Have you ever seen a stranger pointing their phone or camera not just in your direction, but directly at you? Or have you ever needed to snap a picture of a stranger, then pretended you were texting when they caught you?
One morning in London, I took a long walk to the Tate Modern. I went alone. Upon arriving, I wandered the galleries stopping only for what called to me amidst the herds of people. Despite my irregular pattern, I noticed that my pacing had synchronized with another visitor. The man, who appeared to be in his early fifties, was well but casually dressed. He had grey hair, a beard and dark rimmed glasses. He wasn’t too tall. He wasn’t too short. In fact I probably have no recollection of what he truly looks like. So this is likely the most generic image my brain can muster up. Basically the guy didn’t creep me out, but I was very interested in his camera which repeatedly found its lens in my direction.
What does one say in this situation? At first I was bothered. But I was in a museum. He was probably an artist as well. When I see something that inspires me, I want to snap a picture or somehow save the memory. With that, I let him shoot his pictures. As I rode the escalator down to leave, he took one last photo and I looked straight in his camera, with an expression of “You’re not so smooth buddy.” I came close to sharing some sign language but my hands were full from the books I’d bought.
In case he was a creeper, I avoided the main exit and left out the back door of the museum, immediately finding a cab. I wasn’t going to walk home alone. I was intrigued, not stupid.
This all came to mind later that very same day. I went to Kensington Garden with my mother and Sister who met me in London. It was an atypical day in the city, sunny and a beautiful 75 degrees. The park was filled and I was inspired, suddenly I was the creeper. I was the creeper and I loved it. Here are a few of the hundreds of photos I took that evening.
- I found her at the Tate Britain. I was a little obsessed.
Three sisters who love each other so much that even when given an entire park to spread out in, they still make a sister sandwich.
This little bump. I adore her.
Taking a rest from chasing the birds and the dogs.
Angry Birds
Her.
From left to right. My Sister, Eva the orchestral Flautist in Finland Symphony Orchestra who wanted to punch me in the face for dragging my feet and taking pictures of everyone. What an embarrassment. My beautiful Mother. My empty seat. A man I do not know, who whistled incessantly and played with his phone like a child.
ah, to be young and in love.
They caught me! One looks like she’s going to kill me and the other is saying “really?” I looked up at the construction behind them after I snapped the pic. and then I looked at them… and I LAUGHED!
this one is interesting. The couple in the foreground is completely connected. The couple in the back ground is separated. Two extremes of relationships.
white t-shirt club.
She caught me!
Fox Ryan Studio 