Men on Broadway

Since moving to Winter Hill, I had this idea to walk around Winter Hill and make photographs from a list (see Alex Soth) of objects, people, situations, etc. that I thought would convey all that is Winter Hill. I realized a couple of things early on while trying to photograph the items on my list: 1) I forgot to bring the list with me every time I went out to photograph and 2) I don't know if making photographs from a list is my way of making images; I've always been one to find something or someone that catches my attention and then I've found a way to photograph it in my "style" or I've conceptualized images or videos that would convey the specific idea had. This isn't to say that I don't keep a million lists running at a time or list out project ideas, things I see, thoughts I have, etc.

Without the list, I began to walk up and down Broadway (between McGrath Highway and Central Street) one day wanting to photograph the many, many different people. It had been a while since I photographed strangers on the street (since my time in NYC), so I asked Bridgit to come along with me since she is outgoing and more approachable than I am. She would ask people as they passed us stationed on the street, and a few of them agreed to be photographed. I soon began to ask people as well and my confidence grew and I began to feel more comfortable being rejected (though infrequent) and excited when accepted. As the project continued, I realized that I was only asking men if they would like to be photographed (not surprising since all my photography and video work has focused on men, including myself, and how they present themselves in the world, choose their lifestyle, and conceptualize gender). Suddenly, the project was defined and all I have to do is make photographs of men I found unique, stylish, odd, eccentric, etc. that I encounter on Broadway. I've enjoyed working on this project throughout the summer, it's reopened the door of photography for me, and I plan to continue this project throughout our year lease in Winter Hill, hoping to get as many strong portraits of men on Broadway.