Olvera Street, Los Angeles -- My initial intent was to make conversation with the three people pictured above. As I approached with my camera, the woman on the right scowled at me as if I was going to exploit them. She was right, that was my intent.The photo I was looking for was for the theme, laughter. I saw that flowing from the women in the wheel chair. People around her saw it too and smiled with her.
Despite the woman's challenges and obvious daily struggles, she possesses something many don't have: Joy.
4 comments:
What a great catch! Love her laugh...did you end up talking with them?
It's interesting, the contrast between the laughter and the scowl. Almost an illustration of ignorance is bliss, because you can tell the scowling woman is constantly shielding her (daughter? client?) from unhappiness; and if she is a relative, she probably has made significant sacrifices for her. (maybe even so she can live at home instead of an institution?) If she's a caretaker, god bless her for caring so much to be such a watchdog.
What a fantastic photo, this one will stay with me for awhile!
Tonya: "Better to beg forgiveness than ask permission." I shot first and walked away after receiving a double scowl. I will usually get to know people first then ask permission; this time not!
Farmgirl: I always appreciate your insight. So much can be said about what's happening in this photo.
Interesting observation and history behind the image. Photographing strangers is never an easy tasky but you did a great job.
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