I am re-reading a book I received from taking an extension course at the RI School of Design with John Hames, a local photographer as the leader. It is called On Being a Photographer. David Hurn is featured in a rolling interview. Reading it today, after many more years of shooting, his point about having a purpose when one shoots is very meaningful. I rarely have a specific intent when I go out for walks, in part because they are intermittent and often a means to break up a dreary work day. He speaks to several components to street photos. Where to stand, and how to compose and when one sees a scene of interest snapping several images hoping one will capture an interesting image. I did not have the luxury of several images or of lots of contemplation for this shot. I intended shooting the green pants of the woman in the stairway, then I saw the man with his dog walking on and I decided to wait and got in a spot I thought would work. It is nothing special, but demonstrates the time-worn understanding of a man and his dog having similar character. I wonder if the woman was thinking this as they passed? It’s an example of my haphazard process, one I hope to improve.
I will finish the book and then try to become more focused on intent. I think it will make my images and stories told better but time will tell. Doing this is hard for me, I often have trouble concentrating. But it is certainly worth a try.
