pmorgan's photostream Pro User

Cafe

Couples

www.flickr.com/photos/pmorgan/5001573288/
www.flickr.com/photos/pmorgan/72705454/

This is taken at Objectifs, www.objectifs.com.sg/au-overview.htm a "visual arts centre dedicated to promoting photography and filmmaking".

I am thinking about the careful placement, what must be deliberate curation … but also a certain happenstance that accompanies looking. Focusing on some photos and not others. Interpreting them. Drawn, inexplicably and only at certain times. Just me and a response.

I don't think I have done justice to Singapore photographically. Unlike a trip to somewhere 'exotic' or 'photogenic' which is to say foreign to the photographer, where one has time and focus, where one lives seems to require more intention to photograph. So I'll try and post something of the spirit of the place.

"Photographers often seek locations that evoke a certain atmosphere or spirit of place. They wish to transmit an ethereal 'presence'. They hope their photographs will be imbued with an 'otherness' that is reality to them."
- Paul Hill in his wonderful book Approaching Photography

I walked through the revitalized inner harbour area of Baltimore. There is a gritty charm. I had a leisurely coffee and read the NYTimes at a trendy cafe. But I was continuing to be intimidated by all the homeless people as well as the warnings to be careful. But when I walked by this one tall guy who asked for money, he said, very politely, 'thank you', as I strode away. I thought for a few minutes, walked back and gave him $2. I don't know what his story is, and maybe it is unhelpful, but my developing paranoia was getting in the way of enjoying Baltimore. After that the place seemed less daunting.

He was fine with me taking his photo too.