Matt Weber (Street photography), Subway, Women of New York

“Broadway Local” 2005

There is a complaint that “Street Photography” doesn’t ask enough questions and only provides answers. I disagree. I have looked at this picture for several years and all I can conclude is that the beautiful young lady on the right is probably a very dedicated Christian or Catholic. I also know that she was headed either uptown or downtown on the I.R.T. I have no idea about anything else. The woman on her left could be her mom, but could also be her step mother or an aunt. Does her father play a large role in her life? Did he leave the woman on the left? Is the young woman a virgin. (like her homegirl Mary?) Is there a chance she’s already pregnant? Is she happy? Has she found a college yet, or did she drop out of school? Does she have a dog? A cat? A hamster?

Most of the people in my photos are open to a variety of questions and I never know anything for sure, other than what they look like and what they are wearing.  I wonder what answers my pictures provide. I also prefer letting my mind wander and questioning what I see. I have never felt a shortage of curiosity when looking at photos taken “In the real world” Staged photography, on the other hand is extremely easy for me to decipher. I can usually read the artists intent quickly, and find it very boring…Of course with a tenth grade education, my point of view is probably dubious at best, and easy to dismiss. If only I had an MBA in fine arts, I’d be able to see things more clearly…

Matt Weber (Street photography), signs, Women of New York

NYC 2005

I just rescanned this image and it’s better than the last scan. I suppose I shouldn’t sequence my images in such an obvious way, but that’s always been one of my faults. One of “Street Photography’s” biggest assets is that there is usually truth in each picture. I’ve never met a “Street Photographer” who would stage his or her images. Of course some may stoop that low, but that is their business and they have to live with their forgeries. This picture as it had once been suggested, was not staged…

All Photos © Matt Weber

Matt Weber (Street photography), Color, Women of New York

Columbus Cirlcle 2009

Considering how loyal I’ve been to black & white film the past 25 years, the decision to shoot color has been difficult…I think I should do it. Those who know me, know that I find discussing the technical side of photography very boring. I enjoy the stories about how a shot was taken much more than which lens or film was used. This picture is better because I had color film in my camera. I can always turn it into a grayscale file if needed. I promise not to bore anyone any further with this topic!

(If I can’t get decent results with the Kodak portra 800 film all bets are off)

All Photos © Matt Weber