It was early November, a day I can’t remember. I was on my way home when I noticed small groups of goths heading in the same direction. Instead of following me, I followed them.
The goths were all heading to a dance hall on the corner of 149th and Grand Concourse. I stopped outside and watched the procession, hoping to get more information. Asking no questions, I got none. I decided to run home and come back with my camera.
When I returned I stayed outside hoping to see a friendly face that I could invite to pose for a photo. I saw none. Even though I was hanging around staring at everyone, I was largely ignored.
I didn’t have the nerve to snap an unsolicited photo on the street but I wrestled with the idea. Finally I snapped one of a patron who seemed to have had too much to drink as she went to get in a car. I hid while I snapped – taking 3 pictures, only one which was worth anything. If this was how it was going to be I was going to have a long night. I gathered my courage and decided to go into the dance hall.
Inside, no one paid me much mind. Though not dressed for the ball, there was a culture of acceptance. There was an open bar but I decided against it. I wanted to be lucid and quick in taking my photos. I waited around twenty minutes before I took my first shot inside.
At first I took sneaky photos. After a while I just took candid shots. And after that I got a few people to pose for me. The goths didn’t mind, no matter how bizarre they looked. This was a younger crowd on average than the Home Sweet Home crowd. There was more variation in dress too. They were a bit more expressive. And differences in sexual expression were not an issue.
Yaphet,
You did it! I think your images are interesting. I especially like the one of the man with the painted white face all clad in leather…very goth! The pictures you took are of a very open and expressive community. I look forward to more images…
Great job Yaphet. I like all the photos. Were you able to get anyone’s information? Taking pictures of a younger crowd, like you mentioned, might be easier and allow you access to more events and parties.
As you worked your courage up, it seems as if your subjects responded in kind. Their gestures are larger and bolder. I especially like the picture with the person in pink stripes strutting in front of your face. My sense is that given the chance, these people will perform for you and let you in. Just a photographic suggestion, eliminate all that extra ceiling space because it dwarfs your subjects and doesn’t add anything to the picture.
I agree; it seems that the people you approached were happy to pose for you. And you did catch them in some active, uncalculated moments. I wonder what other work have you been doing; these photos would be great next to other images that show another aspect of their culture’s life.