30 Strangers-2010

Yes, I’m still talking about 30 Strangers

by justin on September 11, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

If you didn’t get a chance to see it in July, or if you just didn’t get enough of it and you want to see it again, the 30 Strangers exhibit is now showing at the Provo library’s art gallery. It’s up now and will be there until September 28th. Take the whole family and show ‘em how cultured you are and junk.

In conjunction with the exhibit, on September 23rd, 6pm, I will be giving a presentation at the Provo library about portrait photography. I’m going to talk a little about the project, a little bit about portrait photography in general, and a little bit about how you, yes you, can make great portraits of your own if you’re into that sort of thing. I’ll also be telling a hilarious story about Santa humiliating a 6 year old girl. You don’t want to miss that. I hope to see you there.

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30 Strangers Exhibit – A perfect night

by justin on July 12, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

At our 30 Strangers reception on July 2nd, I overheard everything from “Exquisite” and “I feel like I’m standing on sacred ground” to “I don’t get it” and a few things in between.

Thanks to everyone that came and made the 30 Strangers project and exhibit a grand success.

I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the questions people asked on the night of the exhibit, and I also have some pictures to show that were taken at the opening.

First, the questions:
Did you just find people randomly on the street?
Nope. It was far more calculated than that. First of all, people left a comment on the blog if they wanted to participate. We made random selections from the 429 that left comments. After those 30 were selected and scheduled, we were in contact with all of them with reminders about their appointment and tips about what to wear.  I knew in advance the names of everyone that was coming to be photographed. Knowing who was coming was essential because we printed a welcome sign for them upon arrival that included everyone’s name.

Is everyone you photographed from the area?
Some are, but not all of them. People came to Provo at the own expense from all over the country to be a part of the project.

What was the farthest anyone traveled?
We had two different people from Washington DC. One just happened to be in town for her daughter’s graduation, so she didn’t come specifically for the project, but the other one did. The farthest anyone drove had to be Natalie (so glad we’re now besties) and her mother. Nat drove from Moscow Idaho and her mother came from Portland.

Have you ever thought about doing fathers and sons?
I thought about it for about 6 seconds. Moms care more. That’s really what it comes down to. It’s not like photographing fathers and sons is less valuable, but honestly, they don’t care as much as moms. Women show up for their appointments, get all dressed up, and have a good time going through with it all. I just don’t see that guys would be as invested.

Will you do this next year?
Probably. At this point I imagine I’ll do it every year. I can’t imagine a reason not to.

What if you run out of strangers?
Are you kidding me? This is a pretty big planet. I’ll never run out of strangers. I go to my neighborhood grocery store (go Days Market!) and see people there all the time I don’t know and that’s in my very own neighborhood. But that brings up a good point. I’d love to do the project next year in San Diego or Austin Texas. Anyone reading this have an interest in that? I’d need a little help to spread the word in such places if I was to pull it off out of state.

How did you get the idea for the project?
This question has been answered here, but it was originally, in 2008, a creative project. After the first year, my wife and I thought of ways to improve it and make it more meaningful for the people involved. The idea of mothers and daughters came from a conversation with Kent Miles, and the idea of having people donate to the women’s shelter was my wife’s idea. The only thing I thought of was to have me taking the pictures.

Did the people you photograph come from the Women’s Shelter?
Nope. The only link is that they made donations to the shelter.

And then there were some technical questions about the framing and the printing. I made all the prints myself. They were printed on an Epson 2880 printer. The paper is Epson Velvet Fine Art and I get everything from Pictureline in Salt Lake. There may be cheaper places online for some of these things, but I’m big believer in buying local.

All images were shot using a Canon 5D Mark II.

And now, some picture from July 2nd. First, from Trevor Christensen.

Mindy Gledhill and Courtney Kendrick

From Brett Howell

From Diana Palmer

It’s hard to be a host and photograph the event. You kind of have to do one or the other. That’s why I had asked if my friends Trevor, Brett and Diana would come and take some pictures. I wanted to have a record of how things played out, and I want to thank those three for taking pictures for me. I think they did a great job.

But I don’t go very many places without a camera and I did happen to get a few pictures of some of my friends that came that night.

Leo Weidner

Lisa Clark

Rebekah Westover

Carina Hoskisson

Brett Howell

Jenn Cobia

Sarah Ward

Steven Waggoner

I’ll most likely do the 30 Stranger project again next year and I’d love to include you. If you want to know when we’re announcing next year’s project, your best bet is to sign up for our occasional newsletter, as those are the folks that will hear about it first. You can sign up here.

And if you would like to get portraits of you and the people you love, there’s no reason to wait to see if you can be a part of next year’s project. I’m making these kinds of portraits year-round. I’m currently booked until the third week of August, but have availability starting August 23rd. Give me a jingle. I’ll catch you on the jangle.

