They past us as we were walking back to where we had parked the car. I hesitated for a moment as I did not see them clearly, just that they both wore necklaces. But I ran after them down one of Clinton Hill's streets of four story brownstones where the trees grow as high as the houses. I told them that their style had caught my eye and that I would like to photograph them. The young man said that there were a lot of bad photographers roaming the streets taking photographs of people that landed up on the internet, which he did not want. I always understand when people are suspicious or cautious of what they are getting into. Caroline produced some of my work (she carries 4 x 6" cards for just these occasions). We talked a bit more about my work and I saw that they were both standing in like poses. I pointed this out to them and said I had to take them like that and they agreed.
These two would get on great with the Park Slope couple although these "look-alikes" seem a bit more relaxed. They even have matching bags. So much for the theory "opposites attract."
ReplyDeleteI love that you caught them standing in a similar pose.
They look more like brother and sister. It's also very telling that he grasps his arm while she grasps her side. Both of their other hands cover their privates. They both appear to look relaxed but the body language here is clearly protectionist.
ReplyDeleteor could be a case of a couple's being so connected [or together for so long - but these two are embryos]...that they start to look alike. Or even with best buddies in a platonic way...maybe that happens too [tho my best-boy buddy and I are major opposites physically]....this may sound silly, but I wonder if they realize how alike they are...or maybe they are so intertwined, they don't notice....but lovely that you did...
ReplyDeleteConnected and attracted granted. Embryos? That's pushing it. Intertwined and alike is usually the result of narcissism- which, let's face it, is short-lived. Great, lasting loves compliment one another. These two are doomed.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the comments, I now think of these two as a sort of Adam and Eve. Although accessories attract, they also conceal — like necklaces and sunglasses.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is that they were friends and in a way embryonic. Because of their youth they were at that stage a putting together their persona with the help of their contemporaries. I played a lot of mix and match during my college days, although less stylish, more grunge. Years later the people I feel most at ease with are those I met back then. John how long have we known each other?
hmmm....much to think about...but am happy to hear that I am likely not a narcissist since I have never been involved with anyone I remotely looked like...or maybe I AM said narcissist for even giving it this much thought...
ReplyDeletebut I digress....can't get too much in these kids' faces...whether they are friends or lovers...as I blabbed, I don't look or dress anything like my two best guys, but for sure I hear their turns of phrase, inflections, subtle speech patterns coming from my mouth often enough...and as with any of these things...as long as we don't lose ourselves in the process . . . just another little way to show a little lovin'.
In retrospect I feel I may have been a little harsh. They're young afterall. This is their time to be hopelessly naive and impressionable. And enjoy it. The thing I've never understood is why EVERY generation has to succomb to coolness in EXACTLY the same way. What demons possess us?
ReplyDeleteHmmm... . Let's see Caroline, we both started at Central in the Spring of 84 I believe. Could it be 25 years?