When I worked on the "100 strangers" project, my biggest surprise was that EVERY stranger I met agreed to let me photograph them. (Well, one initially turned me down until we struck up a conversation. I thanked her for her time and began to turn away when she said "Wait! Take my picture!")During a pandemic, I'm realizing it's not as easy to approach strangers. On my first day out, I walked around a bit gaining courage. Yay! The first person I approached (this person) agreed! "OK, I can do this again", I thought. Then (see next "stranger")...
When I worked on the "100 strangers" project, my biggest surprise was that EVERY stranger I met agreed to let me photograph them. (Well, one initially turned me down until we struck up a conversation. I thanked her for her time and began to turn away when she said "Wait! Take my picture!")During a pandemic, I'm realizing it's not as easy to approach strangers. On my first day out, I walked around a bit gaining courage. Yay! The first person I approached (this person) agreed! "OK, I can do this again", I thought. Then (see next "stranger")...
... I thought I found the next subject, but was turned down politely. I understood. We're in a pandemic. But it was only the 2nd person! Could I do this again? The introvert in me pushed me to quit. Instead, I thought about my "strangers" project 6 years ago, I sometimes walked around for an hour looking for one person I felt comfortable (and safe) approaching. I always planned what I would say beforehand and gave myself a goal of photographing at least one "stranger" before allowing myself to go home. So, I changed locations and began again. Maybe a park would be a more relaxed location to begin the project. I also reminded myself, I am photographing "humans", not "strangers". I successfully photographed four additional humans (and one dog) that day! A huge thank you to this smiling woman. She gave me the courage to keep going. One just never knows when their friendliness is giving someone else confidence!
... I thought I found the next subject, but was turned down politely. I understood. We're in a pandemic. But it was only the 2nd person! Could I do this again? The introvert in me pushed me to quit. Instead, I thought about my "strangers" project 6 years ago, I sometimes walked around for an hour looking for one person I felt comfortable (and safe) approaching. I always planned what I would say beforehand and gave myself a goal of photographing at least one "stranger" before allowing myself to go home. So, I changed locations and began again. Maybe a park would be a more relaxed location to begin the project. I also reminded myself, I am photographing "humans", not "strangers". I successfully photographed four additional humans (and one dog) that day! A huge thank you to this smiling woman. She gave me the courage to keep going. One just never knows when their friendliness is giving someone else confidence!
How do I ask for a photo from a stranger? I try to be as brief and concise as possible, hoping to provide just enough information to spark interest, without losing attention. It's always nice when a conversation ensues. This gentleman told me that he used to work in theater and seemed interested in hearing more about the project. He also seemed curious as to why I stopped and asked him specifically (understandably). He was seated on a bench next to a peaceful, tree-lined path along Art Hill. As I approached, I noticed a note pad laying next to him. He was looking somewhat off into the distance... contemplative, almost meditative. And, of course, he was wearing a face mask.
How do I ask for a photo from a stranger? I try to be as brief and concise as possible, hoping to provide just enough information to spark interest, without losing attention. It's always nice when a conversation ensues. This gentleman told me that he used to work in theater and seemed interested in hearing more about the project. He also seemed curious as to why I stopped and asked him specifically (understandably). He was seated on a bench next to a peaceful, tree-lined path along Art Hill. As I approached, I noticed a note pad laying next to him. He was looking somewhat off into the distance... contemplative, almost meditative. And, of course, he was wearing a face mask.
Q: I see happiness in your eyes. How would you describe your emotions as I took your photo? A: I wouldn’t describe it as 'happy'. I’d say 'joy'. I was going somewhere in my mind; traveling. Q: How do you feel about wearing masks? A: It’s sort of a dichotomy. I’m glad that people are caring for each other’s safety, but not being able to see a person’s expression is a barrier. I’m worried about the fear someone may face when seeing someone else in a mask.
