There’s something really neat about taking pictures of people when they’re not posing for a camera. They’re in their natural state. No acting. No faking a smile. We typically try to put on a show for those around us, so when are we truly being ourselves? Probably very rarely.
I enjoy capturing natural states. Shots of people who are completely sucked in to their own train of thought and are oblivious to the world around them. I could put in my own thought bubbles and imagine what they must be thinking. I remember sitting on the steps of FAO Schwartz in NYC when I was a kid and make up stories of people with my friend as they would walk by us. I’d give them different voices and make up short dialogues, and giggle to myself as I search for my next victim.
I find that some of the most interesting people in the world are in New York. People from all corners of the world somehow end in New York, and they’re not afraid to let their personalities shine. During my New York trip in 2012, I used my 75-200mm lens to capture those interesting people. Some were taken discreetly, and some, well, I made it quite obvious. And just like old time’s sake, I’ve decided to give them a story. Here are some of my favorites.
He came to chase the American Dream – now he IS the American Dream.
Guy on the left is having a frustrating day. He got into a fight with his girlfriend and is looking for an excuse to get out of the house. He decided to go to his friend’s house, who currently isn’t home.
A couple that just started dating. They met in class and always had a thing for each other, and the guy FINALLY decided to act on his feelings.
First signs of spring! She loves playing outside and made plans to see her friends at the park.
She just realized that her parents are nowhere in sight.
A Broadway actress in the making. She’s familiarizing herself with the story before her big audition.
Friends waiting for friends. They have plans to go see a concert tonight, and they’re waiting for their buddy who has the tickets.
A man with a dream… but currently flipping hot dogs until he’s ready to pursue his great talents.
People and their different backgrounds/stories – so fascinating!
xoxo,
Janice
