Un-Incorporated Orlando: Pets

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[column]I need to step up this project. I've got 4 images and about 45 days to get 54 more. It's a hard neighborhood to get a story out of. It's not simple. I have learned two things.

1) While most everyone is initially distrustful of strangers with cameras these neighborhoods feel so hard! That being said, a few minutes of talking smooths most things over.

The biggest success is that I have finally realized that it's not my camera that people are distrustful of. Its ME with my camera. I'm a stranger. I look the part. I'm wondering around looking all over the place for a photograph. No one else is doing that. So "Who the f*ck are you?" is kind of a valid question.

2) Pets are an easy way to meet anyone. You want to talk to someone, ask them about their puppy, compliment them on their cats. Pets are an extension of our selves. If I'm nice to your pet, your going to feel a little safer with me.

More to come in the days ahead.[/column][/col-sect]

60 images in 60 Days: Un-Incorperated Orlando

[col-sect][column]If you grew up in any size city in the US you eventually discovered that there were parts of town that where technically not part of the town. America cities grow in funny ways and sometimes they end up not being allowed to absorb every acer with in their borders. Some times you wouldn't know unless you lived there. Other times they become the "problem areas."[/column]

[column]There are several areas in Orlando that have become crime magnets or pools because they only fall under County jurisdiction. Some of these neighborhoods have only had street lights and storm drains for a little over 10 years. Some of them still have unpaved roads.

Over the next 60 days I'll be working on an essay discussing these issues, their cause and the implications for the people living in these communities. My goal is to publish 60 images with in those 60 days.[/column][/col-sect]