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), homeless, Subway

Subway Panhandler “Broadway Local” 2004

This recession or depression is starting to affect almost everyone I know. Even my friend the eye doctor has noticed that his customers are starting to resort to a little duct tape or crazy glue, as they try to fix their own glasses.

Over the past years I have lamented the fact that I sold my taxi medallion and now, it’s starting to creep up into the back of my mind again. There’s an old movie (The Roaring Twenties) where Humphrey Bogart, who owns a fleet of taxi cabs, gives a single medallion to James Cagney and tells him “One day you’ll be glad you have this” Cagney, who was playing a big shot in the movie laughed and dismissed the idea that he would ever have to push a hack. Fast forward a few minutes in the film and lo and behold, Cagney’s wearing his hack license ( a badge in the old days) on his cap. He then stops his cab and picks up the love of his life. She of course recognizes Cagney and after some pleasant words gives him a nice tip…

The point is, I sure wish I still had that one lousy fucking medallion…