I didn’t grow up dreaming to be a photographer. I didn’t assist for anybody. I just started doing it… The way I do it is just the way I do it.
Beautiful piece here about Scott Schumann, aka The Sartorialist. In the unlikely event you’re not familiar with his work, he’s an ex-fashion guy turned street photographer. Plenty to be learned here for any creative discipline.
Brilliant, simple style.
Confident in his vision.
Living a creative life.
There are a million paths to get where you’re going.
A terrific video from what should be an inspiring series of short films on our visual experiences. I also like the introductory video for this “Visual Life” campaign. Thanks for sharing.
Very nice piece. And I want to photograph his barber. 🙂
Am I the only person that thought that his barber is amazing! Gosh, I really want to go and get the whole experience. So much nostalgia when I saw that.
I wish they showed someone not wanting their photo taken. It was convenient that the friend of the first lady recognized him, but subject sounded skeptical. I phase in and out of asking folks if I can take their photo, but it’s usually after a few rejections that I just step back, take a break and need to be humble about what I’m doing. Does anyone else find that answering the question “Why do you want to take my photo/what is the photo for?” with “I run a website…(fill in descriptive details of that website)” to be sufficient for people? What kinds of questions/resistance do other photographers get when asking permission to take a strangers photo?
Cameron-
I was thinking the same thing. People definitely have walls up. Even in poverty stricken areas, people are aware. Was watching a documentary of a photo-journalist, and the subjects asked him, “You’re taking pictures of us because we’re poor, no?” He countered that he was taking the photos to help record a way of life that would soon disappear, but in a way, they were dead on.
I’ve been shot down plenty of times, but one pretty memorable experience that was positive goes as such: Saw a mane of hair running. Bare chested. Pulled my car over and ran him down. Introduced myself, told him that I would love to photograph him sometime, and did it. Here’s what I came away with:
http://blog.toddparsons.net/2010/05/11/does-a-mustache-make-you-run-better/
Could have been better… could have been worse. But it was a great learning experience. I suppose just keep carrying a camera, keep asking, get shot down, and come back for more.
Todd
Brilliant inspirational video. I love the simple but effective style.
Very interesting, love his style and confidence.