1. The best light seems to occur when most people aren't around - dusk, dawn, or even during peak summer heat in phoenix.
2. For me, the appeal of downtown Phoenix is due in part to a certain sparse quality. Feels like walking around the set of a play or movie between the moments.
3. Taking pictures is about getting into a different headspace than I normally occupy, which is more easily accomplished as a solitary act. I kiss a fair amount of customer service ass during the day so a little solitude is welcome.
4. I'm not good enough to photograph people and get the results I want. This is due in part to the need to make people feel at ease, be more themselves. I could work on it, but (see number 3).
5. Finally, to be completely forthcoming, the thought of asking a total stranger for permission to photograph them... makes me anxious.
My original comment wasn't meant in a negative way. The pictures just remind me of scenes from the movie, "Omega Man," where Charleston Heston is all alone and running down an empty street...
No offense taken. Just sorta ran with it (albeit, in a somewhat self indulgent manner).
Re: Omega Man - you are not the first to make that very observation. Heck, come to downtown Phoenix on a given morning, particularly a weekend, and you can experience the Omega Man for yourself.
Although I should add the light rail, ASU extended campus, and even the Farmer's market are already making a difference.
It is interesting how most of your pictures have no people in them - it is almost like you are looking at an abandoned, empty world.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation.
ReplyDeleteI think this is for a few reasons:
1. The best light seems to occur when most people aren't around - dusk, dawn, or even during peak summer heat in phoenix.
2. For me, the appeal of downtown Phoenix is due in part to a certain sparse quality. Feels like walking around the set of a play or movie between the moments.
3. Taking pictures is about getting into a different headspace than I normally occupy, which is more easily accomplished as a solitary act. I kiss a fair amount of customer service ass during the day so a little solitude is welcome.
4. I'm not good enough to photograph people and get the results I want. This is due in part to the need to make people feel at ease, be more themselves. I could work on it, but (see number 3).
5. Finally, to be completely forthcoming, the thought of asking a total stranger for permission to photograph them... makes me anxious.
Maybe I need to face that fear.
My original comment wasn't meant in a negative way. The pictures just remind me of scenes from the movie, "Omega Man," where Charleston Heston is all alone and running down an empty street...
ReplyDeleteNo offense taken. Just sorta ran with it (albeit, in a somewhat self indulgent manner).
ReplyDeleteRe: Omega Man - you are not the first to make that very observation. Heck, come to downtown Phoenix on a given morning, particularly a weekend, and you can experience the Omega Man for yourself.
Although I should add the light rail, ASU extended campus, and even the Farmer's market are already making a difference.