We went to places like Mexico City, the dump in Guatemala, an indigenous tribe in Panama and to many other places. We came in contact with many different types of people. One of the coolest things was being able to connect with the people, even when we did not speak the same language. Having our cameras with us opened up opportunities to talk with the people as we captured photographs of them. One of my favorite parts, is when I turn the camera around and show them the photograph. They would smile, blush or give a little laugh.
Not only did I enjoy being able to take photos, but I loved hearing the person's story and being able to share a story through the photo.
We had opportunities to engage in different people's life - from homeless people on the streets to prostitutes in the red lights, many times not knowing if anyone ever takes the time to ask them how they are doing. They are ignored. Forgotten.
To bring a little bit of joy and capture their beauty in the photograph.
One day when we were in Mexico City, I was walking around and stopped at a fruit stand. There was a man, woman and little girl. With my minimal Spanish, I was able to find out that this husband and wife had been working there, everyday, for the past 8 years. They cut up fresh fruit and made fruit juice. It looked delicious.
Here is the father and daughter. She was very shy at first, but eventually warmed up to the camera.
I snagged one of the whole family, since the mother did not think she was pretty enough to be in the pictures (which was not true at all!).
I printed these out and brought it back to them a few days later.
The smile on their faces when I brought them back was amazing. It was great to see how a little photograph brought joy to this family.
Most of us have a digital camera and/or cell phones and ipods that have cameras. We are used to taking photos whenever we want.
To people who do not have a camera so easily, a photograph means a lot more. When you stop and say, "I want to take your picture", the attention is drawn to them and can make them feel special.
Today I was reading about different projects the photographer Jeremy Cowart has worked on.
Help-Portrait is what I came across and it encompasses the passion of mine, as I wrote above. They did a great job of expressing the point of it in this video and I wanted to share it with you.
This reminded me of being on my trip this summer. Many times, we were unable to print out the photo (due to moving from city to city), but the conversations and little relationships we made were encouraging, to both my team and the others. I love the project these photographer are engaging in. I have seen from experience, it truly can bring a smile to their face, if only for a few minute interaction. If you are a photographer - or have a camera - don't hold back from going out and taking a picture of someone. Learn something about them and print out a 19 cent print from Costco and return it to them.
My portrait, he said, represents where I'm going, not where I've been.
The biggest thing, whether you have a camera or not, is taking those few mintues to engage with the person. A simple smile or hello can brighten their day.
Valentino, lived in Tijuana for 66 years. He used to be a contruction worker and now he sells candy on the side of the street in downtown TIjuana.
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