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30 Strangers Sponsors

by justin on July 12, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Big, big thanks to those great businesses that sponsored the 30 Strangers exhibit this year. It couldn’t have happened without them and we are so grateful for their support of the project and our fund-raising efforts. We asked for sponsorships from businesses we already love and care about. This year, our sponsor were:

Alta Moda Bridal – The finest bridal gowns in the state

Pictureline – Where I buy all my gear and supplies

Ryan Cambell – Farmers Insurance

Provo Town Square – Where the exhibit took place

Clik Elite – My cameras and equipment are carried in these packs

The Mandate Press – I trust them to print my business cards

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30 Strangers Exhibit – Our fundraiser continues

by justin on July 3, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Wow. Last night was amazing. I’m calling it a grand success. It’s hard to know exactly how many people came to our 30 Strangers exhibit but I estimate about 300 – 350 people.

I just can’t say enough how grateful I am for those that came and for those that were part of the project.

A more lengthy description will come soon, complete with photographs from a couple of Provo’s finest photographers that will show how things played out at the exhibit last night.

But for now, if you missed it, you still have some time to see the exhibit. We’ll be open on the following days and times:
July 5   12pm – 8pm
July 6-9 2pm – 5pm
Gallery address – 26 West Center Street – Provo UT

Important note: The 30 Strangers project is a fund raiser for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis. During our exhibit, our fundraiser continues. For a $75 donation to the Center, you can schedule your own mother-daughter portrait session on select days July – October. Come on down to the exhibit to sign up.

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30 Strangers exhibit – behind the scenes

by justin on June 28, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010,Learn

The 30 Strangers exhibit is this Friday. July 2nd. It’s going to be great fun. I hope to see you there.

I thought I’d share with you the process of selecting the images that will go in the show.

I estimate that over the course of the month of April, I shot 6,000 – 8,000 images for this project. That got narrowed down pretty quickly to 2,267. Those are the images I showed the clients when the came back to see their pictures. Anywhere from 60 – 120 images per session.

I took those 2,000 images and selected 118 that were possible candidates for the show. I made 4×6 prints of those 118 pictures, drove to Salt Lake, and got Kent Miles to help me make the final selection.

On Friday, if you come to the show, you’ll see the 30 images we selected.

I asked Kent to help me for a few reasons. Kent has had more photography exhibits than any other photographer in the state. He has such a broad understanding of taking multiple pieces, and combing them to make a single piece, which is to say, the exhibit.  Not only is he a excellent photographer, but he’s an excellent artist, and a skill separate from that of a photographer, a gallery curator. Also, he’s looking at the images with fresh eyes. I’d spend quite a bit of time looking at these pictures that it’s helpful to have someone with new perspective.

Selecting 30 from 118 isn’t just a matter of picking the best picture from each session. To make an interesting exhibit, you want to create some rhythm from piece to piece. There’s got to be some variety, not just in size and orientation (square, vertical, horizontal) but also in the tone and message and feeling from each picture. So you lay them all out and see how one picture will look next to another. You ask, do any others that look the same as this one. How should this one be cropped. On and on.

The cropping makes a huge difference. As we’d look at each image, Kent would spend time coming up with different variations on how each one should be cropped. He’s always said that the most important line you draw in your pictures is the line you draw around the edge of the frame. You can see that different parts of the image become emphasized more or less, depending on where you put the edge of the frame. Often times, radically altering the way you respond to the original image.

Here are some things to think about when you come to the exhibit on Friday that may help you enjoy the show a little more. Questions to consider–

1. Why is this image (whatever one you’re looking at) placed next to this image? Do they strengthen each other by being placed next to each other?
2. Why would he crop it like this? Would the impact of the picture be improved if it was cropped more? Less?
3. How do these pictures make me feel?
4. What do these pictures say about the relationships between mothers and daughters?
5. Is it the photographer’s responsibility to tell the truth about these people’s relationship or is it ok to just make them look good?
6. If the pictures move you in any way, can you describe why? If the pictures don’t do anything for you, can you describe why?
7. How does the way they are presented (how they are framed, placement in the gallery) effect the way you feel about the collection as a whole?

And here’s Kent, hard at work:

See you Friday, July 2nd – 6-9pm.

And remember, if you can’t make it on Friday night, we’ll have the following additional gallery hours:
July 3 & 5 12pm – 8pm
July 6-9 2pm – 5pm

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Justin Hackworth Photography. We’re not just making pictures, we’re making history.

