Street People

This odyssey began on a hot summer afternoon in 1966 when as youthful and green Ottawa newspaper shooter I visited the Ottawa Mission for Men. Rudi Wolf, the chief photographer, suggested I give this a try on my day off, not for the newspaper. I was truly scared – fully expecting hostility and rejection. I mean just imagine a kid photographer asking to shoot photos showing them as trashy ‘wino bums’…no way!

How totally wrong I was!!! They actually offered to help me, asked if I’d like a coffee, join them for lunch, showed me around, made introductions, were more than pleased to be photographed. These were proud people and my photos captured them just as they were without any pretense… open and honest. This profound experience taught me a core value… if I was also unpretentious, humble, friendly and honest I would not be perceived as a threat and barred doors might just open.

Meet these fascinating quirky characters and expect a lot more in a few months time along with their interesting stories. This is the launch of major project to result in an exhibition of 50-60 b&w portraits and hopefully a hardcover book.

These folks are proud, resilient, often witty and  very approachable.  They’re not at all shy about having their portraits done and in fact feel complimented … I’ll bet you a roll of film you’d not have expected this eh?

I always shoot handheld with a Nikon F5, Delta 100 at ISO 150, a tack sharp Tamron 70-200 2.8 and process in ID-11 (1:1 for 11 minutes). There’s no posing or fussing around, just as they are, honest and straightforward journalistic portraits.

For me at least there’s is a certain recognizable sense of realty with a solid b&w film image. While a fan of digital I find it just too easy, too much built in computer ‘fix-it’ and current trends have reduced the credibility of digital photography. Film tends to be more interpretive with truly technical excellence and superb visual power. I have a personal reverence for a silver based physical image… so there!

If you’d ever considered mentoring I’d be very happy to talk with you. It’s an open ended online relationship, no obligation to have a talk eh?

• This project would not be possible without the generous support from Chris O’Gorman and Caroline Cox from The Shepherds of Good Hope, City of Ottawa counselor Catherine McKenney and Hayley Ohlig of Amplis Foto for the Delta 100 film and Ilford chemistry.
• Up close and personal with street people is unencumbered for me because they are aware my photography is for the sole purpose of getting them support and all profit from the sale of books will go to the Shepherds budget…not a single penny in my pocket. I give them a Tim’s chip for a coffee and a couple of donuts
• A word of caution. While the clients are generally open and friendly, this can dramatically change if you don’t have their permission.

About the Author

Crombie McNeill – My career spans 40 years with credits in National Geographic, Time, Newsweek. Maclean’s, Chatelaine, Stern, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, Financial Post, Paris Match, ELLE… and lots more!

crombiemcneill.photo@sympatioc.ca