I love photojournalism because its raw, fresh, real, unique, unforgettable, and most of all tells an amazing story. For me, this is the best kind of photography and always the hardest to get. Recently I started a project called "People In Their Environment", basically a collaboration of strangers I meet and take their picture. Its my idea of making me more outgoing, fresh, and strengthen my photography skills. Most of the people I've met I only had 1-2 min to get a great shot. So it keeps me on my feet and creativity goes wild. I love it! Anyway this post is about a couple I just met about a week ago. I was walking through the Morikomi Gardens on a mid Wednesday afternoon, wearing my Coast Guard Miami hat, panda t shirt, and khaki pants. Not what I would normally wear on an outing, but I wanted to feel relaxed. Anyway I saw a couple, who looked like they just got married, taking pictures of themselves. As in: she would sit down and he would snap a few shots, then he would sit and she would snap a few shots. Well I felt so bad for them and wanted to take a picture for them. After about 5 min of thinking it over I gathered up the courage and walked over and asked if they would like me to take a picture of the both of them together. They quickly agreed and I got a few shots with their camera and then was on my way..
Well, I was continuing to enjoy the gardens when I ran into them again and they were still taking pictures of themselves. Thinking back on my project of "People In Their Environment" with the thought of how bad the pictures must have been that I just took of them using their camera, I asked if they would like me to take a few more pictures using my camera. They agreed and I proceeded to do my thing. They were naturals. Splendid, and I had a blast. Very cute couple and I would do it again in a heart beat. I love these shots so much because it was pure creativity. I never asked what kind of shots they wanted. I had no pressure of what they might expect/not expect. I was let loose to be creative and come up with anything. Story making at its best. The only problem was, that the whole time I worried about what I was wearing! LOL I did not look professional one bit, nor did I look like I knew what I was doing! But as it tuns out I am the best at what I do!
Anyway, get out there, meet some interesting people. Who knows you might walk away with some sweet shots.
Cheers, Happy Monday
Peter M.
_ _ _