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30 Strangers – The exhibit!

by justin on June 12, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010,Provo

Opening Reception
July 2, 2010 – 6-9pm

Where
26 West Center Street, Provo UT – (Map) Two doors West of Los Hermanos, and 1/2 block West of Justin Hackworth Photography

Come join us for the 30 Strangers exhibit on July 2.
How did one photographer and 30 strangers team up to help local victims of domestic violence? Find out when art and activism come together at a downtown Provo gallery on Friday, July 2.

Featuring the work of Justin Hackworth, the “30 Strangers III: Portraits of Mothers & Daughters” exhibit will raise funds for the Center for Women & Children in Crisis.

For each day in April 2010 Justin Hackworth photographed a mother and daughter he had never met before. Instead of the usual session fee, Hackworth asked participants to make donations the the Center for Women and Children in Crisis.

The fundraising continues
On July 2 at the opening reception, you can schedule your own mother-daughter portrait session with Justin Hackworth for a $75 donation to the Center.
Everyone’s invited. Don’t be a stranger.

Additional gallery hours
July 3 & 5 12pm – 8pm
July 6-9 2pm – 5pm

Gallery of images from the previous years
2009
2008

I have more questions. What should I do?
Call me: 801.916.6993 or email me: justin@justinhackworth.com
You can also read the press release.

Quick review of all the important details

Opening reception and fundraiser
July 2 6pm-9pm

Location
26 West Center Street. 1/2 block West of Justin Hackworth Photography

Additional gallery hours
July 3 & 5 12pm – 8pm
July 6-9 2pm – 5pm

Press Release
http://justinhackworth.com/30strangers/2010-pressrelease.html

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30 Strangers Wrap-up Coming Soon

by justin on May 3, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Wow, 30 Strangers is over, and I loved it. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who made it happen. I have more to write, and I’ll be posting a wrap-up soon, but for now I just want to say that it was another great year, and I appreciate everyone who’s been along for the ride. Details about the exhibit will be coming soon, too.

Thank you.

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30 Strangers – Day Thirty

by justin on May 1, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Georgia told her mother-in-law to block out some time on April 30th. Didn’t tell her why because she thought if Ellen knew it was to get her picture taken, she wouldn’t want to come. A couple days before they were supposed to arrive, Georgia did, in fact, tell Ellen that they were going to be photographed. Ellen said, “Oh, is that it? I’m so relieved. I thought we were going for pedicures.”

Meet Georgia and Ellen.

Read Georgia’s blog here.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty-Nine

by justin on April 29, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Karen came from Ogden and her mother came from Cedar City to be photographed for the 30 Strangers project. About her mother, Karen said, “She is the glue that holds this family together and she is my best friend.” Thanks for the big laughs. I had a great time.

and for some extra fun, since Karen used to work at Kiddie Candids a while ago, we took this picture:

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We’re not just making pictures, we’re making history.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty Eight

by justin on April 29, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Here’s something awesome. When you meet Joanie’s daughter and you say “Nice to meet you” she says, “The pleasure is all mine” and then giggles.

Read Joanie’s blog here.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty-Seven

by justin on April 28, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

These two look like they could be sisters. They aren’t, though. One of them is the mom. For a fun game, guess which one.

Thanks Meridith, for coming by today.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty-Six

by justin on April 26, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Kate is headed to New York City for an internship this summer. In the mean time, she came by my studio today with her mother and her two sisters. She digs fashion and big cities, so I think she’ll fit right in when she gets to New York. Good luck out there, and thanks for coming today.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy families and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty-Five

by justin on April 26, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Rachael, founder of Today’s Momma, is bright and cheerful. Her daughter is hilarious. I am smitten by both of them.

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Justin Hackworth Photography. We’re not just making pictures–we’re making history.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty-Four

by justin on April 25, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered why Salt Lake Magazine has been looking so good the past three years or so. You can blame it on Heidi. She’s worked in magazine publishing for quite a while, and for the last three years has been art director for Salt Lake Magazine and Utah Bride and Groom. She knows what she’s doing.

I’m so glad she came with her daughter and her mother. We had a great time talking about magazines, friends we have in common, parenting, and how to restore an old home. Thanks so much for coming.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy families and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty-Three

by justin on April 24, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Kristi’s youngest daughter is a cancer survivor. And Kristi said her oldest daughter survived her sister having cancer. Kristi survived, too and said she has the most beautiful daughters in the world. See for yourself. They drove from Denver through a snow storm to get here. I’m glad they did.

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Justin photographs happy families and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty-Two

by justin on April 22, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

People come to my studio to be photographed. First, I invite them to sit on the sofa and we talk for a bit. I want to know a little more about them. So in comes Camille with her mother, sister, and grandmother. We chat for a while and then go next door to the studio.

I was in the corner getting the right lens and Camille’s grandmother walks over to me, away from the others, and whispers, “This family is crazy!” Well, whether or not that’s true, there’s nothing wrong with that, if you ask me. Crazy people will dance.

