Initially, Weinstein was hesitant to approach the interesting stranger.
Then the man yelled, Take my picture too!
Weinstein responded with the simple imperative Smile!
“so i asked them to smile,” a series by Jay Weinstein
With that, theso i asked them to smileseries was born from a chance joyful encounter.
I also strive to create images that are authentic, positive, and dignified.
The last thing I would want is for my subjects to regret smiling for the stranger with the camera.
Singapore
Since 2015, Weinstein has been a professional traveler.
He runs photography tours calledA Wanderers Eyeand other events in India.
Hisso i asked them to smileseries has been exhibited in Mumbai for all to enjoy.
Singapore
Read on for our exclusive interview.
Are they still by chance?
The portraits fromso i asked them to smileare of humans I did not know before making the image.
Melbourne.
How long are your photographic encounters?
I am very conscious in my intention for them to feel as much a part ofSIATSas possible.
I want them to feel agency.
Melbourne, Australia.
However this project is also an exploration of my/our assumptions about strangers.
SIATScuts across boundaries of gender, class, race, and nationality.
However, different cultures can have different perceptions of non-verbal signals such as smiling.
Hangzhou, China
What cultural differences have you noted in your pursuit of smiles?
People seem to have the same fears, hopes, dreams, and love for their kids.
My smile got a similar reaction in every community I visited as did the smiles that came my way.
Nairobi, Kenya
To be honest, the differences I witnessed were mostly in their relationship with the camera I held.
In Bengal, I noticed people smile and then cover their teeth with a hand while being photographed.
What consistently struck me was how much more similar and loving we are than we are constantly told.
Nairobi, Kenya
The smile has thus become a profound symbol of our oneness.
It is a superpower we all haveeven if it is sometimes wiser to conceal.
I have seen this happen again and again and again.
Singapore
Therefore I believe that our long-term global solutions can only be built on the recognition of our shared oneness.
My hope is thatSIATScan contribute by reminding us of and strengthening these loving foundations.
The pandemic has affected people differently depending on so many factors.
Perth, Australia
I am currently on the outskirts of Perth, Australia.
I feel thoroughly unqualified to give any advice to those experiencing far harsher realities around the world.
I would rather hear what they have to share with me on this topic.
We were, and eventually will be, surrounded by people we dont know.
Photography is such a wonderful tool to bridge that gapand sometimes we end up with great images.
Looking though the lens has helped me find empathy and understanding even for those I thoroughly disagree with.
I am humbled by how much I owe this magical little seeing machine!
Yourso i asked them to smileexhibit has been traveling since 2017.
What is to be expected in 2021 and beyond?
I would love to eventually bring the exhibition to other parts of the world.
It seems more necessary now than ever.
I am developing a corporate workshop based on the project, someSIATSactivations, and maybe aSIATSbook.
I am most excited about theSIATSIndia travel show idea.
I think it would be fascinating to find the strangers I photographed and finally hear their stories.
Let us see what the post-pandemic future world looks like!
Perth, Australia
