One Day in Boston
by Mark Guider
Street photography is fickle. Some days you come home with a basket full of jewels, and others you have nothing but rubbish.
Being skilled at the art increases your chances, yet sometimes it just isn't there. Location can make a difference, but it is no guarantee. A high density of diverse population is the ideal setting yet the experienced Streeter can find art anywhere. On rare occasions everything clicks and potential scenarios for art just roll out in front of you … over and over.
One such day occurred for me in September, 2013. It was my first day in Boston with the sole agenda of shooting Street, and I was alone. I wouldn't say that I knew the city well, but I did know where people were easily found.
Over the next few hours I would have the opportunity to make some of my best Street Photography to date. Some of the shots were easy, while others required all of the meager skills that I possessed. You never know for sure what you have until you return home, yet I felt in "the zone."
As the hours passed I barely thought about anything, including photography. I didn't stop for anything, I never do. I don't eat, and I don't drink. I didn't have a plan as I rolled through the heart of the city.
I was in-and-out of the subway system, through parks and markets, into the North End and onto Chinatown. Amazing things happened right before me, while I had to dig a bit for others.
After six continuous hours of shooting, what did I really have?
I had been given incredible opportunities that day, but did I take full advantage of them? You be the judge.
