New Perspective

I saw Dawoud Bey’s photographic work at the Whitney Museum of American Art. In a statement next to his body of work, it was mentioned that Bey rejects the terminology associated with photography, ie “shooting” or “taking” a photograph. In his opinion, they sound violent and stripping of the subjects. I found that especially thought-provoking because when I was doing street photography, it was the privilege of me and my camera at the expense of the subjects. There were seldom interactions between the photographer- me, and the subjects in these photographs. Seeing Bey’s work and reading through that statement made me reflect on my practice in photography and shone a light on a new perspective. Now that I am local in the city I have more opportunities to commit to candid photography, I want to have equal grounds as the subject.