Self Portraiture.

Self portrait number 1. Image courtesy of Google Street View, 2009.

I recently discovered myself, as it were, on Google Street View, Montreal.

I remember quite clearly the special car with it’s tall turret of cameras passing me on the corner of Avenue Du Parc and Fairmount, although I can not recall the exact date or indeed my reason for being on that intersection at that specific time.

Based on the visual evidence I conclude that the images were produced during the spring, possibly the month of April. The leaves have yet to bloom, my clothing is light in the sense that I am not wearing a coat which gives an indication of mild temperatures and the length and direction of the shadows suggest the photographs were made sometime between 14:00 – 16:00.

I am still not sure what this all means? Naturally it raises a number of questions, not least of surveillance; who is looking at whom? And why? What about the authenticity of the image? Did I just insert myself into the scene? Should I be scared as a friend remarked? Should I feel privileged? Has the gentleman in full stride behind me ‘found himself’? And what about Google Street View as a application? Would it be possible to practice ‘Street Photography’ by ‘walking’ through cities and taking snap-shots via Preview? What are the implications for Street Photography? Are there any? Do I need to travel again when I can ‘travel’ from my desk in my apartment?

I have just one week left in Montreal before I return home to the U.K., however, with these above questions on my mind, I depart safe in the knowledge that I shall always be loitering on the corner of Parc and Fairmount for as long as Google Street View remains.

Self portrait number 2. Image courtesy of Google Street View, 2009.