What do I consider when deciding whom to approach for a photo?Something about this woman just seemed approachable... friendly. I took a chance and, in this case, my instincts served me well. She was very friendly and helped me out.I do rely on more than instincts, however. I consider location. Will the lighting work? Will the background be complementary for the subject? Is the person speaking on a phone or engaged in some activity (i.e., running, biking, chatting with a friend)? I don't want to appear intrusive.When choosing a location, I consider how likely I am to find people wearing masks. Will people mainly be exercising (and wearing fewer masks)? Will there be enough people around that I feel secure on my own? Will there be so many people around that I'll have difficulty keeping a social distance?Sometimes I walk around quite a while. Sometimes I change locations. In the end, it feels worth it. I enjoy seeing the smiling eyes and the humans behind the masks.
I asked, will you help me with a little experiment? "Sure", she said. I'd like to take two sets of photos. First, just smile for the camera. Think happy thoughts. Next, think about an emotion you had in the last 24 hours that wasn't so happy. Maybe it was sadness, fear, anxiety, ... maybe something else entirely. Don't tell me what it was. Just look over one of my shoulders and think about that moment. Now, can you give me one word to describe the two emotions? "Happy or delighted" (top photo). "Distressed" (bottom photo). Finally, I asked how she feels about wearing masks, in general, and if she's changed any daily habits as a result. "I don't object to it. I'm used to it now. What habit have I changed? Well, I don't wear make-up anymore, at least most of the time."
He noticed my camera and asked about the project. It's always easier when someone approaches me. So, I told him about it. He seemed interested and said something to the effect of... "I'm an artist too! I'm a musician." I hadn't described myself as an artist. He had my attention. It's always nice when people recognize that photographers can be artists. "Friends call me RIP", he said. I must have looked confused about the nickname. He clarified (modestly), "It stands for real intelligent person." Awesome, I thought! How great to have friends give you a name like that!
I initially planned to focus the project on individuals so that I could zoom in on what the eyes have to tell us. I've realized that we communicate in so many more ways - through our body language, through the clothing we choose, and even whom we spend our time with. My project will likely evolve as I work toward my goal of 50 strangers. As for this photo, I simply thought it was nice to see a family out walking together. Even from a distance, I saw that their eyes were all smiling... and they had their dog along. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a soft spot for dogs! ;)
Look up! Look down! Look all around! You just never know where good vibes can be found! (I know, I know... I'm not a poet. I should stick with photography, right? 😉 )
It was Shakespeare who said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. What do the eyes tell us? 2020 seems like the perfect time to find out! And I had someone willing to help me experiment! For the first pose, I asked her to think of something happy. Do you see it in the eyes? "Happy" seems to be the easiest emotion to recognize from behind a mask. Then, I asked her to think of another emotion, anything other than happy that she experienced in the last 24 hours. Don't tell me about it. Just look over one of my shoulders and think about it. Does the 2nd photo reveal a new emotion? Afterwards, she shared that the feeling was one of anxiety, or being overwhelmed. Finally, I asked how do you feel about wearing face masks, in general? Her answer: "I am 100% Pro Mask!"
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: I like wearing them. I think they're kind of fun. They can be fashionable. And, of course, I like wearing them to protect each other. Q: How many face masks do you own... and do you have a favorite? A: I have about 4 or 5. And, yes, I have a favorite. It's the one I'm wearing. It's an Anime face mask from a show I like - and it's the last season for the show.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: I like wearing them. I think they're kind of fun. They can be fashionable. And, of course, I like wearing them to protect each other. Q: How many face masks do you own... and do you have a favorite? A: I have about 4 or 5. And, yes, I have a favorite. It's the one I'm wearing. It's an Anime face mask from a show I like - and it's the last season for the show..
I could tell they were family in how comfortable they were with each other... and they seemed to have fun with the photos. We talked about how no one is shaking each other's hands during the pandemic, or hugging. I asked if either of them has come up with any new ways to greet people. I got a peace sign in response. I like that! I'll have to remember it!
I could tell they were family in how comfortable they were with each other... and they seemed to have fun with the photos. We talked about how no one is shaking each other's hands during the pandemic, or hugging. I asked if either of them has come up with any new ways to greet people. I got a peace sign in response. I like that! I'll have to remember it!
I could tell they were family in how comfortable they were with each other... and they seemed to have fun with the photos. We talked about how no one is shaking each other's hands during the pandemic, or hugging. I asked if either of them has come up with any new ways to greet people. I got a peace sign in response. I like that! I'll have to remember it!
