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Richard Barnard Well said, Atik Hossain Zisan you'll see as I post more that I'm confronting the same things you are. It is scary.
I have come to resolve this somewhat as realizing that I photograph out of compassion, and empathy; curiosity and appreciation. For me the fear waned when I started to truly believe my reasons for picking up a camera and photographing strangers in public. It is a weird thing to do and difficult to understand for many.
(I’m about to get philosophically whooshy, hold on to your butts)
I want the viewer to see a commonality between themselves and those in the photos. Accomplishing that is a bit out of my control right now as I’m still developing my method. I'm learning as I go. I have to put myself in a position where it's possible though. Give myself a chance to photograph what I believe will be meaningful.
I know it’s close and it’s with bravery, if I’m unafraid and confident, that translates to the mood of the situation. I’m here with you, I’ve chosen you as a subject, we’re sharing a moment. Eye contact sometimes, a slight nod afterward. Not scurrying away.
In my opinion to be photographed is a compliment. We move towards that which we enjoy, and shy away and ignore that which we don’t.
I have not had any confrontations only engagements after the fact. I smile, offer a genuine compliment, usually the thing I was trying to photograph. Most people simply curious and don’t know how to show it well. We have to lead that emotional moment with kindness. I feel honest in my intentions. I'm not here to photograph to embarrass, or make fun of people, or reveal secrets.
Once I realized this getting close became easier. I do have to remind myself of this every time I go out. Sometimes I can’t get in my zone.
Here in the US there's a hostility to the street. Most people seem to expect the worst and stay in their own shells guarded and fearful. I've found that with an honest heart comes an honest photograph and sometimes an interaction. I want to believe there's good in people and so I look for that and I want to show that. We’re all hardened by the world and I’ve found most are seeking a connection. I’ve found I can give that to them and leave them feeling good once they know my intentions. People fear being exploited.
I genuinely believe that I am looking for something deeper and my goal is to create meaningful work. That means I try to photograph situations, interactions, humanity unfolding through action. That’s my simple goal. People doing life. I’m curious about that. I don’t know if I’ll ever achieve it but I know my goal and why I walk with my camera.
I will not photograph the unhoused. I will not photograph someone simply because they look good. I don’t photograph for recognition. I photograph because there’s still something I haven’t found or discovered. Like a word that’s slipped away, on the tip of your tongue. I can’t quite think about it but I know it’s there.