Sunday, February 20, 2011

Stranger 001


Stranger 001, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

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.

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

Day 16: Nuts


Day 16: Nuts, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Day 15: Pine Study


Day 15: Pine Study, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Day 14: 2 Days Accumulation


Day 14: 2 Days Accumulation, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

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

Day 12: Ruth & I, Hands


Day 12: Ruth & I, Hands, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

Ruth & I. Another in the "hands" series.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Day 11: Caught The Moon


Day 11: Caught The Moon, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Day 10: Almost Dinner Time


Day 10: Almost Dinner Time, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

My wife's an awesome cook!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Day 9: Atelier pour demain


Day 9: Atelier pour demain, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

My 6th & 7th workshop en francais.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Day 8: Financial Calculations


Day 8: Financial Calculations, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

Why is the news never good?

Friday, January 7, 2011

Day 7: Wicker Drawers


Day 7: Wicker Drawers, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Day 6: 1st Tae-Kwan-Do Class


Day 6: 1st Tae-Kwan-Do Class, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

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


Day 5: Tumblr, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

@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


Day 4: Winter Hydrant, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

@dailyshoot Make a photograph today with a diagonal line leading the viewer's eye through the composition. #ds415

Monday, January 3, 2011

Day 3: Garden Light at Night


Day 3: Garden Light at Night, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Day 2: Snow Dune


Day 2: Snow Dune, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Day 1: How Students Learn


Day 1: How Students Learn, originally uploaded by dkuropatwa.