It's time for another one of those "windows to the soul" experiments. Do her eyes tell you how she's feeling?Once again, I began by asking her to think "happy" thoughts for the camera. I think she succeeded (1st photo)! Then, I asked her to think of an emotion she had experienced in the past 24 hours. After a few seconds, her eyes began to tear up. I made a few photos and assumed she was re-living a very sad moment. I finally asked for a "word" to describe the emotion and she surprised me with "joy". She then shared that she has owned a piano for quite some time. It was originally her mother's piano, a "Chickering Parlor Piano" (circa 1900). She was about to pass it on to yet another family member - a great granddaughter who shares her mother's gift as an artist. She has a very special connection with this young woman and thinking about the gift brings tears of joy. I suppose it's a good reminder that we may sometimes need to look a little deeper to really see into a person's soul. (Thank you to this #HumanBehindtheFaceMask for sharing your experience!)
Why did I ask this woman for a photo? She and a friend were walking along the path, chatting and laughing. It was nice to see that two people could so enjoy each other's company while wearing face masks. So, I thought I'd ask if they'd help with the project. Her friend declined a photo, but this woman agreed. Even when people have declined the photo, they've been very polite. They seem to appreciate the idea behind the project and we frequently have nice conversations. I'm reminding myself that the project isn't completely about photos. It's more about connecting. And, so far, more people are agreeing to the photo than not. So, thanks for the photo AND for connecting!
What can I say? A cute dog always catches my attention. As I began talking to her, I noticed the face mask. "Cute face mask!", I told her. "My mom's a seamstress", she responded. "She makes all my face masks." Yes, I thought. A great face mask (whether stylish or comfortable) can make a huge difference in accepting this new normal!
What can I say? A cute dog always catches my attention. As I began talking to her, I noticed the face mask. "Cute face mask!", I told her. "My mom's a seamstress", she responded. "She makes all my face masks." Yes, I thought. A great face mask (whether stylish or comfortable) can make a huge difference in accepting this new normal!
What equipment do I bring with me on these outings? My DSLR camera with a zoom lens attached. That's all. With a more traditional portrait shoot, a photographer would likely add a flash with a diffuser. They might bring an assistant to take charge of photography umbrellas and/or reflectors. All of this helps with the lighting. Because of the nature of this project, however, I wanted to keep my equipment as minimal as possible, so as to seem as approachable as possible. Of course, this also means that I need to consider the natural lighting more carefully as I decide whom to approach. I almost passed this couple by. They looked like a friendly couple, but the location where they were standing was a little dark. I thought I could make the lighting work. I could also raise the exposure on my camera and use Lightroom afterwards for some additional adjustments. So, I asked for the photo. They agreed... and the lighting tricks worked! Thanks so much to this couple for helping me with my project!
It was not a particularly busy afternoon in The Loop, but she was still wearing her face mask while working outside. She stepped aside for me, well before I came anywhere near. She clearly has this social distancing thing down, I thought. She even apologized for the noise pollution and for being in the way of my picture. I smiled, and explained that she actually WAS the picture. I told her about the project and that I made the photo because I appreciated how comfortable she seemed working outside with a face mask. "Would it be OK if I use the photo for my project?", I asked. "Sure", she said. I asked if I could make one more photo of her outside her cafe. She was happy to oblige. And... yes, she is the owner... and, yes, I recommend the cafe!
It was not a particularly busy afternoon in The Loop, but she was still wearing her face mask while working outside. She stepped aside for me, well before I came anywhere near. She clearly has this social distancing thing down, I thought. She even apologized for the noise pollution and for being in the way of my picture. I smiled, and explained that she actually WAS the picture. I told her about the project and that I made the photo because I appreciated how comfortable she seemed working outside with a face mask. "Would it be OK if I use the photo for my project?", I asked. "Sure", she said. I asked if I could make one more photo of her outside her cafe. She was happy to oblige. And... yes, she is the owner... and, yes, I recommend the cafe!
