As a young women, i fear to do such things even though i would love to and hope to one day. Do you feel that you are putting your safety at risk when doing so? Also how do you strike up a conversation with someone showing interest in photographing them without making them feel embaressed of their situation or angry.

Honestly, I felt more at risk walking through Detroit than I did in John's apartment. Some with schizophrenia can be volatile and become violent without warning, but I got to know him a little and saw him around a lot first. You have to evaluate your own risks. Of course, as a young woman, your risk may be a little higher, but I've seen young women do some fearless work and come out fine. One in specific was a young white woman who did a series of documentaries in a predominantly black ghetto neighbourhood in a major US city. I think it may have been New York or Philly... I'll try and find her name. She did amazing work and managed the risk. You need to evaluate your own situations, though. It's okay to be uncomfortable, but it's not okay to be stupid. Always be ready.

As for showing interest in photographing a person and getting them to open up, you just need to spend time with them. Keep your camera in the bag for a while. Chat about their life, get to know them, show them that you're not a threat. Some will go for the photo right away, others may take a couple weeks of stopping by to say hello before they get comfortable. That's a good way to approach long-term projects too. You need to become accepted by them. Be part of their community, but live on the fringe.

I hope that helps...

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Yeah that's great, I have an upcoming project that I'm working on and I will be out of my element. Thanks for the advice. I think that will work well.

The photographer's name is Brenda Ann Kenneally [link]

She's done some fantastic work.

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Wow, yeah she's really great, she reminds me a little bit like the photographer that goes by the name boogie. He's pretty much made it big, but her stuff seems even more on the edge. You should check him out, you probably know of him already though.

Never heard of him. I just checked out his piece for Time on Bushwick. Really good stuff. Thanks for letting me know. It's nice to see that style of work being purchased by major publications.

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