It was very hard for me to take this picture.
"This picture is #1 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com"
I was trying out an assignment I had suggested for Jim Groom's ds106 class:
"This would be a hard one for me but I'd love to give it a go because I think the results would be fascinating. Walk up to a complete stranger and ask them if you can take their picture a la the 100 strangers project. Also, using a mobile device or mp3 recorder and with the stranger's permission, record a brief conversation with them; get their story. Building on one of the ideas already submitted, add sound effects (or not if that enhances the storytelling experience best) to give it a textured soundscape. Try to keep it brief, 2 minutes might be too long. Mind you if the story is really compelling, well, you gotta learn when to break the rules too. (It might be interesting to speak with a homeless person.) Post the picture and audio track on slideshare.net, voicethread, flickr, or wherever you think you might be able to give it life beyond this assignment. Try to include a few lines about how doing this impacted you personally when you post. I wouldn't require this but it would add more depth to the experience."
As I was shopping at Walmart I decided to try to take my first Stranger Picture. I noticed two things.
Looking for someone to take a portrait shot of I was struck by how many interesting faces the people around me had hinting at all sorts of untold stories.
The second thing: I found myself behaving extra polite & gracious to everyone I came across ("No, you go ahead."). I figured if I was going to ask someone for the favour of a picture & interview I ought to at least be polite about it.
I came across this fellow reading a comic book in a quiet aisle and decided to ask him I'd I could take his picture. I felt very uncomfortable. He was good natured and willing to let me take a picture but wasn't comfortable with me recording any audio of our conversation. I told him I was going to post it to the Internet and that if he didn't like the way the audio sounded or the picture looked I would delete it right in front of him. Afterward I realized I didn't even tell him my name which might have helped make him feel more comfortable.
I've got to plan better for my next picture. I've got to have some questions in the holster that make them feel comfortable having their picture taken and sharing a story about themselves. I've also decided that whatever audio I capture should be complementary to my subject.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Stranger 001
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 17: Ya Don't Have to be Orson Welles
I was pleasantly surprised by how well this little talk went today. Not sure why I thought it wouldn't go over well.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Day 14: 2 Days Accumulation
I took a bunch of pics hoping one would turn out alright. This was the first one I took.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day 13: The Drive Back to Winnipeg From Brandon
Had a MAETL (Manitoba Association of Educational Technology Leaders) meeting today. Looks of good learning, networking, and people all in one place.
Taken through the car window & modified with iTouch app "HDR for Free".
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 6: 1st Tae-Kwan-Do Class
My 10 y.o. daughter already has her yellow stripe and my 14 y.o. son, who is in my class with me (he a TKD student teacher), has his red belt (his next belt will be black). I think they are more excited than I am about the class.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 5: Tumblr
@dailyshoot Make an interesting photograph of something mundane and ordinary today. #ds416
Modified with free iTouch app Mill Color 'print' filter.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 4: Winter Hydrant
@dailyshoot Make a photograph today with a diagonal line leading the viewer's eye through the composition. #ds415
