Editor: Please welcome photographer and writer Terry Ratner to the OB Rag, as today’s collection of photos of OBceans begins her possible weekly column entitled, “OBserved”.
By Terry Ratner / Special to the OB Rag
I’m an OBserver, a voyeur, a paparazzi of everyday people.
When the opportunity strikes, I have to be quick to click in order to capture the moment. OB serves as my canvas, my street theater, my Haight Ashbury on the beach with its rich texture of OBceans—locals, transients, and tourists who made the wrong turn on their way to Mission Beach and then decided to stay.
I’ll do anything for a good photo.
I’ve climbed bar tables on balconies overlooking Newport Avenue zooming in on unsuspecting subjects.
At times I’m close enough to smell the unwashed and read the tats on their navels. I’ve snapped drug deals as they went down, lovers groping in public, and grown men playing as if they were children.
I’ve run down streets, twisting my body in contorted positions to obtain the ideal shot from the perfect angle.
Then shoot and shoot again.
geeh my cat takes better pics
Rocky, could you post a photo of your cat?
Not a photo of the cat, a photo the cat took so we can compare them.
I like em!
Keep it up….and thanks!
I really love this photos! They have an artsy, vintage feel to them!
Loved the photos. Keep them coming!
OB!
Great shots! Look forward to seeing more of your work.
Wonderful pics. You really caught the moment.
Like the pic/comment pairings. Good weekly column material.
Nice!! You keep us guessing what all you decide to post editor dude :) ;)
Terry just keeps showing her talent, not only as a writer, but photographer too. Loved the pics, keep them coming!
Yes, really nice! Talk about chance favoring the prepared mind, eyes, and body. Beach people out there are way more relaxed and natural than what you see on Lauderdale beach (if you go there, that is; it’s not recommended).
Great pictures! I agree, they have a vintage look – the backgrounds are a bit softened. I feel a bit voyeuristic because your subjects appear unaware they’re being photographed. I imagine you climbing on a table (as you said), pointing, shooting – and running! :)
A mixed media column–what a good idea–pics and perspectives on OB life.
Great statement on life in so cal….love your eye, terry
Fabulous photos! I hope this becomes a regular column. If possible, could you take a photo of the famous OB Parrots?
Love these photos, especially the 7 year old Viva with glasses, reflections and all. I also like SmokeN Ice and Two dudes. All of these are artsy, but reflect every day life and people. They make the every day seem beautiful and exotic.
Terry is a keen observer with terrific expression
My father called it “watching monkeys in the human jungle.” This is more than just people watching. Her camera catches split-second private expressions that are fascinating, but why?