I remember the first time I took a photography class, it was the summer of 2007 and I was eleven. I don't remember much, but I do know there was something about snapping the shutter and hearing the click and the sounds and smell in the darkroom that I found to be relaxing. I know this because I still feel that way. The first time I took a digital photography class I was really skeptical that I wouldn't feel the same way that I felt towards film photography, and I was partially right. However when I learned that the NuVu studios was going to have a photography class I was really excited because I had recently been introduced to the concept of digital street photography and portraiture.

It's because of the Local Narratives studio that I had the opportunity to use a digital camera and apply what I learned in the classroom to what I was going out to shoot in the streets. I re-learned the rules of thirds and other various photography skills. Though the rules didn't change, the way I was applying them to my work did. Instead of taking more scenic photos or photos with very obivous vocal points and shallow depth of field I was taking photos of people I met on the street. At first I was really hesitant and struggled with the aspect of approaching people I didn't know and taking photos without permission (and sometimes even with their permission.) I felt intrusive and afraid of what possible reactions I might get as a result. However as I week progressed I went home and read various articles written by really great and famous photographers explaining their approach to street photography. I learned that it does no good to be nervous or timid because if someone doesn't want their picture taken, they will just say so. I also learned a few tips about approaching possible subjects and asking if it's okay to photograph them.

The following are a few tips I read about:

• Accepting that people will say no
• Remaining calm when approaching people (people tend to reflect other's emotions)
• Speaking softly and not approaching from the back

Unfortunately as I began to feel more and more comfortable the studio simultaneously began to wrap up. Overall I gained a greater appreciation for digital photography, street photography, street portrature, and the people that I am surrounded by daily. I wish there was more time for shooting and editing because it felt rushed towards the end but the coaches were great and really liked how my portfolio turned out.

Walking south down Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, an abundance of noises, smells, and people are sure to accost the senses. A waft of something sweet—perhaps from a batch of Toscanini’s freshly made ice cream cones or Junior Mints from the local factory—will hit a passerby full on, engaging them in a sugar high. MIT and Harvard students bustle by on their way to classes, sleepless nights behind them, coffee in hand. Homeless men and women linger in the streets, jingling an empty cup and watching, ready for any willing Samaritan to cough up extra change. Tourists meander around in a half daze, hats on, cameras ready, clogging up sidewalks for the rest of the populace. Cars honk and fingers are thrown, but a greater sense of belonging remains.

Though Cambridge is the fifth largest city in the state, its multitude of microcosms builds an eclectic, yet coherent sense of home for its 106,038 residents. Crawling with a blend of locals, tourists, and college kids—both nerds and party animals alike—the atmosphere in and around Cambridge is always abuzz. “It’s a great place to work and play....there’s something for everybody,” Deputy City Manager Richard Rossi said. “It’s a melting pot, but it’s a place where all different people come together.”

“I love Cambridge because I grew up here,” Sammy G., a 17 year old student at Cambridge Rindge And Latin said. “As cliche as it sounds, Cambridge is more like a family than a town.” Susana, a Lesley University student living on the MIT campus also finds Cambridge appealing in its amiability. “The people are more friendly,” she said. And it’s not just students who feel welcome in the collegiate city—Bubbles, a formerly homeless woman, says she always returns to Cambridge because there’s a lot of strength within the women community.

Ask any man on the street what makes Cambridge special and it’s a near guarantee to hear about the eclectic variety of people. However, many people don’t actually take the time to observe. Instead, they continue on in their lives--overlooking the details. The amount of time that others spend pondering the lifestyles and personalities of these people is not indicative to the amount of attention they deserve.

These faces of Cambridge, with their assortment of ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and histories find a common ground on these streets, sharing a tenacious loyalty to this city they call home.

Two weeks in, numerous miles walked, and countless bizarre stares later, I now have a conglomeration of portraits of the people I encountered. From college students, homeless people, and people who caught my eye; no one was off limits. Cambridge is ethnically diverse, and I asked these people to reflect on that diversity. I heard people’s stories, learned about who they are, and what drew them to this city. I listened to complete strangers, as they unfolded their stories for me, weaving them into a narrative of Cambridge’s city limits.

“Faces of Cambridge” is series of street portraits and scenes, capturing the small moments that pass by—often unnoticed—in Cambridge daily.