Sarasota Farmer’s Market, Guacamole
“Can I make a picture with you?”
— Dawoud Bey
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At first glance this might seem to be an example of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s decisive moment. Truth is, there were three, only the final one being decisive.
Moment #1: I was about to photograph the woman selling guacamole when the cardboard cartons behind her moved. The top carton lifted and suddenly there was a very startled little boy whose jaw dropped when I photographed him. The top box rapidly descended, and the boy disappeared.
Moment #2: The top box lifted again, the boy looked at me and gave shy smile when our eyes met. Once again, it descended.
Moment #3: I waited. It seemed as if we were in a hide and seek game. The top box came up slowly. He saw me and with a broad smile flashed a V sign. Just then, the woman looked up and I took this photo.
Dawoud Bey had a novel way of taking portraits. He would ask his subjects: “Can I make a picture with you?” They would collaborate, he would get his portrait and they would get a Polaroid print. He didn’t shoot a photo, or capture a photo, or even take a photo. He considered these aggressive terms.
The boy and I entered an unspoken collaboration which resulted in this image. I helped relieve his boredom and he gave me an image. I didn’t ask permission to photograph him, it was part of our game.
PS – The stall does not sell nasty Guacamole; their brand is Dynasty Guacamole. Oops.
