I Don't Know You, But I like You

I’m not big on taking photos of myself—I already know what I look like. Rather I’m interested in capturing other people’s images, people I don’t even know. Having never met them nor being privy to their unique expressions or tendencies I enjoy picking out novel subjects or situations. I find some humorous, others capture joy, sorrow, strength, or feelings of freedom. From the way we carry ourselves to the clothes we wear, the occupations we hold or how “beautiful” we may or may not be; come as you are, because that’s what I like about you.

The following is a collection of photos I’ve gathered from various places, though mostly Europe. I call the album, “I don’t know you, but I like you.” Sometimes I ask permission to take the picture, other times I’m able to snap a shot in a moment of spontaneity and can later refer back and spend as much time as I like pouring over facial expressions or imagining the dynamics of the people therein.

Those who know me are aware I spent 10 months in Slovakia, where I was scratching my heritage-seeking itch and delving into my fascination with hearty, elderly Slovaks. Anyone who has spent ten minutes with me also knows that I get the biggest kick out of kids. In a few of these pictures I find that admirable bluntness, goodness, and for lack of a better word—cuteness—manifested. Finally, sometimes you just catch a glimmer in a person’s eye, or a certain something in his swagger.

I like people, and can accurately be classified an extrovert. Sometimes however, instead of being in the thick of conversation or interaction I draw my energy from being a few spaces removed. Just watching, appreciating humans.

I might not know you either, but I hope you can see what I like about these people.