15 Comments

1. Richard Trim | February 3, 2007 5:49 PM

   I have been pondering over the possible reason(s) why you have not had any comments on the shot today. Although the guy seems to be aware that you are taking a picture and is comfortable with it. Maybe, just maybe, to us, the observers ... you have appeared to encroach too much into his personal space and thus making us feel slightly uncomfortable.
   

2. TONY | February 3, 2007 6:07 PM

   Why are there no captions with the photos? Why not take pictures of TA employees, I'm a train operator on the "F" line. I would like to see a photo of me operating my train.

3. Travis | February 3, 2007 7:06 PM

   This is one of the very few portraits where I asked the person if I could make his photo. I've asked a lot and usually the answer is no. So mostly I don't ask. So in a sense this is a very differnt image for me. This gentleman was coming home with two friends and I was so drawn to their collective coolness. And when I asked to make his photo they were all so nice. It was a very nice experience.

   Tony, the last time I took a photo of a MTA platform supervisor he yanked me off my train and delayed me 30 minutes while I was grilled by the NYPD. In the end everyone agreeded that I was within my rights, except the supervisor. Even after the NYPD, and another MTA supervisor wished me a nice day this guy still verbally assulted me until the train doors closed. So usually I don't take a lot of images of you guys & ladies working. I really want to though. There are a couple of images of MTA folks, but not many, and not enough. I agree. Just last week though a very nice Platform Supervisor knew who I was and we had a really nice chat. I was so impressed that he was looking for train photos after work. How cool is that?! We'll be in touch....

4. kim | February 3, 2007 8:54 PM

   Eaxh morning I ride the "G" train(hint, hint) to drop off my daughter in hopes of running into the famous Travis Ruse who takes these great shots. Maybe one day I will get lucky to get my shot taken without my knowledge. I think i'ts great that he captures photos of everyday subway life Keep up the good work Travis!!

5. L'il Jo | February 4, 2007 12:52 AM

   I love how comfortable this young man is in his skin. The slight smile. The whole thing is great.

6. Kad | February 4, 2007 11:40 AM

   I like this portrait a lot
   He knows there's someone taking a picture but overall he doesn't really try to hide who he is and that's what I like. He has no problem with his own image and personality
   It's so hard when you take street portraits to find people who still keep cool and are natural.
   Well done

7. Victoria | February 5, 2007 8:26 AM

   What a beautiful young man.

8. Cat Laine | February 5, 2007 1:21 PM

   I really like this picture. He is so just nonchalant about the whole thing. Most people don't give you the 3/4 profile when you ask them to take a picture either. Nice face.

9. Mary | February 5, 2007 6:07 PM

   I'm glad he knew; I was hoping he'd be able to see the photo. It's a beautiful portrait.

10. dalton | February 5, 2007 9:24 PM

    It's a shame to hear that you had so much trouble with an MTA employee. The only time I've been really hassled with my camera was on a train platform too (undercover cop). The real shame is that my favorite photo of yours is the one taken from the conductor's cab—all you can see is the conductor's hand on the lever as you're pulling into the station. It's an amazing shot, and I would like to see more of the MTA workers.

11. TaniaM | February 6, 2007 8:53 PM

    Wow he is beautiful. Look into his eyes!!

12. Michael | February 7, 2007 6:39 AM

    I just noticed his friends in the north-east corner of the shot.

    Extra Cool

13. Cameron | February 7, 2007 9:27 PM

    I'm not going to lie, I wonder if I'm ever going to ride on the same train as you Travis, especially when I'm on the 4,5,6. This is a brilliant shot. Everything works with this. His face, the lighting, everything. Great pic Travis.

14. Oby | February 12, 2007 3:42 PM

    I love the confidence of this young man.Hope some day ill get to see you Travis doing this.You make taking photos look sooooooo interesting.

15. Sherry Bouchard | February 16, 2007 4:08 PM

    Travis, this is so gorgeous...PLEASE don't ever put captions on your pictures!! I frequently get e-mailed pictures of some interesting stuff and someone spoils the shots by putting some label on it. The point is to draw your own conclusions about the picture. The act of looking at your provactive shots is to invoke THOUGHT.