1.22.2008

a stroll downtown


Also back in November (I know--that's a long time ago, but I've got some catching up to do!), I wandered down the streets of Minneapolis, camera slung over my shoulder. It was one of the most freeing things I've done. Ever. When I take pictures, it's me that's watching the world: not the other way around.

I also met a few people and asked them if they'd like to get their pictures taken. It's funny how these men with nothing but the clothes on their backs would be willing for me to capture that very fact on film. Neither of the men I photographed asked me for anything--except the guy with 90-some signatures on his jacket, hula hoop, and cane, but he just asked for my signature. As for the other man--I simply listened to his story for awhile. Have you ever stopped a homeless person and asked about his or her story? What they were doing 20 years ago? If they'd fought in a war, or played football in college?

Later I walked into Starbucks to warm up, I couldn't help but think about what I had walked across. One life after another; one story with real characters... real people. Why do I forget that?

2 comments:

Charlotte Sullivan Wild said...

Wow! The urban objects are gorgeous! the light...the composition... they took my breath away. Kudos! :-)

And who'd a thunk you were a country girl! ;-) (I detect some English office t.a. influence in the use of shadow and off-kilter camera angling.)

Amanda Drietz said...

You are getting the chance to see these people as Jesus does, what a blessing. The photos are emotion evoking and so beautiful-what an amazing gift you have sweet girl!