Raise the roof, ladies.

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Justin Hackworth photographs crazy or sane families, people dancing or sitting, grandmothers and high schoolers, and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty-One

by justin on April 21, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Marta drove to Provo from Idaho Falls, Idaho to be photographed for the 30 Strangers project. I asked Marty about her name and she told me if she could choose her own name it would be Claire. Marta told me, since she and her mother’s names are similar, at home they call her Mini Mart. I love that. Mini Mart. Cute.

A good story: During our portrait session, Marty got a little teary-eyed and said to her daughter, I’m just realizing how beautiful you are.

Well, you are both beautiful and I’d like to thank you for coming.

Now, meet Marta and Marty.

And they are writers. Read Marta’s blog here and read Marty’s blog here.

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Utah photographer Justin Hackworth loves to photograph happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you. Getting married? We should talk.

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30 Strangers – Day Twenty

by justin on April 21, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

We started walking up the stairs of the parking lot. I thought we’d go up a few floors. On the second level, Jewel said, “Don’t you remember I told you I’m almost 80!”

In my life, I’ve only met two people named Jewel and both of them I’ve met this last week.

I’d like you to meet Jewel, Paula, and Judy, from Fairview, Utah.

By the way, I think Judy looks like the character Jenna on 30 Rock. What do you think?

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Justin Hackworth Photography: We’re not just making pictures, we’re making history.

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30 Strangers – Day Nineteen

by justin on April 19, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Courtney is a nursing student at BYU. Her mother runs marathons and teaches math. Her grandmother keeps everyone in line (cue the cracking whip sound). I’m glad we’re no longer strangers and I had a great time meeting these ladies.

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SIDE NOTE:  Now, from these selected pictures, it would appear that no one smiled or laughed the whole time. Nothing could be further from the truth. Big laughs were had from beginning to end and I have some of those pictures, too. Maybe now would be as good of a time as any to explain my selection process for the images I choose to show on the blog during this project.

First of all, I’m looking through all the images and selecting those that I think are the strongest pictures. For me, that’s the first order of business here. Then I look at which images will be different from those that have been posted in previous days. A few other things go into account. But that’s basically how I pick what to post each day for the 30 Strangers project.

I know that the people in the pictures have a different criteria. They would pick the pictures where they look the cutest, the pictures that show their best side, the ones that are most flattering and the pictures that do the best of showing off their fabulous hair. I think about those things too, but for the blog, I mostly want to put up the most compelling images. Sometimes what I like best and what the subject likes best turn out to be the same. I love it when that happens.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and beautiful events (I’m talking about weddings, there) and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Eighteen

by justin on April 18, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Ann Dee is a great writer and the youngest of nine kids. She came with her mother, Jewel. Jewel grew up in a mortuary, and so that why, Ann Dee said, movies like The Shining are her favorite. These women are hilarious. Before they arrived, Ann Dee wrote to me, “My mom has always been personable and funny. Now she’s extra personable and funny. Be ready.” I don’t know how you get ready for someone like Jewel, but once she shows up, just sit back and enjoy.

Meet Ann Dee and Jewel

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Seventeen

by justin on April 17, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Lindsay made a short trip from Arizona with her mother and daughter to be a part of the 30 Strangers project. To Provo and back in one day. In an email before she came, she told me her daughter would sing me a song if I asked nicely. I can’t believe I forgot to ask. That is something I already regret. Also in the email, Lindsay said, “I love my Mom. I hope I can be as good of a mother as she was to me.”

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Justin Hackworth photographs mothers and daughters and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Sixteen

by justin on April 17, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

In January Wendy moved from Massechusettes to Bountiful, Utah. One difference, she says, is that in Utah people don’t look at her like a crazy person for having such a “huge” family. She has four kids. Three boys and this little angel. Meet Wendy and her daughter.

Read Wendy’s popular design blog here.

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Weddings and portrait photography from Justin Hackworth. We’re not just making pictures. We’re making history.

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30 Strangers – Day Fifteen

by justin on April 17, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

We’re half way through the project and things are going great.

Let me tell you about Veronica. She lives in Texas and thought it would be great to be a part of our 30 Strangers project. So she left a comment on the blog and hoped she’d get picked. But there were lots of people that left a comment and only 30 spots. Sorry to say, she didn’t get picked.

This story has a happy ending, though.

So one day she was reading through all the other comments and noticed that someone named Lauren had left a comment. She wondered if it just happened to be her daughter Lauren. Turns out, it was her daughter, and it turns out that Lauren got picked so Veronica got to be one of the strangers after all. Warms your heart, yes?

Meet Veronica and Lauren.