They're from out of town, traveling through the Midwest for a couple of weeks. I asked how they feel about wearing masks. "We're OK with it. We're getting used to it.", they both agreed. "If it helps us to get out and travel as we've been doing, then why not?" I asked if they've changed any habits as a result of wearing masks. "Not really, except that we always carry one with us!" I enjoyed speaking with you both. Safe travels!
They're from out of town, traveling through the Midwest for a couple of weeks. I asked how they feel about wearing masks. "We're OK with it. We're getting used to it.", they both agreed. "If it helps us to get out and travel as we've been doing, then why not?" I asked if they've changed any habits as a result of wearing masks. "Not really, except that we always carry one with us!" I enjoyed speaking with you both. Safe travels!
They're from out of town, traveling through the Midwest for a couple of weeks. I asked how they feel about wearing masks. "We're OK with it. We're getting used to it.", they both agreed. "If it helps us to get out and travel as we've been doing, then why not?" I asked if they've changed any habits as a result of wearing masks. "Not really, except that we always carry one with us!" I enjoyed speaking with you both. Safe travels!
"Excuse me. Do you have a second?" I began my usual intro, "I'm a photographer... " Before I could say more, I heard, "I'm a photographer too." And then... "So am I!" How great! We're all photographers. We have something in common! I explained the project and they were happy to participate. I asked my usual questions. They're getting used to the face masks and didn't seem to mind wearing them anymore. I asked if they've come up with any different ways of greeting people without shaking hands or getting close. I got a "thumbs up". I enjoyed the chat. It was a good reminder that you don't always know if you have something in common with someone unless you take the time to connect.
"Excuse me. Do you have a second?" I began my usual intro, "I'm a photographer... " Before I could say more, I heard, "I'm a photographer too." And then... "So am I!" How great! We're all photographers. We have something in common! I explained the project and they were happy to participate. I asked my usual questions. They're getting used to the face masks and didn't seem to mind wearing them anymore. I asked if they've come up with any different ways of greeting people without shaking hands or getting close. I got a "thumbs up". I enjoyed the chat. It was a good reminder that you don't always know if you have something in common with someone unless you take the time to connect.
"Excuse me. Do you have a second?" I began my usual intro, "I'm a photographer... " Before I could say more, I heard, "I'm a photographer too." And then... "So am I!" How great! We're all photographers. We have something in common! I explained the project and they were happy to participate. I asked my usual questions. They're getting used to the face masks and didn't seem to mind wearing them anymore. I asked if they've come up with any different ways of greeting people without shaking hands or getting close. I got a "thumbs up". I enjoyed the chat. It was a good reminder that you don't always know if you have something in common with someone unless you take the time to connect.
I introduced myself and began telling him about my project. I didn't get far.. He had plenty to say about face masks. I'll try to summarize: I went into the Dollar Store the other day to buy a pack of cigarettes. The store clerk asked for my ID. I gave it to him, then asked him, "how do you know that's me on that ID when I have a mask on?" "Oh, I know YOU", the clerk said, "you come in here all the time!"... When people get stopped and are asked to describe someone, they just talk about what clothes somebody has on. They don't really see the person. They don't really look in the eyes and see who that person really is.... I used to be in the military. We used to wear masks that covered everything all around (he motioned with his hands all around his head). They covered everything but the eyes. Now, that's a mask! That's what masks should be!... When we're out in public and around people, yes, we should wear masks! When we're home, take them off! Be with your family! Finally, I said, I'm not sure that I mentioned that I was hoping to take a photo of you. Would that be OK? He agreed, and immediately struck a pose, looking off into the distance. He looked deep in thought. I asked if I could share the photo and comments on social media. "Oh, I'm not on social media. I don't believe in it.", he said. Hmm, I thought. "Does that mean you'd rather I not post any of this?" "No", he replied, "go ahead and post. I know lots of people on social media. Let them see it. And if you think about putting any of these photos in a gallery, I know a guy! (He told me a name and a gallery). You should reach out to him!" I have no doubt he knows lots of people. This was one friendly #HumanBehindtheFaceMask !
Q: What do you think about wearing face masks? A: They're hot. That's all he had to say... and that's Okay!
