Nancy, the Flag Lady

sara505

This was taken in downtown Edgartown (not so urban) about a month ago. Coincidentally, this happened to have been the tenth anniversary - to the day - that Nancy has been raising and lowering every flag (7) in town, "To support the troops."

Mr. Quiet

I think you did a very nice job with this one!

sara505

Mr. Quiet wrote:

I think you did a very nice job with this one!

Thank you, Aaron. I was lucky, which is what a lot of street photography is, I think. I happened to be riding by on my bicycle, on my way to a local beach for a family shoot with my 40D strapped over my shoulder. Nancy was there, and the light was perfect.

I also like to talk to my subjects, when possible. Again, for me, street photography is about making connections.

bdcolen

sara505 wrote:

Thank you, Aaron. I was lucky, which is what a lot of street photography is, I think. I happened to be riding by on my bicycle, on my way to a local beach for a family shoot with my 40D strapped over my shoulder. Nancy was there, and the light was perfect.

I also like to talk to my subjects, when possible. Again, for me, street photography is about making connections.

A couple of thoughts -
First, this is a lovely image. I can appreciate the woman, flag, and light without any back story.
Second, I'd love to see what you'd produce if you spent a day with this flag lady on her rounds - it could be a terrific picture story. For that matter, I could imagine shooting her over the course of four seasons.
Third, there's "Street Photography" and photographing in the street - traditional street photography is, in away, the collection of visual found objects; it requires capturing what is, rather than manipulating situations. Engaging with, getting to know your subjects can be artistically fruitful - and certainly has an honored place here
- but it is a different animal than 'true' street photography.

sara505

bdcolen wrote:

A couple of thoughts -
First, this is a lovely image. I can appreciate the woman, flag, and light without any back story.
Second, I'd love to see what you'd produce if you spent a day with this flag lady on her rounds - it could be a terrific picture story. For that matter, I could imagine shooting her over the course of four seasons.
Third, there's "Street Photography" and photographing in the street - traditional street photography is, in away, the collection of visual found objects; it requires capturing what is, rather than manipulating situations. Engaging with, getting to know your subjects can be artistically fruitful - and certainly has an honored place here
- but it is a different animal than 'true' street photography.

B.D. Thanks for your remarks. What you describe, spending the day with Nancy, etc. is something I would have done when I was photographing and writing for the Martha's Vineyard Times - Nancy would indeed be a good subject for such a project.
Your comments re street photography are well taken, and appreciated.