Tourist as Subject

During my last trip to Italy, which I am in full remembrance of since it was exactly a year ago, I quickly grew tired of photographing the sites in the same way they have most likely been photographed millions of times. Don’t get me wrong, I loved creating photos of the beauty of Florence and Rome. I couldn’t pass up creating photographs of things like the Duomo and the Arno; they are magical, historic, and beautiful. Yet, on one of my last days in Italy, I entered the Pantheon, and as I stepped gingerly into the sea of people from all over the world, I realized there was something more to see and capture. I wanted to create something different, something we don’t usually focus on when we are traveling. These were the tourists who, like me, were seeing these majestic pieces of history for the first time.

After I made my way around the inside of this stunning space, creating detailed impressions of what I saw as interesting and beautiful, I turned my lens to my fellow explorers. It brought an immediate smile to my face to witness how people reacted to and within this incredible place. I was enthralled to see each individual reaction emerge over the many faces in front of my lens, as well as how complete strangers maneuvered and danced around one another. They were sweet, endearing, and, at times, delightfully childlike in their vulnerability. I couldn't help but notice that I experienced some of these same emotions.

This was our common humanity coming to the surface. My desire to see others for the beautiful, authentic humans we are was satisfied in my exploration. I found so many interesting elements, not only in the main subject, but also in what was happening around them. I continued documenting these moments as I traveled the next two days around Rome.

I look forward to more opportunities to continue this new photographic journey. I hope these bring a little smile or recognition of the sameness we all share.