A picture of a picture-taker

That's so meta
Montreal, QC
October 2018
Photo originally shared on Instagram

I've clearly stoked controversy of late with my decision to post photos of complete strangers in my feed. Good. That's what photography is supposed to do. If a picture makes you think, makes you feel, makes you want to respond in some way, then it's done its job.

So when, during my haphazard stroll through the neighborhood, I came across a guy shooting the fall colors with his iPad, I immediately knew I didn't want to forget this moment. I used my long lens to shoot him from well down the street, and to the best of my knowledge he never picked up on the fact that I was even there. Yet I felt a certain connection to this total stranger. Because something compelled us both to head out, to the same block, at the same time, to seek out the same kind of photographic inspiration.

I was inspired more by his decision to be there than mine because he was following the age-old photographic best practice, namely shoot with whatever you've got. He didn't have four or five figures worth of electronics and glass slung over his shoulder. Just a humble tablet. But still, there he was, out there.

I'm sure his pictures rocked. And I hope, wherever he is, he's having a good time telling his family and friends about the photo-walk he took on an unassuming street on a cold, blustery afternoon.