Photolog

My random life, infront of the lens.

Speak to anyone...

One more for my 85mm series.

I pride myself in the fact that I can speak to almost anyone (pending language barriers). Not many people have the ability to walk up to a total stranger and strike up a conversation. Even less may approach this man, and have the balls to ask to take a photo.

A lot of street photography is done without the knowledge that the subject is being photographed. They say a photo is worth 1000 words, but why not get a few of those words from the person your making an image of.

Reach out, say hello, and make a new acquaintance. Maybe the next person you talk to will become the next friend
you make.

Jon

iphone-20140707161036-0.jpg

Look at me...

This is one of my favorite photos from my trip. This man had no idea I was going to take this image, it appears that he is angry, staring me down, and has a look of disgust on his face as if taking his image is the absolute most invasion of privacy. When in fact he is just working. The man looked my way by chance. I was in China town and there was an argument going on behind me. One man yelled "LOOK AT ME" I already had this man framed up, shooting from my hip (literally) and took the photo as he glared at the man behind me. The man in this image didn't even see me, he looked through me as if i was not there. "An image is worth 1000 words." This is a very true statement, the trick is knowing what words are real....... 

Jon

A beautiful lie....

The working man...

The working man

While shooting a fat little squirrel in my front yard, my new neighbor walked by. Didn't get his name, but he did say that his father was an Air Force photographer back in the day. He mentioned spending many days and nights in the darkroom with his father. He has no idea the shot was taken, and I am debating on printing it and setting it at his door.

The reason I took this shot, was because of how he looks, dirty, disheveled, and worn. This is the look of a man that has not had an easy life, or things handed to him. Grease on his hands, dirt on his shirt, and a comb in his pocket. This is not a man the average person would strike up a conversation with, but I bet he has some fun stories he could share, while having a couple drinks from that bottle.  

Jon

Beyond the haze.

This shot was due to our weather in South Dakota being, well, less than normal. Almost the middle of January, and we have rain, and fog. I drive by this location a lot, and have always wanted to try to shoot something here. The problem is behind the tree is not the best back drop for a photo. This time I was on my way to pick up my son for his first wrestling tournament. As I turned the corner I knew I couldn't pass this shot up again. I parked the car and jogged down to the corner in the rain and mud. The fog, and mist totally wiped out the background and the road next to it.  3 shots later and it was done. Simple shot with the set up I have been waiting for. Black and white is not my normal "style" per se, but this image would not be the same in color. Lets just hope I did it justice. 

Let me know what you think.

Jon