Strange. When I was in Canada the one thing I thought that I wanted to photograph in Korea was the cherry blossoms. No particular reason, aside from the fact that I had never photographed them before. I’ve been back for two seasons of them, and this is the closest I’ve been to them. Through the window of a bus.
That was when I got off the bus. Maybe they were reacting to my kind face.
So busy, that’s it. I am always just busy. Being here makes me busy. No time for anything.
No time to think.
I kind of like that though. I kind of like not being able to think. Not having enough time to.
Ironic, about the cherry blossoms.
Ironic in that when I was in Canada, and had a lot of time to think, I thought about them and photographing them.
But that was part of the problem. Part of the reason why I didn’t take photos in Canada much. Part of the reason I didn’t want to.
All of the reason why I hated it.
I don’t think, when I take photos here. Never consciously take a camera even. It is just part of what I grab when I leave to do something else.
Probably why I prefer compact ones.
There isn’t any need to think. When I’m thinking too much, I never take photos. This is probably why my subject matter changes a lot. I take photos as a matter of habit. While I walk. While I eat. Of anyone around me.
I don’t care much for rules, or really even about what other people are going to think. I could have taken this without my girlfriend in it. Didn’t think to not include her. Didn’t really think.
I took this too. Don’t like it nearly as much.
It is the ebb and flow l I love. At 3AM like it is now I can hear still hear the buzz of the street out my window. I love that. I love the buzz. Photography is part of it for me. It gets caught up in the rest of it.
Never thinking. Time goes by so fast here, but somehow I feel like I never get any older.
It never gets old. My dad used to jokingly call me Peter (as in Pan). I remember the last time I talked to him before he died I tried to rush him off the phone because I was out late.
“Back to Neverland with you Peter.
Love you son.”
Off to Neverland I went.
So, to introduce a collection of photos I’ve taken and will take in Korea (I hesitate to stay project, though perhaps that is what it is), I will call it Neverland. Maybe I will make it a book, publish myself.
A self portrait, of sorts.
For my father, who always believed in me. He told me to do something with my photos. I never could really think of a direction for my photos here. Now I know there doesn’t need to be. Without thought. Just as I am living.
In Neverland.
jtinseoul 
Reblogged this on Fonte da arte.
“My Soul In Korea” sounds like a project that encompasses all that you photograph in Korea. It is you view of Korea. Not that of a tourist. No special attractions. Just daily life as seen from your eye. I personally am really enjoying your view of Korea. Keep them coming. The one on the subway platform where you have the girls head upside down in the bottom of the frame. Really special.
Hi Alan,
Perhaps Neverland: My Soul in Korea will be it. I am glad you mentioned that photo because for me, it encompasses the photos I take here. The girl on the bottom of the frame is my girlfriend. I didn’t have to include her. Some say it is “cheating” in street photography to do such things. I know that I don’t think about any of that when I take photos. And, I think that is the part of photography I love the most. They are also the photos I end up loving the most.
Thank you for the support, as always.
Best,
Josh
I personally like the one of the woman in the white top looking in your direction on the train, she is in white whilst everyone else is in dark clothing, such a strong image, nice series Josh.
Thank you, Steve. It is actually my favourite as well.
agree with alan watson. keep them coming. and thanks!
Reblogged this on peachxfuzz.
What mol says. Strong images and you have your sense of selection back. I for one sometimes can’t even start to work on a set of images. I hesitate. And wait. And even when I start I work in small batches. It’s as if I can’t swallow the results of a shooting session all at once.
Yeah, still working on it. It is hard to figure out what to post and when. Just trying to get some direction. It can be hard, but I figure keeping on shooting is best.
My reply is a cliche, but I want you to know that it is heartfelt, that it is sincere.
Please keep taking photos and sharing them with me. I want to keep looking at them and sensing your world and perspective. You capture it very meaningfully.
Your photos make me miss Seoul so much. I would carry a camera everywhere I went. Your images really capture the spirit of that city. When I look at them it reminds me that a piece of my heart will always be on those streets. Thanks so much for posting these.
Reblogged this on What are you so scared of?.
The way you use black and white is powerful. Each picture on this post has its own story to tell and then your words made it even more fascinating. Loving your work because I am also a believer of monochrome and I have written about that on my blog too. Keep up the great work!!