'Here's Me' by Peter 'Magic' Johnston

"Here's Me!" is a photo project that explores people and their possessions. Tina, a transsexual; Geoff, a ukulele player; artist Anna with musician Gawain; Giles, a tattooed archaeologist; Michelle, a belly dancer; and "Dogman" Benny are all individually portrayed with certain personal items to allow a glimpse into their personalities normally overshadowed by the drama of their appearances (see the mini versions of the 6 prints in the Appendix). A goal of this project was to reveal underlying personal attributes of these subjects that are not normally revealed by surface appearances when these subjects are briefly encountered on the street. It is understood that most people are a complex of attitudes, opinions, loves, desires, ignorance, intelligences, all of which are often correctly or incorrectly inferred by a momentary glimpse. Through my photography project, I sought to explore and understand the personalities of my subjects by documenting certain objects and details of their lives, which are important to them. An assumption I made was that their various significant objects would hold clues about their lives and reveal insights about their personalities. Naturally to establish a working cooperation, a trust in my motives, and me was essential. Some were reluctant, perhaps even difficult. Yet eventually all co-operated and I believe the project was ultimately very rewarding for both myself and for them as well. New friends were made and some invaluable experience was gained in conducting a highly personal photographic project which had to rely first on honesty and patience and secondly on personal vision and technical acuity. The prints are 700mm x 700mm.

6 Photos | View as slideshow >