Bill Cunningham is the photographer for the New York Times who photographs people for the Sunday Edition. His photographs run in two places within the paper. "On the Street" in the Style Section features photographs of people on the street from a fashion point of view. Today's edition was entitled "Frosty" which features what outerwear people are wearing. The second location for his photography is entitled "Evening Hours"also in the Style Section, where he documents events in the evening around New York City.
Recently, Bill was the subject of a documentary which can be purchased here. So what is the big deal, you might ask? Well to start with he has been doing this for nearly a half century, and his "ride" is a bicycle. That's right, he rides around New York photographing people on the street, and interpreting fashion trends from what he sees, from a bicycle. A very shy, unassuming personality has become one of the top 100 influences in fashion. Lives alone in New York, doing his daily photography for the paper, and if I'm not mistaken, with film. I have seen his column for years, but only understood the depth of his influence when I watched the documentary and learned of his style, recognition, and reclusive lifestyle. For example, he has had 28 bicycles stolen over the years, knows all of the major players in fashion, is respected for his eye, and recognized for his gift of seeing fashion on the street. Here is today's example.
So the other day, I decided to channel Bill and do some street photography and see what I came up with. I really shouldn't publish this blog, since it is disgustingly poor compared to Bill. Granted I stayed in one spot, but it ain't easy making sense out of what goes by. But the important thing, it was fun for a short period and a good exercise in observation.
Ok, it has no resemblance to the NY Times or Bill Cunningham's work, but people do wear coats when it's cold, add scarves, and even write their own words on their outerwear. Not conclusions that would have people running to buy or make a certain types of clothing. I may be poor at this but I did enjoy the active participation/sense of purpose in photographing people. Bill Cunningham is a rare bird in the ecosystem of photography, gifted in ways that are difficult to understand, driven to a pursuit that benefits others from his sheer talent. All in all, something very special. And bye the way, blue jeans are in style.
What gear did you use? Were you up close or far away? Any reactions from the subjects? Interesting assignment.
Posted by: Gary | December 12, 2011 at 08:33 AM
I used a D3s with a 70-200mm lens, so I was not very close. Otherwise, I would have had to ask for permission being polite. Bill C uses a 50mm lens, I think, and doesn't ask permission and gets some negative feedback once in a while although he is recognized by many folks. It is tricky to do, but fun.
Posted by: william henderson | December 12, 2011 at 10:27 AM
I love street photography. I used to do it using my Hassleblad but my eyes gave out from more than 20 years of photography. The doctor said it will be okay after a LASIK surgery. When your eyes gave have a problem, the autofocus of your camera is your ace.
Posted by: Vincent Davis | December 12, 2011 at 12:04 PM
I know that well, had both lenses replaced a year and a half ago. Auto focus saved me.
Posted by: william henderson | December 12, 2011 at 03:10 PM