shootstories

Another assignment from the David Trattles workshop was to photograph the Byward Market in a way we haven’t before.  It took me awhile to get inspired.  I’ve taken plenty of photos of produce and market stalls so that wasn’t going to cut it.  It was a busy afternoon so I kept wandering past the hustle and bustle, crossed Dalhousie and headed further down George Street.  I ended up by the Salvation Army, otherwise affectionately known as “Sally Anne” in Canada (” Sally Army” in the UK).  In Canada, the Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental provider of social services.  It offers a suite of programs including shelter beds for homeless as well as addiction services.  Being a warm day there were lots of gentlemen outside the George Street location.   I approached a few, started chatting and eventually asked for permission to take some photos explaining my assignment and new blog adventure.  They were more than happy to oblige.

I ended up with some pretty meaningful photos but more importantly a good reminder.  The men I spoke to were more then happy to have someone take an interest in them and even just acknowledge their existence.   The conversations also reinforced the point David was making, everyone has a story to tell.   The thing that amazed me, even with being down and out, the spark you can see in some of their eyes.

It was a good pause.  Next time, rather than just rushing by in oblivion and getting on with my day, I’ll stop again.

The past 4 days I have had the good fortune to do a workshop with prized social documentary photographer, David Trattles.  What an inspiration.  As described by Harry Nowell who put on the workshop, “social documentary photography refers to a body of work that represents the social fabric of a people, community or event.  If ‘photojournalism’ is represented as a single word, ‘social documentary photography’ is an essay.”  I was naturally drawn to this opportunity as the notion of storytelling through photos deeply resonates with me.  In fact, it is this type of photography that has me hooked and is the genesis of shootstories.

David is the type of individual you meet that makes you see and think about the world a little differently.  He certainly left an impression and many takeaways.  It’s not just about the final image, but the process of getting there that makes it worth it.  Step back from looking through the viewfinder and envisioning the final product, instead go with the feeling.  Everyone has a story to tell.  You can find a lot of extraordinary, in the ordinary.

The following series is my homework from day 1.  The assignment.  Spend 10-15 minutes tops.  Take a series of photos.  All different but include family members, a self-portrait, favorite thing/place at home.  Oh, and most importantly “shoot without looking through the viewfinder!”

the day starts

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