Architectural & Interior Design Photography, Corporate Commercial Photography, Advertising & Portrait Photographer | Ottawa | 613-558-7585 | justin.vanleeuwen@gmail.com
After reading David DuChemin’s Within the Frame (what, you haven’t read it yet!?), I was inspired to do two things; travel more, and actually approach people to take their picture.
Since I don’t really have the cash-flow to travel the world right now, I figured approaching people would be the better habit to get into. While walking through Ottawa’s WestFest last weekend, I came across this wonderful little girl enjoying her strawberry gelato. I couldn’t resist! I had to ask her mother if I could take her picture, offering to E-mail her the image after – she said yes and here’s the result!
Now, I believe that if I tried to sneak this picture it would not have been as personal, as I feel the girl connects with the camera, plus I probably would have been beaten up for taking pictures of kids. I’m also sure the approval was helped that I’m a parent myself, I don’t know if any of you unshaven dudes out there have any luck approaching kids in public to take their pictures… I wouldn’t recommend it without the affixed credentials: Baby puke on shoulder, actual BABY in stroller or on the back.
It’s like an ID card saying “I’m not a creep!”
One time, when i lived in Toronto, I was taking a streetscape photo on Gerrard st., and some boys, about 10-11 years old, I would guess, came into my frame as I was shooting the shot. One of them said quite loudly as they rode by "what, are you some kind of pedo?" Need less to say, I wasn't hanging around to find out who may or may not have heard that, not that I did anything wrong! I was on the first streetcar outta there! So yes, probably a good thing that you asked first!
I really love this photo, you captured one of the greatest moments in childhood. Great shot Justin, keep them coming!