THE JEWEL OF DOWNTOWN
The streets of downtown show the history, art, and neighbors. The streets are filled with inspiration from artists who fill the streets with murals that encapsulate the hope that these neighbors have to make the streets safe again. The younger civilians bring life to the streets when they’re out enjoying some time at the park or going for a walk while the sun is up. The welcoming neighbors and the beautiful art make this the jewel of downtown.
About Author
You have such a good idea. Rational.
And you covered this in the most traditional way: just walking around.
BUT, you needed to be there in the right light. Looks like you got there in the late afternoon and did your best. BUT the problem is that almost all of it is shot at the end of the day when the light is really bad… all in shadow. That just doesn’t “work.” It makes your photos dull. Remember… it’s not just the subject… but THE PHOTOGRAPH OF THE SUBJECT.
The solution?
MULTIPLE IMMERSION! That means going back for better light. Putting time in so you can work around just have bad light. In fact this is exactly why we emphasized that. If you go shoot and the work your images in your computer, then you realize what you didn’t get, then you go back, get some more… get what you need, fill in the gaps… that is multiple immersion.
You did a shoot but you needed to do a series of shoots. One time is a shoot. Multiple times is a story/essay.
Understand?
Also… you need to engage the residents.Get some portraits. Talk to them. Get the 5Ws….. WHO-WHAT-WHERE-WHEN-WHY? Get their stories. Why do they live there? For how long? What do they think of the barrio? Who are muralistas? Make portraits of them (working or straight up).
In a few words: put more time into your work. The subject matter deserves it.