I’m not one for long-term photography projects. It’s not that I’m against them (in fact I envy them), it’s that I haven’t been able to stay committed enough to a single vision or theme. I think it’s amazing when photographers envision a concept, collect images over years, and put together edits that speak to an overarching story. Me on the other hand, I just go out with my camera and take photos of what I find appealing, there’s no rhyme, reason, or agenda. Sure, I have a bunch of folders in my library organized loosely into themes, but each are only a few images deep. I lose interest too quickly, think better of pursuing a certain angle, or lack the confidence to fully develop an idea. But on my weekend walk yesterday I had an encounter that just might change all that.
More after the break…
It started pretty harmlessly. I had just exited the subway down by City Hall andspotted two kids comparing weaponry. The bigger of the two boys was busy thumbing through pebbles, loading up the spare ammo space in his slingshot for future combat while the littler one watched. He was wearing a hoodie with a life-sized skeleton silk-screened to the front, I thought it might make a cool image. I walked up and asked them about their gear, and they quickly replied that it was meant for marshmallows but that they had run out. We chatted for a bit, they shot rocks into puddles, and then they left to go play “Hunger Games” in their apartment (described as rocketing things at each other at close range.) I didn’t end up taking any photographs, I was just happy to share in boyhood bond.
As I walked away, I realized that I gravitate towards kids with guns. Whether it’s nerf wars or supersoaker standoffs, I always stop and stare. There’s just something about it that appeals to the boy in me, and I’ve decided to start documenting it. It isn’t about violence or gun control, nor do I claim to know exactly what it is I’m trying to say. Maybe it’s using black and white film to strip away neon colors to reveal something deeper? Maybe it’s about capturing that “I’m a badass” feeling every kid gets when they holster a pistol? Whatever it is, I’m going to keep shooting it, and keep collecting images until I have something worthwhile. Until then, here are some of my current favorites.
[gwu] Graham Whitaker Unterberger 
Well, from one boy to another…boys and guns are like girls and dolls….I think its in the DNA. No social or gender characterizations intended, its just how it is. Great photos!
Great pics. Awesome idea.
I agree with Rob about the DNA & boys & guns. A boy will pick up a stick, point it like a gun and automatically start making shooting noises with their mouth. I’m surprised there hasn’t been a CSI episode where a police officer shoots a kid whose weapon is actually a stick.
“they quickly replied that it was meant for marshmallows but that they had run out.” Dang, too bad you don’t have your marshmallow weapon with you in NY!
Remember the time you really wanted me to buy you the squirt gun after you were at the Doctors office? I told you you could pick out a toy at the pharmacy and you manage to find the ONLY gun in the place. At that time I had a “no boy of mine will play with a gun” policy (all new mom’s must try that one out…) but you handed it to me and before I could protest you said to me very clearly and slowly , “Mom, It’s pretend!” as if I was the one who just didn’t GET it!
I let you play with guns after that.
Even then you knew how good it can be to pretend, even if it’s with a gun.
so cool . Keep this theme up I really like it. One of my favorite posts yet
Thanks dude, I like it too, it’ll be one of those things I’ll always be keeping an eye out for