Sunday, February 20, 2011

never assume

IMG_5044 REV RS

From an early age, I've always enjoyed people watching. As a result, most people thought I was severely shy (and I was). It seems that I was much more interested in watching and listening than I was talking to others. Unfortunately, those traits carried over into adulthood. Moreover, while I absolutely love being behind the camera...and even photographing other people, to ask a stranger if I could take their picture would be completely out of my comfort zone. Besides, my mother always told me not to talk to strangers.

Therefore, as a photographer, I am often left with only a photograph and my imagination to tell the story that I was too afraid to ask. For example, in the image above, I was a bit intimidated by this man walking down the street. He walked with such confidence, and yet the shirt wrapped around his head and muscular build was a bit frightening. I later found out that this man had been a burn victim and only wore the shirt around his head to avoid the hot sun.

I had a similar reaction when I saw pixolga's photo below. The high contrast black and white is quite captivating...and that puff of smoke really draws me in. I'm especially intrigued by the look on his face. I wonder what he's thinking about. I could easily assume a number of stories but as I've learned...you can never assume.

Until next time,
Ashley of Ramblings and Photos

La fumée
La fumée by pixolga

17 comments:

Uriel Eugenio said...

I have a dispute with myself about that too Ashley: I'm not completely comfortable taking a picture of a stranger, I'm not shure it's "correct"; but if I ask for permission, the image (facial expression, posture) changes, and I can no longer take the picture I intended to.

Regards

Kirstin said...

These are both such powerful images, Ashley. And I love the title and feel of your post....never assume!

Anika said...

Good message and fabulous photos! Really enjoyed this post.

urban muser said...

great post. these are awesome street photos!

Anonymous said...

I love this!

Unknown said...

That's a cool shot.

I've never taken a picture of a stranger... but maybe the opportunity will come up someday. There aren't a lot of strangers on the farm... ;)

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness.
Pixolga's picture is magnificent.
Such contrast. I love it!

Linda MPH said...

A great shot. I am not so sure about the candid street photography...i would be horified to find myself on someone elses Flickr stream having been photographed and not known about it.

Kat Sloma said...

You are so right Ashley - we can never assume. Great image pair!

Anna said...

You are right! Everyone has their own stories that we aren't aware of and shouldn't assume are obvious. Sometimes we can scratch the surface of these stories with our photos. That is part of the beauty of photography! Wonderful photos!

blue elephant photography said...

interesting photos and story! great shots!

Maureen said...

great post and photos. So true about assumptions.

mosey (kim) said...

Gritty, real photos both. Great pairing, and I feel similarly to you about my discomfort taking photos of strangers.

Amber said...

It is so true.

I always want to take photos of people I see that intigue me, but I feel I am invading their space. However, those photos are usually the most awe inspiring.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Ashley for musing my picture!

Pixolga

Tammy Lee Bradley said...

Powerful photos. Not sure if a photo can have an attitude but these do.

Suki said...

Oh yes, I am always kinda too afraid too. But working on it. Being open hearing their stories can change someones life.

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