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks these days? A: They make me feel a little claustrophobic. That's why you see me pulling on it a lot. Q: Now that we're supposed to avoid handshakes, have you come up with any new greetings when you meet people? A: An elbow bump!
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks these days? A: They make me feel a little claustrophobic. That's why you see me pulling on it a lot. Q: Now that we're supposed to avoid handshakes, have you come up with any new greetings when you meet people? A: An elbow bump!
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: They're hot! I tried to hike in one the other day. That was hard! Q: Do you have any new ways of greeting people now that we're supposed to avoid handshakes? A: Sometimes I wave. Other times I nod my head. Sometimes I smile, but I feel like it isn't seen. I told her I'm trying to prove that we can still see people smiling if we look at their eyes. What do you think? Can you see their smiles?
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: They're hot! I tried to hike in one the other day. That was hard! Q: Do you have any new ways of greeting people now that we're supposed to avoid handshakes? A: Sometimes I wave. Other times I nod my head. Sometimes I smile, but I feel like it isn't seen. I told her I'm trying to prove that we can still see people smiling if we look at their eyes. What do you think? Can you see their smiles??
"How do you feel about wearing face masks?", I asked the gentleman seated at the table. "I'm good with wearing them", he replied. "We need to do this if we're going to get through Covid.""Have you found that you've formed any new habits as a result?" He nodded yes. "I'm definitely more intentional when I leave the house these days. I make sure I always have a mask and hand sanitizer with me... oh, and snacks. I don't eat out anymore."His friend and co-worker (in the red) walked by as we were chatting. I noticed that they did a quick elbow bump. The friend joined in on the conversation and agreed, "I'm good with wearing masks". We need to do this to stay safe."
"How do you feel about wearing face masks?", I asked the gentleman seated at the table. "I'm good with wearing them", he replied. "We need to do this if we're going to get through Covid.""Have you found that you've formed any new habits as a result?" He nodded yes. "I'm definitely more intentional when I leave the house these days. I make sure I always have a mask and hand sanitizer with me... oh, and snacks. I don't eat out anymore."His friend and co-worker (in the red) walked by as we were chatting. I noticed that they did a quick elbow bump. The friend joined in on the conversation and agreed, "I'm good with wearing masks". We need to do this to stay safe."
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: It's OK. I'm getting used to it... I'm getting used to it too. I actually think of it as a "civic duty". Q: Do you have any tips for making masks easier to wear? A: They tend to fog up the glasses. If you can find a mask with one of those nose clips, make sure it fits close to the nose. That helps. Yes, and the ears. It's important to have comfortable straps around the ears.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: It's OK. I'm getting used to it... I'm getting used to it too. I actually think of it as a "civic duty". Q: Do you have any tips for making masks easier to wear? A: They tend to fog up the glasses. If you can find a mask with one of those nose clips, make sure it fits close to the nose. That helps. Yes, and the ears. It's important to have comfortable straps around the ears.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: It's OK. I'm getting used to it... I'm getting used to it too. I actually think of it as a "civic duty". Q: Do you have any tips for making masks easier to wear? A: They tend to fog up the glasses. If you can find a mask with one of those nose clips, make sure it fits close to the nose. That helps. Yes, and the ears. It's important to have comfortable straps around the ears.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: It's OK. I'm getting used to it... I'm getting used to it too. I actually think of it as a "civic duty". Q: Do you have any tips for making masks easier to wear? A: They tend to fog up the glasses. If you can find a mask with one of those nose clips, make sure it fits close to the nose. That helps. Yes, and the ears. It's important to have comfortable straps around the ears.
How do you feel about wearing face masks, I asked? We're good with it. He nodded in agreement. She said, we do what we have to do to get through this.Have you found that you've changed any habits as a result of wearing a mask? Not really. She told me, I just try to stay positive and smile. I see other people's smiles even with face masks on.BTW, I like your face mask, she told me. I told her I liked hers too. (I had actually been thinking that as we were speaking. Mine was black with white polka dots. It occurred to me we had similar tastes.) We wished each other a nice afternoon and said good-bye.Hmm... Find ways to stay positive. Smile. Pay a stranger a compliment, even if it's a small compliment. We'll get through this.
