Do you see people on the street and wonder what they are doing, where they are heading, what’s significant or happening with them on a particular day?
Well on October 22, 2009 I decided to take my camera and engage people I didn’t know. My plan was to ask them what was going on with them on that day. I went to a park in NW DC and had no success in the morning. I talked to a fascinating man but he would have no part of having his picture taken as he had an issue with the police. (Most of the time I ask people before I take their picture) I gave up and decided to toss the street photographer idea and went to the gym. Coming out of the gym I saw on my cellphone that someone had actually read my Facebook message about my self assigned photography project and was looking to see who I had shot. I had to do something. I ended up driving over to SE near the Potomac Metro Station. There I got better results.
I found 6 people willing to talk but it didn’t seem that anyone was doing much more than just enjoying a beautiful day outside. The closest I got to finding out about a big event was hearing that someone’s out of town friend was having a birthday. I was hoping to get a “I’m getting married tomorrow”, “I’m leaving for Africa in the morning”, or even a “I just got a $50 parking ticket”. True, if I had engaged more people I would have gotten more interesting responses. It is not easy getting strangers to talk to you and then let you take a picture. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t let a total stranger with no press credentials take a picture of me. Would you?
Anyway, on October 22 all seemed to be well in DC. Here are the responses that I got. Thank you to those who chatted with me.
Marley- “I woke up, brushed my teeth, did the basic things that everybody does. I’m heading to a job meeting.”
Adam- “I’m enjoying the weather, slept most of the day. I’m going to a coffee shop to catch up on some online stuff.”
Cecelia- “I just left seeing about a friend. I look after her every Tuesday and Thursday. Now I’m headed home.”
Thomas- “Today is a friend’s birthday — he lives out of town. Just enjoying the nice weather.”
Randy- “Just a regular day. Just skating.”
Bradley- “I’m out and about. Applied for unemployment. Cooking dinner later on.”