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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> i need suggestions on doing a photo documentary
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Showing posts 1 - 7 of 7, (reverse)
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 01/29/2006 09:30:13 PM · #1
I want to do it on the section of my city that i live in. I live in West Louisville, a predominatly African American and high poverty neighborhood. Its the birth place of muhammad ali, and where i still live. I guess somethings i need advice on are publishing, because i want this to be a book. And also tips on how to approach people to take pictures. I'm not saying i'm scared, but some people when they see a camera they become paranoid, and so on. I love my neighborhood very much, and if i could do a photo boo kabout it, maybe i could draw some more attention to the poverty in it.

thanks
 01/29/2006 09:36:42 PM · #2
You could try looking here for publishing: //www.lulu.com
 01/29/2006 10:21:15 PM · #3
I think this would be a great project. I've looked at the work you have posted on DPC and I'd really like to see what you would do with West Louisville.

About approaching people: it often is not as hard as you think it will be. Some people will say NO but others will be glad to participate.

I read an interview a while ago with a woman who did an extended photo essay on an urban neighborhood that was probably in worse shape than yours. She said that it took persistence. At first, people in the neighborhood would not have anything to do with her. But she kept coming back and slowly gained the trust of the people. Eventually she was invited inside and was able to show how people lived in the neighborhood. Unfortunately I have forgotten where I read this and the name of the photographer. I think you have an advantage since you are not an outsider.

A book is going to take a while. I'd suggest that you also aim for gallery shows and magazine portfolios. These are easier and can help you get a deal for a book.

--Dan (up the road from you in Cincinnati)

01/30/2006 01:03:48 AM · #4
here are a few samples of some inner city photos i've taken over the past 3 years. hope they aren't too big..you'll notice that the 2004 photos are not that good compared to the 2005 and 2006. thats because the 2004 were taken with a toshiba pdr and fuji s5000. the 2005 and 2006 were taken with digital rebel and Nikon d70. i lost my rebel in new york city on the way back from south africa this summer, and i own a d70 now.

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/55097522/original.jpg
this was taken in Clarksdale public housing which was torn down

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/55097513/original.jpg
this was clarksdale public housing

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/55097518/original.jpg

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/55097517/original.jpg

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/55097510/original.jpg

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/26220138/original.jpg
this was a homeless man i took a photo of with my first camera back in 04

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/41541645/original.jpg
old hood waiting for the bus

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/38486180/original.jpg
some houses across the street from my house

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/30823495/original.jpg
pushing basket in the projects

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/27514400/original.jpg
selling stuff in the projects

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/55097527/original.jpg
sleeping downtown

//www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/34831987/original.jpg

bus stop

Message edited by HBunch - change large photos to links.
 01/30/2006 01:26:19 AM · #5
Thumbnails are your friend. this is nice work, but anyone without a high speed conection will be slagged if they open htis thread.
 01/30/2006 02:32:55 AM · #6
I have edited your posts to include links to the photos. Feel free to post clickable thumbnails. We try to keep the forums dial up friendly and quick loading. If you need help on how to post clickable thumbnails, please see Forum Code How To in the LEARN section of DPC for instructions on how to do that. Thanks.

Message edited by author 2006-01-30 02:33:24.
 01/30/2006 02:49:30 AM · #7
I think some general tips:
a) Approach as a story line. Establish the Ws (Who, what, where, when, why) and shoot along that plan.
b) Spend time to get to know the subjects, and I think this includes time without the camera. Familiarity and connection between photographer and subject really comes across as more off-camera time happens.
c) Captioning...Yes, the photo is supposed to be worth 1000 words, or whatever, but a few more to direct the viewers to the "right" contexts help a lot.
d) Be real picky about when to trip the shutter. This is not a time for burst shooting.

Good luck. Sounds like a great project, and would love to see the outcome.
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