How do you feel about wearing face masks, I asked? We're good with it. He nodded in agreement. She said, we do what we have to do to get through this.Have you found that you've changed any habits as a result of wearing a mask? Not really. She told me, I just try to stay positive and smile. I see other people's smiles even with face masks on.BTW, I like your face mask, she told me. I told her I liked hers too. (I had actually been thinking that as we were speaking. Mine was black with white polka dots. It occurred to me we had similar tastes.) We wished each other a nice afternoon and said good-bye.Hmm... Find ways to stay positive. Smile. Pay a stranger a compliment, even if it's a small compliment. We'll get through this.
How do you feel about wearing face masks, I asked? We're good with it. He nodded in agreement. She said, we do what we have to do to get through this.Have you found that you've changed any habits as a result of wearing a mask? Not really. She told me, I just try to stay positive and smile. I see other people's smiles even with face masks on.BTW, I like your face mask, she told me. I told her I liked hers too. (I had actually been thinking that as we were speaking. Mine was black with white polka dots. It occurred to me we had similar tastes.) We wished each other a nice afternoon and said good-bye.Hmm... Find ways to stay positive. Smile. Pay a stranger a compliment, even if it's a small compliment. We'll get through this.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: We're OK with it. It's the thing to do, but they do get hot. Q: Do you have any advice for making them more comfortable? A: Find one with a nose guard to keep the glasses from fogging up. Q: Have you found any new ways to greet people, other than handshakes? A: Me and the guys... sometimes we fist bump each other.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: We're OK with it. It's the thing to do, but they do get hot. Q: Do you have any advice for making them more comfortable? A: Find one with a nose guard to keep the glasses from fogging up. Q: Have you found any new ways to greet people, other than handshakes? A: Me and the guys... sometimes we fist bump each other.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: I'm used to it. I lived in New York City until last March. We wore them everywhere, so it's OK. Q: How would you compare St. Louis to New York City, in how people are responding? A: I was nervous about coming to St. Louis initially, but it's been OK. In NYC, we wore masks everywhere and kept them on from the minute we stepped out the door. In apartment buildings, we put them on the second we stepped into the hallway. We wore them inside, outside, everywhere. In St. Louis, people are wearing them, but it's more relaxed. Q: How do you feel about that? Do you have a preference? A: Both work. I probably prefer the more strict approach, but I'm not concerned in St. Louis.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: I'm used to it. I lived in New York City until last March. We wore them everywhere, so it's OK. Q: How would you compare St. Louis to New York City, in how people are responding? A: I was nervous about coming to St. Louis initially, but it's been OK. In NYC, we wore masks everywhere and kept them on from the minute we stepped out the door. In apartment buildings, we put them on the second we stepped into the hallway. We wore them inside, outside, everywhere. In St. Louis, people are wearing them, but it's more relaxed. Q: How do you feel about that? Do you have a preference? A: Both work. I probably prefer the more strict approach, but I'm not concerned in St. Louis.
Q: How do you feel about wearing face masks? A: I'm used to it. I lived in New York City until last March. We wore them everywhere, so it's OK. Q: How would you compare St. Louis to New York City, in how people are responding? A: I was nervous about coming to St. Louis initially, but it's been OK. In NYC, we wore masks everywhere and kept them on from the minute we stepped out the door. In apartment buildings, we put them on the second we stepped into the hallway. We wore them inside, outside, everywhere. In St. Louis, people are wearing them, but it's more relaxed. Q: How do you feel about that? Do you have a preference? A: Both work. I probably prefer the more strict approach, but I'm not concerned in St. Louis..
As usual, I asked how he feels about wearing face masks. He's good with it. Although he's on leave at the moment, he works at a local hospital and has seen it all. Prior to his leave, he worked in the COVID department at the hospital. He told me he felt safer there than out here walking around. People know how to protect themselves in the hospital. They know how to wear the masks appropriately (and when to wear the gloves and how to wash their hands). Out here, people are walking around without masks, or you see masks down below the nose. Too many aren't wearing the masks right. I appreciated that we were able to chat comfortably while wearing masks appropriately and keeping our distance. And, as always, the telephoto lens helps with those close-up photos! Thanks for the conversation!
