18 November 2009

number 25



joan from chicago was the last stranger I photographed before I flaked out. see, I thought the project would get easier with time. it has not. the truth is that it got harder and harder until I just couldn't do it anymore. yeah, I bailed. I don't know what happened but a different kind of fear took hold and that's when I ran for the proverbial hills. which is funny since fear was the impetus for the project in the first place.



it was seven months before I was able to talk myself off the ledge. we were downtown seattle way back in february when things started to change. the lighting was all wrong and the timing was strange but I saw this teenager and all I could think about was how much I wanted to photograph him. and that's what I did. I walked up to him, told him what I was doing and that was that. I have no idea where the courage came from. I think maybe I was just tired of being afraid. exhausted, actually. it's exhausting work, fear. it will run you ragged if you let it.



so I eased my way back into the project slowly. a few weeks later, I found myself in a tiny thrift shop in south texas. which is where I met stranger #17.



and then a few weeks later, st. louis and stranger #18.



stranger #19 was oscar. oscar of car lot balloon fame.



in august, I photographed stranger #20. the famous olga from illinois. olga of olga's house of stuff.



and most recently, new york city and stranger #21. better known as sevare, the girl with the electric smile.

at this pace, it will take me years cross number 25 off the list. but that's okay. because I'm not really in any major rush, not anymore. I just want to crack things open a little. even if it takes a couple of years. even if it takes forever.

26 comments:

  1. really appreciate this project of yours. i'm into snapping portraits and this is inspiring. thanks for posting. kirsty.

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  2. OH my, electric smile indeed. And your reflection in her lens. Double cool.

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  3. This is my favorite project ever. I hope that you continue it because your pictures are gorgeous. I would be way too scared!

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  4. these are incredible, because these strangers seem to not be so strange to you anymore. i am inspired by your encourage and hope you continue on your journey to close the divide and create friends, for it is all our journey together, yes? love to you

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  5. so frickin awesome! you go girl!

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  6. oscar!!!!

    {beautiful shots all. and beautiful fearlessness, you.}

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  7. you give me courage; I can't imagine doing this but watching you takes a bit of my fear away. love love love the photos and the stories behind them. keep on keeping on my friend! xoxo

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  8. I started making "the list". Sometimes those desires change, sometimes just stepping forward and trying is enough, and sometimes the completion is such a kick! You make a difference just by doing this.

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  9. Those are simply beautiful photos.

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  10. I bought a car from Oscar!!! He was the best salesman. Really nice guy. And now I have a cute little red golf.

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  11. I am totally in love!
    This is so inspiring and just the most creative thing I've come to find in a quite some time. Congratulations on crossing off #25!
    I'm inspired to start a list of my own...thank you, thank you!

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  12. Good for you for defeating the fear. These portraits are so wonderfully inspiring.

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  13. I LOVE this idea. I might just have to start a similar project, you've inspired me.

    I can't get over how awesome the last photo is.
    Great stuff!

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  14. these are all just so lovely. you captured each one perfectly.
    and, i bet they will remember you forever. i know i would.
    (well...i WILL since i know you better than they do. lol)

    seriously.
    these are stunning.

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  15. #21 makes it all worth it, right? You are so brave, it is so scary. The fear is real. The risk is high. You just never know what you're gonna get. But then you go and get #21. Wow.

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  16. Thank you for sharing this. I have often been overwhelmed with projects thinking I have to complete them all at once. Recently I started a "Three things" project where I work to accomplish three small things each day to get me over the hump. Its working. You helped me to see that we don't have to set time limits for ourselves. We just have to enjoy the process no matter how long it takes.

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  17. these are such fantastic photos of strangers! take your time and don't give up! it is definitely worth it! i'd be interested in any tips you have for the project and for taking such fantastic photos!! i'm also working on this project, but would love to get photos that look so great!

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  18. i am so encouraged by this post. i have been wanting and wanting to star this project. but i always seem to talk myself out of it. your photos are fabulous. thank you for sharing!

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  19. beautiful portraits!!!
    And a very brave project

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  20. I've been taking photos of strangers lately and it's been the most fun I've had in years....

    thanks for inspiring me to do so....

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  21. hula girl.I think you are lovely in every way, and have for some time but don't know if I've ever mentioned it til now. So there you have it.

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  22. thank you thank you thank you. thank you so much, everyone. your encouragement means so much. xo

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  23. oh, please don't stop this project... i can imagine how scary it must be... but the results are stunning. consider trying a few more... ;)

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