A number of people have asked how I started this particular collection of candid portraits/street photography. Here's how, and why:

I simply love people (especially candid) photos, whether street photography or portraits, but I am HIGHLY terrified to interact with strangers hahaha. Given this bit of info, it comes as no surprise my fear heavily influenced my photographic subject selection process. Originally, I would only shoot flowers, statues, etc—the typical, “safe,” items most new photographers tend to focus on.

It was in May 2004 I made a conscience decision to break my fear of meeting and interacting with people. That is how I began this collection: as a form of home-brewed psychotherapy! :)

In the beginning, I used a Canon EF 70-200mm lens, shooting people from a distance. I used this lens not to be sneaky or a voyeur, but because it was my ONLY lens at the time! In time I purchased a 50mm as well as a wide angle zoom, allowing me to get closer and more intimate with people. I was able to talk with people, learning their distinct stories of who they are. Over time I learned my psychotherapy project was being transformed.

After the first couple photos, I really started to notice things about the people and about human nature. I chose black and white over color do display my work because I feel it makes one focus on the person, their pose, and express much more, than in color.

I do not mean to be sneaky about taking the photos when they are sleep; rather, they simply are when I find them. When individuals are awake, I talk with them (this is why I was out shooting, to get over my fear, after all). :)