As usual, I asked how he feels about wearing face masks. He's good with it. Although he's on leave at the moment, he works at a local hospital and has seen it all. Prior to his leave, he worked in the COVID department at the hospital. He told me he felt safer there than out here walking around. People know how to protect themselves in the hospital. They know how to wear the masks appropriately (and when to wear the gloves and how to wash their hands). Out here, people are walking around without masks, or you see masks down below the nose. Too many aren't wearing the masks right. I appreciated that we were able to chat comfortably while wearing masks appropriately and keeping our distance. And, as always, the telephoto lens helps with those close-up photos! Thanks for the conversation!
As usual, I asked how he feels about wearing face masks. He's good with it. Although he's on leave at the moment, he works at a local hospital and has seen it all. Prior to his leave, he worked in the COVID department at the hospital. He told me he felt safer there than out here walking around. People know how to protect themselves in the hospital. They know how to wear the masks appropriately (and when to wear the gloves and how to wash their hands). Out here, people are walking around without masks, or you see masks down below the nose. Too many aren't wearing the masks right. I appreciated that we were able to chat comfortably while wearing masks appropriately and keeping our distance. And, as always, the telephoto lens helps with those close-up photos! Thanks for the conversation!
As usual, I asked how he feels about wearing face masks. He's good with it. Although he's on leave at the moment, he works at a local hospital and has seen it all. Prior to his leave, he worked in the COVID department at the hospital. He told me he felt safer there than out here walking around. People know how to protect themselves in the hospital. They know how to wear the masks appropriately (and when to wear the gloves and how to wash their hands). Out here, people are walking around without masks, or you see masks down below the nose. Too many aren't wearing the masks right. I appreciated that we were able to chat comfortably while wearing masks appropriately and keeping our distance. And, as always, the telephoto lens helps with those close-up photos! Thanks for the conversation!
I loved seeing a family enjoying time together while wearing masks. I asked, do you always wear face masks while outdoors? There was no hesitation with the response... Yes. Always. He told me that he works in the medical field and knows how important it is. He and his wife sometimes take the mask off their daughter, but only if there are not many people around. Otherwise, all 3 of them wear masks everywhere. He told me, "we don't have family around", so it's especially important to stay safe.
I loved seeing a family enjoying time together while wearing masks. I asked, do you always wear face masks while outdoors? There was no hesitation with the response... Yes. Always. He told me that he works in the medical field and knows how important it is. He and his wife sometimes take the mask off their daughter, but only if there are not many people around. Otherwise, all 3 of them wear masks everywhere. He told me, "we don't have family around", so it's especially important to stay safe.
Have you changed any habits since you began wearing face masks?, I asked. She told me... I don't go anywhere anymore. I teach from home and only walk around my neighborhood. This is the first time I've been to Forest Park since March. I used to come here a couple of times a week.So, why today?, I asked. She smiled and said "The sun is out!" (I saw the smile in the eyes.) Then she paused briefly and said... this "pandemic normal" just isn't sustainable for so long. I had to get out for a bit.I'm glad she found her way to Forest Park and that we had a chance to chat. I admit, Forest Park is often just what I need to renew my spirit, pandemic or otherwise.
Have you changed any habits since you began wearing face masks?, I asked. She told me... I don't go anywhere anymore. I teach from home and only walk around my neighborhood. This is the first time I've been to Forest Park since March. I used to come here a couple of times a week.So, why today?, I asked. She smiled and said "The sun is out!" (I saw the smile in the eyes.) Then she paused briefly and said... this "pandemic normal" just isn't sustainable for so long. I had to get out for a bit.I'm glad she found her way to Forest Park and that we had a chance to chat. I admit, Forest Park is often just what I need to renew my spirit, pandemic or otherwise.
