Busses, Subways, & Trains From NY to Philly by Larry Baumhor
Busses, Subways, & Trains
From NY to Philly
by Larry Baumhor
(photos copyrighted by Larry Baumhor, 2019)
(One left click will enlarge photos)
From 2014 through 2019 I shot photographs on busses, subways, and trains, from NY to Philly, mostly of people but also other interests that caught my eye. I enjoy the process. Although there is not much comradery, there is a connection I feel to humanity, just being together. I’m a street urchin when it comes to watching human behavior. I like it. I like the structure of people’s faces, their gesticulations, their varied expressions, their candidness, their subconscious movements, their aesthetic appeal, their attitudes both verbal and nonverbal. I like the array of the colors of their skin, the varying shades of skin tones, their clothes. I’m a voyeur. I like to watch what they’re doing. Are they reading, knitting, talking, skittish or stiff, are they happy, angry, sad, or friendly? I’m an observer of humanity, not that I like humanity. I like to observe them. In some ways this is creepy. In other ways it’s fascinating. And I’m there to capture it all. However, this is not for the faint of heart. People often get angry with me for taking their photos. I’m not using an iPhone; I have a Sony camera hanging from a strap around my neck. I often look through the viewfinder and snap.
“You have no right to take my picture, they say.” I’m sorry. I’m working on a project of people taking transportation. My name is Larry. Here is my card. “You must have my permission,” they respond. I’m sorry, I won’t take your photo. I’m allowed to take photos of people in public places which is protected by the first amendment. “Oh no, you’re not.” I try not to get too argumentative. Depending on how bad the argument is and how tough the person looks, I’ll always stop taking photos of them but often continue with other people. I’ve had people scream at me, threaten to call the police and try to grab my camera. “You’re being filmed.” I know, responding proudly. The bus drivers never say anything. Although one time the ticket collectors on NJ Transit informed me to stop, that I’m not allowed to take photos on the train. For some reason that is their policy. I’ll stop until the next ride.
I told my friend that one day I’m going to come home with a broken jaw or/and a black eye. But so far, I’ve been able to defuse the tension. Luckily for me, I can talk a bunch of nonsense and defuse a volatile situation. I must say I’m charming and have the gift of gab. This helps. I certainly don’t want to get shot taking someone’s photo. Every photoshoot, I expect and often receive conflict. I don’t like it, but it’s part of the process. Sometimes, but not often I will ask a person if I can take their photo. Occasionally, people will say upfront, “don’t take my picture.” People will ask If I can shoot their kids sweet sixteen, dance recital, or candid shots. Sure, and I give them my card, but they never contact me. There is always a picture to be had, but I’m looking for earthshattering photos that just don’t happen as often as I like. Except of course when I don’t have my camera. Oh, shit I wish I had my camera, I say.
New York Subways
It's Like a Jungle Sometimes by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
New York Penn Station
58 Bus, Philadelphia, PA
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Army veteran who is blind in one eye
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58 bus at the Frankford Terminal, Philadelphia, PA
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58 bus stop, Bustleton Ave & Bleigh Ave
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58 bus stop, Bustleton Ave & Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA
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59 Bus, Arrott Transportation Center, Philadelphia, PA
59 Bus, Philadelphia, PA
Elsie singing on 59 Bus, Philadelphia, PA – Part A
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon
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59 bus driver is outside in the back, reposting poles on the electrical wires
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Elsie on the 59 bus, Philadelphia, PA
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70 Bus, Philadelphia, PA
El/Subway, Philadelphia, PA
Downtown Train by Tom Waits
New Jersey Trenton Transit, Train
Me & Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin
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| Woman having a seizure on the train |
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| Paramedics attending to the woman with the seizure |
On The Road Again by Willie Nelson
– ADDENDUM –
New York Penn Station
58 Bus, Philadelphia, PA
59 Bus, Arrott Station Terminal, Philadelphia, PA
59 Bus, Philadelphia, PA
El/Subway, Philadelphia, PA
Septa Train Booth, Torresdale Station, Philadelphia, PA
Septa Train Booth, Torresdale Station, Philadelphia, PA
New Jersey Trenton Transit Train
New Jersey Trenton Transit Train from window
New York Subway
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"Looking at these pictures makes me never want to take public transportation, or actually never want leave my house again! No wonder everybody wants to stay home these days. Yikes! Too weird. Why take pictures of these clowns. Leave them alone.”
ReplyDeleteHow dare you call the people I photograph clowns. Obviously, you have anger issues and are a misanthrope. I feel pride in who I photograph. It’s a moment frozen in time with sensitivity, passion, and candidness. I respect and feel a bond with my subjects. The only clown is you; the angry clown!
DeleteYour transportation photos are terrific. I know how tough it is to shoot when it is not always clear that people are ok with it. I almost never ask permission because that produces a different result. My younger son calls me a stalker.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good work.
This are fantastic! My experience on public transportation, both in NYC and in Philadelphia, has always been better than watching films- because I am participating! It makes me think what amazing stories I could tell along with your photos- for me, my experience equals that of my experience traveling the world - and I am thrilled you caught it in pictures! Love you for ever!
ReplyDeleteI always liked these photographs. They’re great.
ReplyDeleteDeserving of a book and exhibition.
Great series of photographs!
ReplyDeleteThere's a story behind every photograph.