Pictures of Laos

I just posted some pictures on my photography site. I didn't get as many as I wanted but it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. People were really shy and I felt a little like a freak-show. It's hard to break down the barrier and convince people that you are a nice, normal person and that you are just as fascinated by them, and can I please take your picture to document how beautiful and interesting you are?

It helped that I could talk to moms with kids and tell them that I was a mom too and had two little boys. Making any kind of connection helped to break down the big wall of anxiety/wonder/mistrust and I was able to get a few really good shots.

This is my very favorite one:



I kind of cried when I saw it on my laptop for the first time. It probably means a lot more to me than anyone else because it took so much work to get that picture. And more than that, I think it's the first time that I've really captured part of someone's spirit. I love how he's looking at me, with resolve not to be afraid.

More here.