"Do you always wear face masks outside?" There was no hesitation in the response... "Yes".I don't often have a chance to interview such young humans (behind the face mask). So, I decided to ask the girls, "Do you have any favorite face masks?" They both nodded yes. Mom added, "They're wearing their favorites." "I can see why", I said "Those are very pretty masks!" I then asked the girls, "Do the masks make you feel safe?" They both nodded yes again. Mom told me that they're used to wearing masks now. They both get in the car and immediately put them on.As I walked away, I looked back and noticed the family had wandered over to the fallen leaves and had begun playing with them. Mom and Dad were obviously enjoying time with their girls. It was nice to see a family having fun together while staying safe.
I found a group of friends out enjoying time together in the park. Some had dogs. All wore masks. There were more friends than the photos show, but the three in front stopped to speak with me. I asked if they always wear face masks outside. I saw nods and heard, "Pretty much, yes". So, I asked if they feel like they're used to it at this point. The woman admitted that she doesn't really like wearing face masks, but she's used to it and good with it. She walks in the city a lot, so she wears them regularly on city streets. If she finds herself somewhere without many people around, she does occasionally take them off. Her friend with the sunglasses responded similarly. I was especially interested in what the bicyclist would tell me, because I've begun seeing more "humans" riding bikes while wearing masks. (I've tried it myself and know that it can be challenging.) "Do you wear a mask while riding?", I asked. He said he does if he is riding casually, like in the park where other people are around. If he is riding on roads, in traffic, he may take the mask off. I appreciated that he is balancing COVID-19 safety with traffic safety.
I found a group of friends out enjoying time together in the park. Some had dogs. All wore masks. There were more friends than the photos show, but the three in front stopped to speak with me. I asked if they always wear face masks outside. I saw nods and heard, "Pretty much, yes". So, I asked if they feel like they're used to it at this point. The woman admitted that she doesn't really like wearing face masks, but she's used to it and good with it. She walks in the city a lot, so she wears them regularly on city streets. If she finds herself somewhere without many people around, she does occasionally take them off. Her friend with the sunglasses responded similarly. I was especially interested in what the bicyclist would tell me, because I've begun seeing more "humans" riding bikes while wearing masks. (I've tried it myself and know that it can be challenging.) "Do you wear a mask while riding?", I asked. He said he does if he is riding casually, like in the park where other people are around. If he is riding on roads, in traffic, he may take the mask off. I appreciated that he is balancing COVID-19 safety with traffic safety.
I found a group of friends out enjoying time together in the park. Some had dogs. All wore masks. There were more friends than the photos show, but the three in front stopped to speak with me. I asked if they always wear face masks outside. I saw nods and heard, "Pretty much, yes". So, I asked if they feel like they're used to it at this point. The woman admitted that she doesn't really like wearing face masks, but she's used to it and good with it. She walks in the city a lot, so she wears them regularly on city streets. If she finds herself somewhere without many people around, she does occasionally take them off. Her friend with the sunglasses responded similarly. I was especially interested in what the bicyclist would tell me, because I've begun seeing more "humans" riding bikes while wearing masks. (I've tried it myself and know that it can be challenging.) "Do you wear a mask while riding?", I asked. He said he does if he is riding casually, like in the park where other people are around. If he is riding on roads, in traffic, he may take the mask off. I appreciated that he is balancing COVID-19 safety with traffic safety.
Writers' Corner at Euclid and Maryland in the Central West End (Why not include the statues, just for fun!?!)
I suppose I should include myself. When I began the project, I set a goal to photograph at least 50 Humans. I now have that number (if you count individuals in group photos). The weather is getting colder and Covid cases are again on the rise. So, it seems reasonable to stop. That said, I’ve heard from a couple of Humans that they would be interested in hearing my responses to the questions I’ve been asking. So, thank you to ALL of the Humans who showed kindness to a stranger by helping me with my project. Know that I learned from each and every one of you. My responses to the questions follow.
I suppose I should include myself. When I began the project, I set a goal to photograph at least 50 Humans. I now have that number (if you count individuals in group photos). The weather is getting colder and Covid cases are again on the rise. So, it seems reasonable to stop. That said, I’ve heard from a couple of Humans that they would be interested in hearing my responses to the questions I’ve been asking. So, thank you to ALL of the Humans who showed kindness to a stranger by helping me with my project. Know that I learned from each and every one of you. My responses to the questions follow.
