Ball Play
June - December 2002 - A project on the streets of London, New York and Escanaba, Michigan

Cast:  170 strangers, 1 Red Ball
Locations:  London, New York, Escanaba, Michigan.

Over a period of six months, I approached people in the street and asked them if I might photograph them, holding a large red ball. My request was more unusual but less personal than simply asking if I might take their photograph. To simplify the encounter, I used a disposable camera. I approached people at random but probably still tried to choose individuals who I thought would respond positively to my request. I found that approaching people in pairs or groups was less confrontational than approaching single individuals. Pairs could discuss between them the merits of the idea rather than having to debate it with me, a complete stranger. Tourists, policemen and people with children usually said yes. More...

© 2010 Ann-Marie LeQuesne