Lars Michael Sørensen: Stare in the face of life as if you mean it

Know the saying: If you’re pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough?

I’m not so sure. If distance was the only requirement, I would be making some world class photos.

I like to get in close.

Some say the camera help them make sense of the world. Me too. But to me, it’s more basic.

I just like to stare at people.

Most of the time, you can’t really do that. We’re taught not to stare at people, as soon as we’ve learned to walk. It is not socially acceptable to stare. But with a camera, you’re allowed.

So, I stare. With a camera.

It happens the staring becomes mutual. I’m okay with that. Click and capture. You’ll soon find out if you’re invited in or not. If not, move on. Plenty of things to be photographed. Just nod, smile and move on.

Now and then, awkwardness. We see each other. We smile, maybe have a laugh. “Are you really taking pictures of me? Surely, I’m not that interesting?”

Oh yes, you are. I will hang around all day and stare at you, through my viewfinder. Look at how you navigate through this space. If you let me.

But mostly, I’m just ignored. And that’s fine too.