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Justin Hackworth is a wedding and portrait photographer. He loves his job, he loves to photograph weddings and portraits, he loves to speak in third person on his blog, and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Fourteen

by justin on April 15, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Delightful, funny, and pleasant. Alison and I laughed and laughed. I love to take pictures and all, but when Alison came, I just wanted to keep talking and asking her questions.

And it turns out our two boys love some of the same vocabulary words. The kind you can’t say in church. (Or at least you hope they don’t).

Read Alison’s blog here.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and beautiful events and wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Thirteen

by justin on April 15, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Natalie’s mom said, “When Natalie was young we’d put on her the floor and she’d be so happy when we paid attention to her”. (Natalie, am I telling that accurately?)

Natalie drove from Moscow, Idaho and her mother came from Oregon to be part of the 30 Strangers project. Oh, man, am I glad they did.

Read Natalie’s blog here.

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Justin Hackworth is a wedding and portrait photographer and he wants to photograph you. We’re not just making pictures. We’re making history.

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30 Strangers – Day Twelve

by justin on April 13, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Here’s four generations, all born and raised in Logan, Utah. Ali told me, “our sassiness and spice comes from my grandmother.”

Read Alli’s blog here.

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Justin photographs happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you. We’re not just making pictures, we’re making history.

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Thirty Strangers – Day Eleven

by justin on April 12, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Susan came from Denver to be photographed with her only daughter who is in school at BYU. She told me in an email that she thought the didn’t look anything alike. I don’t know about you, but I can totally see a resemblance. For one thing, they’re both lovely.

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Justin Hackworth is a wedding and portrait photographer and he wants to photograph you. Give me a jingle, I’ll catch you on the jangle.

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30 Strangers – Day Ten

by justin on April 10, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

From Katherine:

When my younger brother was 3 years old he drowned in an accident. I was only five at the time but it affected me and made me the person I am today. My mother’s life was forever changed. She is a fighter and my hero.

Meet Katherine and Frances

Read Katherine’s blog here.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people anywhere on the planet. Interested in portraits like this of the people you love? We should talk.

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30 Strangers – Day Nine

by justin on April 10, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

What I like about Candalyn and her mother is just how much they have to say to each other. It didn’t take long to get them talking and once they did, they were off and running. Oh, and they were easy with the smiles. Oh, and they are such a delight to be around. Thanks for coming, ladies.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Eight

by justin on April 9, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Two things. First of all, Emily, her daughter and her mother all flew in from Denver to be part of the 30 Strangers project. And here’s the fun part. They came to Provo, and her last name is Provost. Get it? Provo–Provost. Neat, huh. And they’ve never been here before so I suggested they eat at Communal, Pizzeria 712, Rooster and Gurus while they are here. I think they went to Communal for lunch.

So that’s a good story and all, but get this. Emily and her mother are fighters. Strong women. Survivors. Her mother has had breast cancer twice, and beat it both times. And Emily has had breast cancer and beat it. Emily’s father, not so fortunate. He died of breast cancer 3 years ago.

In an email to me before she came, Emily wrote, I’m a positive and funny person. Really. So don’t worry about the session being all “cancery cancerton.”

She was right. Positive and funny. And now, meet three of my new favorite people.

Read Emily’s blog here.

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Justin Hackworth loves his job and wants to photograph you. Interested in getting beautiful portraits of the important people in your life? We should talk.

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30 Strangers – Day Seven

by justin on April 9, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Sometimes people aren’t sure what to do when they get their picture taken. You know, how to stand, where to put their hands, where to look, if they should smile.

If they ask me if they should smile, I always say the same thing. I say, if you feel a smile coming on, then smile, but don’t fake a smile.

Now let me tell you about Debbie and her daughters. They are natural smilers. They couldn’t help but smile. Sometimes I would say, not just for a second, don’t smile. That would last a frame or two, but slowly, slowly, a gorgeous grin would creep back on their face.

Pure joy. These girls are cheerful. That’s all there is to it.

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Want pictures like this for you and the people you love? We should talk.

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30 Strangers – Day Six

by justin on April 7, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Kalli and Connie are from Wyoming. I wish so bad I could tell you the joke Kalli told me about a horse, but you really need to hear it. It won’t do any good to write it out. Just trust me. It was hilarious.

Read Kalli’s blog here.

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Justin photographs happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Five

by justin on April 6, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Jennifer flew in from Houston and her mom came from Cedar City. About half way through our photo session, Jennifer said, “My mom doesn’t even know why we’re here. Isn’t that great that she’d come, anyway.” Yes it is.

When we were finished, Jennifer sang me an Ingrid Michaelson song. Now that’s a pretty good way to spend an afternoon. Taking pictures and listening to great music.

