Last week when I met up with some of my photography friends for a mock bridal shoot in Salt Lake, we were waiting for the traffic light to change....and so was Bruce. Shantel, Jami and I asked if we could take his picture. Believe it or not, he didn't even seem to think that was a strange request. He said yes and gave us a smile.
Now, had I been alone, I probably would not have struck up a conversation with Bruce or asked to take his picture. But you're always braver when surrounded by friends, right?
Even so, I've always wanted to be one of those photographers who isn't afraid to walk up to random people and ask if they mind if I take their picture. I've seen other photographers who do amazing work like that...Of course I know there are safety issues involved...and my mother always taught me not to talk to strangers. Especially after that time in 3rd grade when my brother was supposed to wait and walk home with me from our new school...but he didn't and I got lost and ended up accepting a ride home with two strange men who said they knew my grandpa and could take me to his house. (That's where I was living at the time with my mom and brother).... It all turned out well -- they really did know my grandpa and took me straight home. I couldn't understand why my mom was so upset when she saw me climb out of that pickup truck in front of the house....Stranger danger just wasn't a big topic in Brigham City lo those many years ago.... (And my brother grew up to be a very responsible man, too...although to this day, sometimes he's pretty forgetful like he was that day after school. :) )
Anyway...
I had kind of forgotten about my photo of Bruce until this morning when I met up with Janae and Jami at Memory Grove for some photography fun. Janae was saying how she wished she were brave enough to take pictures of random strangers out on the street. Jami and I said, "We did!" and then told her all about Bruce.
I promised Janae I would post this shot of Bruce so she could see we weren't just making it all up! Here you go, Janae! :)
15 comments:
I am so glad you decided to share Bruce. You should make a print and take it back, I am sure he is still there. He looks super nice! Thanks for sharing. I want to see how many stranger shots you get in NY!
Love it, so laid back and "real" And he really looks like a Bruce!
Thanks for sharing - but have to admit, I would be a bit shy (I think; who knows what one might do in the right circumstances). Bruce looks like he has many stories - expressive eyes. Nice photo.
You are so brave! I don't know that I would be as brave, even with friends "backing me up." I love the character showing in his face. He has such a light-filled expression.
At first glance, I thought it was James Brown with all that hair. ;)
Great capture!
I would have never had the guts to take a picture of sombody like that and nice captures.
I love this picture Margaret. I always wish I was brave enough to ask. He has so much personality in his eyes, I really want to know his story now.
Nice shot of Bruce. I am not one to ask people to take their picture so you are brave. Ask Heather all she wanted to do last June in Chicago is take a homeless persons pic. Shes crazy.
He looks like he enjoyed the attention. I have never been brave enough for that but maybe someday!
What an amazing portrait of this man. I am not shy really, but I think it is that stranger danger thing that takes over, and keeps me from being photo journalistic in nature. I love the national geographic shots and stuff...that stuff just astounds me, and a lot of New York Times photos have really hit home with me as well.
I so wish I had the guts to do that!! Great shot!
Oh he looks like he has stories to tell. I love it. good for yo for asking..
And he's a very handsome man. I'm glad your friends were supportive; at times, when I've been with relatives, they've given me flack for asking someone if I can take a photo. . . I think it would almost be easier to do when I'm alone. And "back in the day", now, I can't believe I use to hitchhike all over, and pick people up on the interstates!
That's a great shot of Bruce! I am way too timid to ask a stranger for a photograph, I'm glad you were able to. :)
Nice to meet you Bruce!:)
Hey you... your wedding pictures a few posts are to DIE for FABULOUS! I LOVE her dress!
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