Photojournalism

My photojournalism teacher is trying to get me killed. Well, not really. But he is challenging me to death…I love a good challenge; however, this class is stretching me in ways I never knew possible. I am thankful for Simone (my teacher) because without him, I would never do the things I am taking part in…
On Monday, we had an assignment where we had to hike to the train station and then we had one hour to get as many portraits of people as we could. We had to go up and ask random people, in Italian, if we could take their photograph. I am too chicken to do this in America, where I speak the language! I walked around for probably fifteen minutes before I actually got the courage up to ask anyone. I started off asking people in English, because I was just positive my Italian was horrible. However, people weren’t as responsive when I asked in English and a surprising amount of people didn’t speak any English. That shouldn’t be surprising…that makes me sound ignorant. However, it was surprising to me because everyone that I have run into here speaks English, or atleast understands it well enough. Once I started attempting to ask in Italian, people were much more receptive. It was funny to see people’s reactions. Some were flattered, others said no, lots of people asked why, and one woman even said yes, as long as it doesn’t get turned into porn! It was a very interesting experience, and I was very surprised by myself and the confidence that this assignment built.
However, I still only got about 20 portraits done in an hour. Some people in my class took over 150, so you can see the comparison. I like to think I went for quality over quantity, however, I know it was just because I was too chicken to ask for any more.
My next assignment for this week is to find a small business, go inside, talk with the owner, and photograph like mad. I am excited and also nervous about this assignment because me Italian is so awful and most of these artisans around town don’t speak English. So, it will be interesting, to say the least.
The rest of my week has gone good. Classes are keeping me entertained, for the most part. And my Italian is coming along quite well, considering where I started…
On Tuesday, I had lunch with a friend whom I like to call Romulus. He goes to AC with me and is studying abroad in Rome; however his three week orientation is taking place in Firenze. It was so nice to be able to talk to someone about things back home. It was a familiar friend in an unfamiliar setting, which I loved.
So, that’s the midweek update. (It’s really Wednesday when I am writing this, but who knows when I will actually get internet again to post it…) Hope everything is well in the US! Ciao!!