Read Jennifer’s blog here.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and beautiful events and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day Four

by justin on April 5, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

He was in the Air Force. She worked in his office. They went to the same dance one Friday night. He asked her on a date. She said, “I wouldn’t date you if you were the last man on earth.” They’ve been married for 56 years.

Here’s Pat with her daughter and grand-daughter.

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Justin Hackworth photographs happy people and he wants to photograph you. Getting married? Hot diggity, you’re in luck. We photograph weddings, too.

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My Inspiration for the 30 Strangers Project

by justin on April 5, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Here’s how it began. I had been wanting some kind of a project. Something that would make me a better photographer. Lots of ideas starting swimming around my head and not very many of them were any good or very practical. I mean, come on. Where was I going to get a life-size chicken costume?

I’d worked on photography projects before, including a huge 5 year project where I took a self portrait every single day. Never missed. And it was all shot on film and collected in binders. It marked my days as a single guy, included my marriage to Amy, and the birth of our first child. Good days, indeed. And I have a record of every single one of them.

So when I saw Bill Wadman’s 365 Portrait project, I realized what a huge undertaking it was for him to make a portrait a day for an entire year. That got me thinking about what I could do and I came up with the idea of making a portrait a day for 30 days of total strangers. 30 portraits in 30 days of 30 people I had never met before. So there you go. The idea came from Bill Wadman and his remarkable 365 Portrait project.

Check it out here.

Because the seed of this project came from Bill, I thought it would be great to interview him while I’m doing the 30 Strangers project again and ask him about his own process, his reason for doing it, what he learned, and other such things. He graciously agreed. And so, here is an interview, conducted via email with Bill Wadman. My thanks to him.

AN INTERVIEW WITH BILL WADMAN

In your description of the project, you say “Some will be in the studio, some will be in the wild. Hopefully they will all be interesting.” How do you think you did on that last part? Do you think they are all interesting?

Overall I was extremely happy with how the whole thing came out.  I don’t think I repeated myself very much which was really the point.  Plus it was all about experimentation, so you’re going to have a few days where you think, “ok, that’s not the best work I’ve ever done, but there’s always tomorrow”   But you also can’t guarantee perfection.  I tended to think of the whole project as a marathon.

Who are the people you photographed?
Can you talk about little bit about how you managed the project? How you got people to be a part of it. How many of them were friends or people you saw on a daily basis. How far in advance did you line everyone up? That sort of thing.

Most of the people were strangers to me, probably about 90% or so. Over the course of the year I shot a good number of my friends and family, but certainly not all of them, but ones I thought would interesting to shoot.  Except for the first week it wasn’t for lack of volunteers.  I was getting an average of around 10,000 unique visitors a day, and between them and their friends they suggested I had plenty of people.  I’d estimate that I had well over 1000 volunteers over the course of the year, so 3+ people or so for each day of the year.  Some were lined up months in advance, some just hours.  Once I selected people I’d have them look at a public google calendar I had up and pick a day, which I’d then pencil them in for.  And then a couple days before I’d email them to schedule specifics.  There were late cancellations and other challenges, but I always seemed to make it work in the end.

You also said on your site when you invite people to be a part of it, “If you don’t get a response, please understand the nightmare which is trying to schedule this thing and shoot and process and post everyday.” I’d like to know more about that.

Well, there was the shooting and editing and posting each day, all while scheduling for the future, so I couldn’t take the time to write back to each and every person saying “sorry, I didn’t pick you”  It was more a matter of people putting their name in a hat which I pulled from.  Sometimes people wrote me earlier in the year and I didn’t get around to setting up a shoot for months.

Why did you do this?

Why did I do the whole project? It was a challenge.  And it gave me an excuse to practice taking portraits. A whole lot of portraits.

For me, one of the most compelling things about 365 Portraits is that each one seems so fresh and interesting. Did you ever feel like things were getting stale?

Yes, but sometimes it was more the commenters who had those opinions. I remember a bit comment fight about an image in early march. You can read them here:  http://www.365portraits.com/index.php?date=0406 So the next day, I purposely picked a picture that wasn’t traditionally flattering. Thought the subject ended up loving it after looking at it a few times.  As I went along though, I realized that I couldn’t worry about what people thought.  I was shooting for me, not them.

In what ways did working on this personal project effect the kinds of work you do for paying clients?

Personal projects are where you get to experiment and try new things. This stuff often trickles down into your more conservative client work.  I did a project called drabbles (http://www.billwadman.com/drabbles/) recently and took pictures I never have taken before.  But now I’m excited to get some work making pictures that are a bit more fantastical. I think that if you want to not become a stuck artist, you’ve got to try new things, especially when there’s no client or boss to tell you ‘no’

Your project is truly monumental. What kinds of things did you feel on the last day? Happy it was finished? Sad to see it end? Or what kinds of things were you thinking about?

