September 16, McHenry.
The project has been on my mind for a long time, in one form or another.
I finally got to do it today, circus version: photograph people against a white studio-like background, then stepping back and showing what's around them. The idea is to reflect on how we look at people in photographs and how we tend to judge them. When we look at a photograph we tend to judge those portrayed in it not only by how they look and the kind of clothes they wear, but also by their surroundings - flashy clothes or conservative attire, spotless upscale furniture or worn sofa (or in this case, a circus and its trailers,) how we live tells a lot about who we are socially as well as personally, but what do those differences mean?
In a studio shot the differences are softened or even erased altogether because we all try to look our best and looking your best follows a common standard in any given society. Because in many interviews with circus people over the past few months I heard of being looked at negatively for working in a circus I decided to comment on that the only way I know, through pictures. The project fit like a glove.
Unfortunately none of the crew showed up, and that made me sad because I wanted to thank them for letting me take their picture every morning covered in sweat and dirt by in turn photographing them in a very formal manner. It probably didn't help that they celebrated their independence day last night with a party.
Rebecca did show up, unexpectedly, and gave me one of the best picture of the season.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
I, very much, like this series of photographs. The formal/close up shot. Then the pull away-almost looking as if the soul in the photograph is suddenly superimposed upon the scene.
Who do you see?
Who do you see, now?
Wonderful work.
Hopefully more crew will come forward before the end of the season.
Great work.
...and Valerie, what of you? I think a view of you, in your home (most common/casual) environment would make a great punctuation, or wonderfully affective side note, to the photos you've taken in this season.
Consider it, please.
Thanks, All the photos you have post are great. You have done a great job of showing live in the backyard and on the road.
Lucky Eddie took our picture against the frame yesterday, I'll post it at the end of the series. Last year at the end of the season I posted the same family portrait of us as the rest of the crew's.
You're right, it adds the personal touch needed to be true to the project since I am part of it too (definitely not journalism 101...)
wonderful concept, beautiful portraits
Mary, who are you, when do I get to meet you?!?
I love love love your pictures, the texture, the colors, the impressionistic feel, what/how do you shoot?? I have so many questions...
Hi Valerie, we did meet a couple of years ago. in Brownsville. I would love to chat with you about photography. thank you for this beautiful blog. I am using a Nikon DSLR.
Mary! I remember you now, of course, I didn't recognize the name. I hope you'll be able to join us some time, it would be nice to see you again.
Keep shooting!
Post a Comment