Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, USA

Today I went to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco to work on an exposure strategy for my photography. I was out of my element. I am used to photographing wild landscapes and wildlife. My subjects on this trip were very interesting people. Most I ask for permission to photograph. Some I took the shot because I didn't want to interfere with the moment. The exposure issue was easy. Asking people if I could take their photo and then waiting for the right moment was difficult for me. In the process I learned a lot. Some people were what I would describe as under the middle of the "bell shaped curve" of society. Others were what I would describe as more in the margins of society. But to a person they were interesting people, trying to make it in a complex society. I took time to talk with a number of them. I will post a few photos here and would like feedback, although I understand that when one posts lots of photos at once it is sometimes difficult to give feedback. Today I gained compassion for those who have to live in the margins of society.

This little girl was playing on an artificial rock. I loved her spirit and her hair blowing in the wind.

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This young man seemed unable to move. For me he was a visual example of the despair that some in society have to deal with on a daily basis. It made me sad.

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This young man was playing a tune for the young lady. His bow was damaged, and the sound was any thing but perfect, but it seemed to be working between the two of them. It was a treat to be part of the moment.

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Making music together is important to this group. They clearly valued their time together and were fun to talk with. I wish I knew more about their story. But I know for the few moments we had together I liked them very much.

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It was a warm sunny day in San Francisco, and this young woman was taking advantage of the afternoon to read a book in the park. I told her she looked as if she had had a low key bike accident. When I showed the photograph she agreed. For me she represented the laid back spirit of San Francisco.

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I spotted this young man in a tree. Apparently he had found a safe place to rest and get out of the busy urban environment. I had a chance to talk with him. He is a peaceful person who is trying to find his place in society.

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Chuck that's quite a moving narrative of words and images. It makes one stop and think how well off one is.

I like the composition in the second shot with the boy's shadow. In the third shot, the girl's expression and the "faceless guy" add a lot of interest.

The fourth shot made me think of the old song "If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair" !!

Well done

Dave

Tremendous documentary, Chuck. Anything that gives voice to, or allows a voice to be given to, those who don't fit into teh mainstream of society, gets my vote. We've all become far too wrapped up in our own little bubble that many of us don't want to, or can't, see those who who haven't ridden on the gravy train.

What a wonderful journey you took us to this time around...The good thing is the story telling. It is a skill one should use, pretty much like "reportage" (as Kodiak will have referred to...) with the photos even telling its own apart from the narrative. I can even feel the negativity of shoot #2. Sad.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IzzieK

What a wonderful journey you took us to this time around...The good thing is the story telling. ...........

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My feelings as well plus a really well seen set of photographs. Good work.

Nice series.

Wonderful series Chuck, well captured!

David

Nice documentary, thanks for sharing :)

Thank you all for the comments. I seldom photograph people, so this was a double challenge for me. I found a tension between being respectful and trying not to ruin the moment.

I posted this way past my bedtime and woke up in the middle of the night thinking I might have posted it on the wrong forum. I did. My apologies for not following the rules.

Great shots... Regarding the group of musicians: paraphrasing General Douglas MacArthur, "Old Hippies never die; they just go to the park!"

Chuck - what makes this series for me is that it covers quite a broad spectrum of park society - by doing that it really highlights that the extremes of youthful exuberance and human despair can be found by anyone who bothers to look around just a small segment of their locality.

steve

Really enjoyable series and narrative. Lots of really great story telling. In #2, the man seems to me to be studying the crack in the sidewalk rather than being in despair. I wasn't there so I don't know how long he stood like that, which could change my perception. In #3, the woman on the right is sublimely soaking in the sun, the music and the friendship.

Richard, Steve and Mike, thank you for the feedback. I set out to use my camera, improve my skills and just have a good time. I ended up with images of these people and there stories in my head. I wish I had the ability to share the experience beyond the images. Mike, the young man in the second image stood there for some time. I doubt that he even saw the crack in the sidewalk, but he didn't seem to be able to lift his head. I don't know if its relevant, but he is the only one without arms showing. I suspect his cloak provided a sense of security.

Sounds like you stepped out of your comfort zone and came away with a memorable experience, along with great photos. Well done!