The last day was very satisfying and fairly sad.  It was only year, but it felt like I had taken the first picture I lifetime ago.  Though not shooting and posting every single day makes me feel like I’m not doing enough with each day.. so I feel a little guilty sometimes.  But doing a project like that it so consuming that you’ll burn out if you don’t take time away between them.  Plus with portraits, it’s not just about taking pictures each day, it’s about dealing with new people all the time and the logistics of all of it were in some ways the toughest part.

What did this project do for you (personally or professionally) that wouldn’t have happened without it?

Oh I’m sure I wouldn’t be a photographer if it weren’t for the project.  I wasn’t before I started.  It was just a hobby.  Plus it gave me so much work for my portfolio that I started getting magazine shoots and the rest.  It was the catalyst for my whole career up til now.


I don’t even remember how I first heard about 365 Portraits, but what things did you do (if any) to promote it? Did you actively promote it, or did you just let it grow organically by word of mouth?

I didn’t do too much to promote it.  I did write one craigslist post in the first week looking for subjects, but didn’t have to do anything after that.  People started noticing and I ended up getting interviewed by a bunch of people, and it was chosen as Yahoo’s site of the day and that kind of thing. There’s a natural cycle to publicity like that where some gets you more.  Though mostly I was worried about taking the pictures, the rest was an afterthought.

I’m sure you’ve been interviewed a lot and asked questions about your project. Are there any questions you wished someone would ask and no one ever did?

Yes, “Was it fun?”   And the answer is “Yes, terribly fun.”

Image by Bill Wadman

Image by Bill Wadman

Image by Bill Wadman

Image by Bill Wadman

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30 Strangers – Day Three

by justin on April 4, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

As you may know, 30 Strangers is not only a portrait project, but also a fund-raiser for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis. Instead of paying me a session fee, participants in this project make a donation to the women’s shelter here in town. What they do at the crisis center is both is remarkable and essential. Before Jodi came to be photographed for day three of the project, here’s what she said in an email to me:

Crisis Centers have a special, close place in my heart. 11 years ago, I was forced to spend a couple of days in a Crisis center in Arizona with my young son. I will never forget the kindness and protectiveness they showed me in a time in my life that i was frightened,  far away from family and those that love me, and I needed help. The crisis center opened their doors to me and extended a helping hand & a tenderness that I will never forget.

And now, Jodi and her family.

Read Jodi’s blog here.

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30 Strangers – Day Two

by justin on April 3, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

It’s good to laugh. So you’d be doing yourself a favor to meet Jessica and Amilyn. Jessica’s a social worker in L.A. and Amilyn buys and sells houses in Utah. They look alike, they get along, and they will charm the socks right off you.

And now, day two, Amilyn and Jessica. Thanks for coming, ladies.

Read Jessica’s blog here.

…..

Justin Hackworth photographs real estate agents, social workers, curly haired girls, and he wants to photograph you.

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30 Strangers – Day One

by justin on April 1, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Six years ago, on April 1st, Jenn’s 9 month old baby passed away. Since then, the family finds something meaningful to do every year on this day to remember little Lillian. They go to the grave site and they also donate blankets to the hospital. This year, in addition to those things, Jenn was selected to be one of the 30 Strangers and asked if she could come on April 1st. She wanted to be photographed with her other daughter as a tribute to the one they lost. I was so happy to be able to accommodate that request.

So now, here we go. The 30 Strangers has begun and we’ve started with a powerful and touching story to kick the whole thing off. Be sure and come back to the blog every day, as I’ll be posting a few selected images from each session.

This is day one. Enjoy.

…..

Justin photographs happy people and beautiful events. Getting married? We should talk. Getting married in Greece or Italy? My passport is current. Just saying…

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30 Strangers is about to begin

by justin on March 31, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Tomorrow we begin the 30 Strangers portrait project and fund-raiser. I’m so excited.

Over the next 30 days I’ll photograph people I’ve never met before. Strangers. Every day in April I get to meet someone new and make a portrait of them with someone they love. I just can’t say enough how much I love my job.

I’ll be making updates on the blog as the project moves along.

And now, a quote from Peter London’s book, No More Secondhand Art:
The greatness of a poem or painting in not that it portrays the thing observed or experienced, but that it portrays the artist’s or the poet’s vision cued off by his encounter with the reality. Hence the poem or the painting is unique, original, never to be duplicated.

Good things are about to happen.

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30 Strangers 2010 – Sign up now!

by justin on March 2, 2010

in 30 Strangers-2010

Here we go! Announcing year three of the 30 Strangers Portrait Project and fund raiser. Once again, we’ll be doing portraits of mothers and daughters and collecting donations to the Center for Women and Children in Crisis.

