The Start of Something New…..

For as long as I can remember, I was the person sitting in the background, observing. Sitting in bars and coffee shops, I watched people doing their thing, wishing I had the courage to approach them and learn their story. I can’t say how it began or why I always played such passive roll in the process.  I always knew that I needed more, that I had to find a way in.

When I discovered photography, a new door opened, and I found a way in which I could connect to the people around me. Strangers would come to my studio to be photographed, feeling vulnerable in front of the camera, in a place very few people feel comfortable. I had to learn how to break through that discomfort, in a very short period of time, in order to get the shots we wanted. When I first began, I had no idea how to do this, as I stumbled along, hoping the true personality of the subject would somehow just appear before me.

When I was learning how to take a portrait, I looked at thousands of photographs, observing the angles and lighting. I studied and practiced, hoping to master these skills, and become a great photographer. As my technical skills improved, the photographs looked better, but they just seemed to be falling short of what I wanted. They just didn’t have the life that makes a truly great photograph. I had discovered the single most important element in photographing people.  Far more important than any of the technical skills, is the ability to connect to the subject and bring out of them, what you hope to capture.

Working in the studio or shooting a wedding, the process has become natural, so it’s now time to push things a bit. This is where the love of photographing people and the love of observing strangers finally comes together. While on my little vacation, an idea came to me on Christmas day. I ran to the only open market in Yachats, and picked up a pack of index cards. I then proceeded to the only open bar, which happened to be The Landmark. Inside I found people sharing the love and spirit that is so prevalent in this amazing little town. I sat at the bar, contemplating my idea and building my courage.

It’s really quite simple, and I’m not sure why I felt such fear and hesitation, but here it is. I simply want to photograph people, who I’ve met for a brief moment in a public place. I want to get them in front of my camera, and capture them as I see them. Just a couple of snaps, and take what I get. I then hand them a card, and ask the to write whatever they want to share with the world in that moment. No rules.

This is what we came up with.

As simple as it sounds, I can’t begin to describe just how exciting this experience was for me. It was a moment in which I came full circle, finding the door to move from passive observer to place I’ve always dreamed.