Lessons

Yesterday I overheard a couple of teenagers at the drugstore. They were behind me in a virtually still line.

"Dude, that'll make you puke!"

"I know. That's why we have to do it outside."

I stood there, wondering exactly what they were talking about, wishing I'd thought to listen to the part before the puke. I turned around and looked at them, friendly-like. I noticed the kid immediately behind me was buying a box of Gravol. Curiouser and curiouser.

And, because I'm nosy, I asked.

I chuckled and said, "I'm dying to know what came before the Dude, that'll make you make you puke..."

He looked mildly uncomfortable but not really (god, I'm a wrinklie buying diapers now, not a peer), and said, "Oohh, just a drinking game."

I was mildly disappointed. Seems teenagers today are doing the exact same stuff I did when I was a teenager. I was expecting something weird involving prescription drugs and alcohol and rituals under the moon. (Oh... that is still like my teenage behaviour.) Then again, maybe he just said whatever he thought would get the wrinklie to stop talking to him.

* * *

I've been noticing that there are some really interesting characters hanging out downtown in the afternoon. And the other day, I noticed some interesting teenagers smoking outside a local drop-in for at-risk teens. Yesterday, I decided to try people shooting. Which is not so violent as it sounds, but it WAS scary as hell, and really stretched my comfort zone, especially with little Swee'pea in the stroller in front of me.

Still, I learned a lot.

Lesson 1: I've been noticing strangers smile at me a lot as we pass each other on the street. Even more than the usual what a cute baby smiles, which mostly come from other women or older men. No, lately, even young men have been smiling at me. It's been very confusing. Then yesterday I figured out why.

He's funny looking. They're laughing that his mama dresses him funny. Is it cruel for me to take him out looking like this? The thing is, this suit is the warmest and biggest of the four snowsuits we have. That's why I dress him in it. But I can't explain that to every passerby.

Lesson 2: Most people notice you taking their picture, but they don't quite have enough hubris to really believe that you're actually taking a picture of them. Mostly they look curiously at you but don't say anything.

Sometimes they even smile.

I wish I'd gotten closer for this one, but from where I was I couldn't tell if they were smiling or sneering angrily.

Lesson 3: Cocky teenagers will not hesitate to demand what the hell you're doing. This makes my mouth go dry and my hands shake.

Closely related Lesson 4: Do not try to take surreptitious pictures in a mall, even if it looks brightly lit. The flash will fire and people will notice.

The guy on the left demanded, "What are you doing taking our picture without our permission?" My mouth went dry and my hands started to shake. "I can delete it if you want. It's just for fun..." Another of the guys piped up, "Aw, he's just kidding." And they went back to whatever they were doing. My knees shimmied a little as I walked away.

I think I'm happiest with this candid shot. Clearly badasses. ;)

Other people get immediately suspicious and angry whenever a camera is pointed in their general direction, even if I'm trying to look like I'm shooting other stuff.

Also, pictures of people walking towards or by you are not interesting shots. It's generally not worth it. Better to go after people just sitting or standing or whatever. I can't help but suspect these people are criminals or deadbeat daddies or something, imagining that I'm gonna shop them to the police or their exes or something. (Shit. Does that make me a judgmental asshole?)

Looking in a jewellry store window. He spent a fair amount of time looking in the window. He would start to move away, then move back again, as if he couldn't resist.

It was until I got home that I noticed the couple in the background just about to kiss.

Next time I'm gonna try just shooting from my chest instead of bringing the camera up to my eye.

Still and all... my favourite shots from yesterday still don't involve people.