Last year, it was first come, first served. This year, all you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post and we’ll be selecting people at random. You have until March 5, 2010, at midnight. If you are selected you must respond to my email within two days.

Please, please, read the following info before you leave a comment. We want to make sure you have all the details (which is to say, we want to make sure you know the parameters of the project) and that you have all the info you’ll need. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

What is 30 Strangers?
A Justin Hackworth Photography project. It works like this. For the entire month of April 2010 I will make a portrait of a mother and daughter every day. 30 portraits – 30 days.

Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! How do I get picked?
Hold on, tiger. I’d love to pick you so please leave a comment on this blog post and we’ll randomly select you. Keep in mind, there are some guidelines. Please read carefully.

It’s not called 30 Strangers for nothing. To participate, you and I must have never met.

Also, we’re looking for people that are age 6 to 108. Why not under the age of 6? Too fidgety. Why not over 108? There are some stairs to my office.

When you leave a comment on the blog, be sure to include your email address. Don’t worry. Your email won’t show up for all to see, but I’ll be able to see it and get a hold of you if (when!) you are selected. All portrait sessions will take place at 4:00pm each day. Remember, this is for April 2010. When you arrive, I’ll ask that you sign a model release (pretty standard stuff). In your blog comment, if you’d like to mention 3 days that will work best for you, that will really help me out.

Although we’ll be strangers when I photograph you, I certainly hope we don’t remain that way. Part of what makes this project great is the people I get to know.

Now, those are the essential details so feel free to post your comment. And if you’re dying to know more, keep reading.

What do I get out of it?
I’m glad you asked. You’ll be part of this historic project and donating to a good cause. You’ll experience an artistic, professional portrait session with the most important people in your life. I’ll create something personal and unique that will become more important to you over time.

Each session will receive one signed 8×10 fine art print and further prints will be available for purchase.

What’s this about donations to a worthy cause?
Great question. The thing you should know about the 30 Strangers project is that the $250 session fee is waived. Instead, we’ll be collecting a $45 donation per session for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, in Provo.

Can I see what you’ve done in the past?
Go here to see portraits from 30 Strangers 2009, and here for 30 Strangers 2008. And here’s where you can see more of my portrait work.

What type of person are you looking for?
A mother and daughter combination. What would be even better than that would be a grandmother, mother and daughter. What would be even better than that would be a great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, daughter. What would be even better than that would be any of those groups I just mentioned, but when they came to the studio, they brought me a pie or a Henry Wienhard’s vanilla creme soda.

I’m going to take my time and think about whether or not I want to participate.
Well, that’s up to you, but last year I filled all 30 spots in under 2 hours. This year, you have until March 5 at midnight to leave a comment on the blog. Participants will be randomly selected from those that leave a comment.

Where will the photographs be taken?
My studio in Provo, Utah.

Can I include more than one of my daughters?
You’re welcome to bring them and if there is time, we can photograph you all together. For this project, however, I am looking for one person from each generation. That is the focus of the project and I can’t guarantee that we’ll have time for anything beyond that. (But we’ll probably have time, and come on, what am I going to do, turn away your other two daughters? Look at them. All dressed up and that one is wearing make up. She never wears make up.)

How long do the portrait sessions last?
Usually about 1 hour. Sometimes less, sometimes a little more.

Why are you doing this?
There’s something about a project with structure and tight parameters that fuels the creation of an expressive body of work, in this case, exploring the relationship between mothers and daughters. I love being a portrait photographer. Making images that move people and offer a sense of the subject’s personality is deeply fulfilling.

I’m also looking forward to raising money and awareness for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, an organization founded on protecting these vital relationships.

I can’t wait to see who walks through the door and the images we’ll make. This is my third year doing the 30 Strangers project and I have been looking forward to this ever since we finished last year’s project.

When can I see the photographs from my session?
In the studio, one to two weeks after your session. We’ll schedule an appointment and together we’ll view your images. Each session will recieve one signed 8×10 print and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase additional prints. I’ll also update the blog daily with favorites.

I wish you were doing a cool photography project related to weddings.
We are! It’s called Love’s First Year and you can read about it here.

I am extremely beautiful. Will you be intimidated by my good looks?
Probably not. I’m married to a very beautiful girl, so I’m used to being around lovely people.

Do you like cheese?
Well sure–who doesn’t, but what does that have to do with this project?

Do these pants make me look fat?
Are you kidding me? You look fabulous! I wish I had a picture of you.

Do you think it’s funny when a lot of clowns get out of a tiny car all at once?
Ok, enough with the questions. Just leave a comment on this blog post if you want to be a part of 30 Strangers.

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