the process of remembering: a photoblog by andrew huth

“Fish Market Auction 2″

Sometimes auctions are lively and filled with energy while apparently at other times it involves a lot of just standing around, writing and looking.  There are many people who view my site that not only enjoy looking at pictures, but also love taking them as well.  I have also often been asked by people about “my approach” when it comes to taking pictures of people.  As a result, I have decided to give an inside track into my thinking behind some of my pictures from time to time in the hopes of attempting to shed some light onto that question.  I am certainly not the best person to be talking about what makes a picture good or bad or even how to take great photos (there are people far far more talented than me who can better speak to that point).  Yet, if you enjoy getting into my personal headspace and hearing me think aloud (yeah I know I am writing not speaking) then you might be interested to read on.  So here you go photo nerds:

It has often been said about street photography that if you are not within an arms distance from your subject, the picture won’t be very good.  Although I usually don’t like anything too formulaic, I actually have found this to be true a good deal of the time (at least for me).  The problem is, most honest and sensitive photographers will admit that it can be uncomfortable to get close to people (especially if you are taking a picture of them).  I don’t want this to come out sounding like I am condemning my line of work (I love my job), but a good deal of photography is about taking things from people.  When I take a picture of someone, I am in a way taking something intimate from them (their likeness and sometimes even their private moments).  To take anything from anyone is nerve wrecking and becomes particularly acute when doing it at close range.  It does however often make for more compelling and visually stimulating images.  I am always a bit fearful when I take pictures of strangers partly because I am often looking to capture something intimate.  For me to do that I often need to get close.  A photographer needs to be sensitive and always walk that fine line between being respectful of the sensitivities and temperaments of those he photographs and still making the picture.

To help me overcome my fear I often force myself to put on a wide angle lens (24mm in the above images) so that I have to get real close to those whose lives I want to share in, if only for a moment.  I did that here.  I don’t think the results here are extremely compelling (I will always be a work in process ), but it did force me to be in very close contact with those I photographed.  I got dirty and wet just like them and was bathed in the same pungent odor.  Why is this important to me?  It is important because I am convinced, that in time, my willingness to be physically close to those whom I photograph will make me a better storyteller.