An extra image from the week.
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Underground Exhibition
28 January, 2005 • Express Train
Photography © Travis Ruse • photoblogs.org • listed
although he doesn't look like Reevs, but it has some Matrix feeling to it :)
Amazing pictures. Being myself fond of photographing people in their natural environment I would like to ask you, how do you go about taking pictures so up-close.
I had a terrible experience of trying to photograph people on a train terminal, where I've met a pretty obvious resentment from the people by simply asking if I can take their picture.
Can you suggest something?
Thanks, waiting for your answer
I think photographing people on the subway during my commute is a little easier because it is somewhat obvious that I am also a commuter. I am very aware that any time I take a photograph on a packed train I will be disturbing someone. To that end I try to be very obvious that I have a big camera around my neck and I might make a photo. To the best of my ability I try to see if there is anyone that is really agitated by the camera. If so I just don't take any photos.
It's always a big mental debate of asking or not asking to take someones photo. I seldem ask. If someone gets very upset after I take their photo I might try striking up a converstation with them in an effort to explain myself. Not in great detail. Just a quick, "oh you look really nice in that hat", or "looks like you had a long day". Sometimes I've had to go into longer detail about why I'm taking images on the subway. You might have run into the current fear of security. When I've run into that I've always thanked the individual for checking into what I was doing. That usually helps change the subject.
Hope that helps. It's always a bit scary photographing strangers. I never get over that. And I think that's good. That means you respect the person and don't want to upset them.
I really enjoy the uniqueness of your photoblog. What an awesome idea!
haha, genius!
Love all these train shots, but this one is especially well composed. Splitting the screen and the subject is quite effective. Great stuff.
Hi Travis, great social images all over your photoblog.
More, being as I am so curious and in love with everything about NY, your work is a fantastic opportunity for me to get deeper and deeper in the mood of the city. And your explanation here above of the personal approach in taking snapshots of strangers helps so much.