STAY GOLD

I was walking by an empty pool located next to my childhood’s primary school. I had a 35mm camera on me with a 28mm lens and one roll (36 shots). As I walked by, I saw a bunch of guys skateboarding into the pool. I then decided to go and talk to them, having in mind to capture some cool images of cool people. It was approximately 14h00 on a Tuesday, middle of September. One of the guys came up to me and we started to talk. He had just begun to do modeling, so he was a lot curious about my camera and photography in general. We sat down, smoked a cigarette and turned out to deliberate about school and why he was skipping classes on that day. He had just got refused to his chosen program and decided not to go back for the rest of the year. He wanted to focus on modeling. He was in a hard time mentally and spiritually. He had lots of anger and anxiety. I then asked him if I could take his portrait while he was still into that vulnerable/emotional space. He then said: “yes, but if you want to capture what I feel about school, can I throw my cigarette at you”? I said of course and clicked twice. The first click was right on, and I knew it. There’s something about 35mm that once you click, you know if it’s good or bad. And that click was great. The reason why I chose to submit this image is because of the greatness of the composition between the portrait itself and the cigarette. It tells a strong story without hiding any of his piercing look. I think this portrait is special also because it proves how much the subject’s intentions are as important as the photographer’s. Great portraiture is a collaboration between the mind behind the camera and the mind in front of it. It’s a moment of respect and vulnerability, and I think this image shows it literally perfectly.