people & places
When I first started taking photography seriously, I shied away from taking pictures of people. It probably wasn't shyness so much as it was inexperience; I wasn't quite sure what I was doing with the camera, and I never wanted to be intrusive. Besides, I think the presence of a camera changes people -- whenever people see a lens pointed at them, they change, even if only slightly.
So I approached the matter with a journalistic mindset. I can be a photojournalist, not just a guy on the street with a camera. Sure, it helps that my camera is of a professional grade, so people take me more seriously than they would if I were carrying a point-and-shoot. But I've had to force myself to take that shot, whether people notice or not.
With these photos I have tried to capture everyday life, wherever I may be -- whether I'm on vacation in Paris or at home in Washington -- or whatever the circumstance, be it a large-scale protest, a street festival or a nightclub.
So many subjects, so little time ...
