more images, here
The man in the hat shows up again and saves me.
Street photography can be a cruel lover. Hours of walking and hunting with no results can be tough. A few days ago, I was out, looking to the streets for a shot of photographic love, but she didn’t want to give it up. Then, the man in the hat came along and that’s all I needed.
He’s been with me since the first days of my street photography. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m following him through life or he’s following me. His appearance prompted me to look back at my work and remember just how many times he’s been there, saving my ass from never coming back to the streets. One bad day of street photography can keep me away for a long time. He showed up and I was able to go home with a smile on my face.
Recently I’ve been struggling with something I call the ‘photojournalist syndrome.’ It’s the creative feeling that one must be constantly producing photographs. That after the end of one year, you should have 20 or more images to put into your portfolio. More, more, more, seems to be the battle cry.
Everybody is so damn prolific nowadays. The constant stream of Flickr images coupled with the idea that you are what you share, I feel like it’s a bad thing to slow down and take your time. But in my heart I know the turtle wins.
I’d like to be happy with one good picture a year. That way, when I’m 95, I’ll have enough good images for a book and I can say, “I’m done.”
80 f’ing outrageous images by the time I’m 95. A new goal.
I think that’s the lesson I’m going to take from the man in the hat. I can hunt for a day, or a year, but as long as the man in the hat shows up once a year, I’ll be a happy street photographer.
-r
Richard
I’m quietly simmering with content knowing you are back. And looking to the long run, not the sprint of the everyday.
[...] a look into Richard’s soul. youarenotyourego…kind of says it. The first post I read – the man in the hat – is more a look into what drives all who visualize…all who [...]
Richard,
So glad to read and see ‘you’ on line.
Be well and know you are an inspiration!
Todd
Richard, You’re doing such a great and serve as such a great inspiration. Keep up the great work man. Chip
This is a posting that no (word) editor could ever understand. Only another photographer could wrap their head around the need and the feeling of making pictures.
Thanks for these pictures and words. Know that there are others who feel the same.
BG
Hi Richard:
My street photography days are long over, but I know good work when I see it. You’re a good writer, too, and I like your philosophy of work/craft/art.
Jim
[...] need i say anything about my angel, talisman, tour guide, the man in the hat? [...]