Wednesday, November 23, 2011

People in the subway keeping me distracted...


I was trying to figure out how to approach the people part in my subway series... This is a test with a smaller camera... Not really in the mood to write at the moment but working on the images helped as a welcome distraction... So far I think that I like where this is going, but I most likely should get a longer lens as I feel I could be closer to my subjects... In general I like the grittiness of the black and white, as skin tones in that light are kind of tough... Don't know though if that is not an easy way out... I guess I have to just keep at it...

After having gone through the images again I'm actually quite happy with the new images... This was a 4-extended-trip post and I feel that this is a good start... Next: Longer lens and more rush hours or rainy days... More extreme weather tends to show in peoples' faces...

And here's an offer: If you find yourself in one of these images and would like a print, please leave a comment or send me an email...



I love to look at people in the subway... Of course then the idea was: How to capture what I see? But always felt I was facing a dilemma: Either approach them and have them behave not "real" or just take their picture which was tough with a "normal" camera... With a smaller camera the second option becomes more viable... But still contemplating if it's morally ok to do so... I just loved this guy in his suit... So formally dressed... But not at rush hour or so... The stories one could make up...


A couple sightseeing... Maybe exhaustion taking over...


 Older couple apparently in love getting looks from woman passing by...


 Girls boarding the train... Hard to catch the crowds on the subway as most views get blocked...


This feels more akin to the non people images... In this case, to fit into this post, I made it black and white... Might use it in color later...


 Can't say why I like the image... Guy on the left obviously makes the shot...


I think smart phones are great... As are books and iPods... Gives me more room to play... Although... Who really wants to see the 25th pic of someone on a phone?


Love the depth... And the bag makes me curious about her...


I had pix with her face unobstructed, but this one is clearly stronger!


So moved by this image... Could have been closer... But I actually like the sense of space and abandonment here... 


Love it! 


Sometimes I like to figure out what is happening in the picture... Do they know each other? Where are they going?


Love this!


Mmmh...


MTA employee...


Man on smart phone... Love the not perfect symmetry...


Man listening intently to subway musician at Times Square...


Note to self... Autofocus is not quick enough to pick someone up who is walking by that closely... As well there is going to be motion involved in this scenario... I still like the image... She looks confident and content...


I had seen this guys face on the platform and had to take his picture... 


Love the different layers here... 


 I love when the images have depth... Of course as one cannot control the environment in a situation like this one can only shoot more images... And hope for the best...


I was on the to picking up some equipment I had left behind... Not quite as big a bag as this one, but I was already dreading schlepping it home... I guess I was not the only person who didn't like schlepping big bags...


This morning... This has an almost timeless feel to it... Don't know why... Still like it!

6 comments:

  1. Outstanding work! I think the focal length is perfect.

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  2. Well done Dirk.
    And thanks for the offer… I was going to a "theme party" disguised as a MTA employee as I like that company so much. Best, V.

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  3. Thank you, Vincent! And I'm glad to hear that you love the MTA that much... And impressed by your costume... I couldn't tell it was you at all!

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  4. Hi Dirk
    I like the B&W. My favorite is the girl reading at 125th st. Nice angles-lots going on. Good stuff-keep going!

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  5. Thank you, Susan! I like both the B&W and the color images I posted this morning... Not sure which way I will go in the end... Might be color as that would make it easier to blend with the "non people images"...

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