharing is the one thing, as a kid you get reminded about the most (NO GUTS!) but once an adult, its hardly mentioned and instead, possession plays a lead role.

To end, Photography is a funny thing when you're doing it for yourself and not a client. It isn't a necessity at all, but you do it anyway, and you do it because you are inspired. Inspired by the beautiful friends and strangers around you. Because why else would you take interest in them if they weren't completely amazing? Your time could spent else where right?

 So this is my/our way of giving something back. In the end its just really a big thank you.

cheers, and enjoy the show.

Lucky trying to get into the car (all monochromes shot with Ilford XP2 Super 400)


New day. Shopping for groceries in Pick 'n Pay. Al mexicano

Zaza. I like how the angles of the shoes brakes the monotony of the tiles.

A sleeping baby

Done shopping.

Woolworths organic. Its pretty strange that vegetables "being grown" is an actual selling point.

Self portrait.


Pari. My not blood related little niece.

New day: Seapoint. Staring at untamed youth



Zuby

Sanchez & Lenny

Zuby looks happy. At the park near Cape Town Stadium. Gorgeous place.



My friend Mark. (all colour Fuji Superia 200)


and his living quarters


Something to do with a party and a mask.


To the streets. Fucked up exposure, but it came out ok.




Kid was disappointed that he couldnt see the photograph afterwards.
 

Business man. Or just a man in a suit.


Strangers wanting a photograph which they will never see.  I couldnt say no.
 
Strange that only this man decided to cross the road.


Girl turned around as soon as she realised I was photographing her. 
50mm would of been better. 28mm is too wide sometimes.


nice light
 
Spotted! END!

3 comments:

  1. I think if anything done for fame is kind of wrong. As for money, I think all photographers know there definitely isn't any. You do it for love, and how it makes you feel, and how you can make others feel.

    For me, those people who capture daily life and street photography are the most amazing. You are constantly on the look out, you must always be aware of your surroundings. Photojournalism for me is the hardest form of photography, to do well that is. Because you know, even if it's not news worthy, it should say something about how you see your environment, your relationship with a stranger, friend, or your lack of relationship with everyone...

    I like what you said about giving as a form of reimbursement, I really like the feeling of sharing, and of receiving other people's visuals. And you know, your work is the most intimate when it is done not for anything but just because you want to.

    We should be thanking you for sharing :)

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  2. Awesome words Amy! And I absolutely agree that photojournalism is the hardest form of Photography. The constant obseration inevitably means that as long as you carry a camera on you, you are constantly working. Looking out for things that fall in place at all the right times. And because you love what you do, you end up working all the time. So as a daily life photographer...you are working forever (although thats not neccessarily bad) :)

    "And you know, your work is the most intimate when it is done not for anything but just because you want to." Have you ever had people ask you why you do what you do though? You're nor profiting, so they want to know why! This is where the whole money/possession story comes in. This might sound snobbish, but loads of people dont get the whole spontaneous photography thing. Going out there into the city on your own and making photographs is an incredibly alien concept. I just want more people to get what you understand, which is how fulfilling it is to do something for yourself which can be enjoyed by other people. And because it isn't needed, as a niche, it just makes it even more beautiful & personal.

    hahah. No need to thank me Amy. Im just paying it forward from all the amazing & talentded people I get to speak to from around the world...which, till today I still find fascinating. It's always a wonderful pleasure (and surprise) speaking to you Amy. Goodluck with your film, and please send me a link when it's complete. k

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  3. Australia!

    (When did you forget how to spell my name.)

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