This is the fifth in a series called, “Working”,
I am trying to photograph people who are working and often invisible to us and I’m also trying to get over my discomfort with asking strangers if I may photograph them.
In previous posts in this series, I had one image of two people but from behind them, and two images of car wash attendants, One and Two with permission, and one without, seen through suds and water.
And, then, one last week of a New York City Taxi driver, named Jehan-Max. This is also Jehan-Max but I’ve given him night, a view of his New York City looking uptown from 82nd street and the perspective of a pilot flying a cab through the night sky.
He drove fast, closer to flying than driving, and his personality was as big and dynamic as New York City itself, so I’ve done this portrait, and one other that I’ll post tomorrow, cuz I really do have to force myself this week to ask someone ELSE if I can take their picture.
I have to say, though… I’m not sorry I lingered another week with this man.
If one is going to begin to photograph working folks in New York City, hail a yellow flying cab, and cross your fingers Jehan-Max is behind the wheel.
Tell him he looks fabulous.
You won’t be lying.
©Pat Coakley 2009
Photographs cannot be used without written permission
Wouldn’t Jehan love to see himself piloting not a cab but a flying machine that vaults over traffic, voids gridlock, allows him 180 degree vision both front, side and rear!
His smile is already detectable from the cheek pouch.
I’m guessing he’d consider this one of his best tips.
Great image and imagination.
WordPress published two of these posts! So, there are some comments on one, and others on the other one. I tried to schedule the posting of this but it didn’t work…but, I guess, I did something! Anyway, his smile was very wide!! I’ll send him both of these photos tomorrow.
God, i don’t know why but this reminded me of Batman the movie. lol. it’s really great.
Good luck to you asking your people to take their picture.
Believe it or not, the more you ask, the easier and more fun it is.
People are naturally curious about photographers. I’ve actually had people walk in to my shot on purpose thinking I was the press!
My line is: Hi, I’m Renee I’m an independent photographer (hand them my “business card”) I was wondering if I could take your picture for my weblog, I do a photo essay every Sunday on my site…you would be helping me learn…blah blah blah.
They are usually really grateful and I get to hear all kind of cool stories about their lives.
Renee, now, you have a nice un-selfconscious way about approaching people. I have to learn from that approach! Thanks and I bet you do hear all kinds of stuff along the way, too.