This photo was taken in an abandoned government Bureau. Surprisingly the place was readily accessible. The inside of the facility was a bit spooky, as most of these types of places normally are. I went there once with a crew of other photogs, and then again with another photog. The second visit didn’t last to long as we heard some strange sounds and slowtailed it out of there.
Found this old couch at a grain elevator near the U of M. Behind me was a very dark hallway that lead into a building. I wasn’t even tempted to explore, not alone anyway. In fact I was very quiet wandering around this area so as not to wake any sleeping dogs.
Short walk this morning at the Stone Arch Bridge. Got the obligatory shots of Mill City from across the river. But actually found the back of the Soapfactory building to be far more interesting.
This shot was taken on a record day at the fair, people everywhere. I typically don’t feel comfortable taking photos of strangers even with a crowd this large. I took many shots of this scene and almost every one has several people looking straight at the camera. The large telephoto lens probably doesn’t help. The primary look is suspicion or disapproval, occasionally a smile. It’s understandable. Though being out in public usually relinquishes your privacy, we still want it.
It’s not uncommon to use the telephoto to capture people unaware they’re being photographed. Not as an incidental part of a photo, but as the subject. Sometimes unflattering shots, or depicting their destitution, or in a semi private moment. I’ve taken some photos like that, but rarely use them.
I’m not talking about performers, or those in obvious public display of some activity. For example someone running in a race shouldn’t be surprised to be photographed. On the other hand a runner around lake Calhoun might not appreciate being photographed when sweaty and out of breath. Different if you’re doing some theme, are a news organization, or get permission, or all of the above.
What do you think?
