Some of their parts

I am learning how to listen. I am a photographer. I have chosen to appreciate others’ stories visually. That’s how it started. But as it has evolved, it has become more than just a response. It is an opportunity for expression and revelation. Yours and mine.

“Some of their parts” is an ongoing project in which people share a part of themselves with me in a deliberate, thoughtful and creative way. I respond to each story in a photograph.

These stories move me and enlighten me. I am deeply grateful to all the people who have shared so generously of themselves.

Please scroll down further on this page to read about how you can participate, too.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

General

Q » Where will these be shown?
A » The first scheduled showing of Some of their parts will be in September at the ODC Theater in San Francisco. Depending on the response, these pieces may be shown again.

Q » How can I purchase this work?
A » I am publishing a book of these pieces. Stay tuned here for details. Please contact me for information about purchasing prints.

Q » Can I see more examples?
A » Please contact me via if you are interested and I will show you some additional pieces.

Participating

Q » I am ready to contribute a part. What do I do now?
A » Please contact me via . You can write your story in an email to me first, or we can do it verbally with an audio recorder. You can even leave it on my studio voicemail (650 685 6999). Then we can make an appointment to make your photograph. Because the photographs are very simple, the whole process can be over in a matter of a few minutes.

You can also simply fill in the form below and I’ll contact you as soon as possible. (38.103.63.55)

Q » Do I get paid if you use my story and my photo?
A » I will make a print for you of your story and your photo, but I am not paying anybody.

Q » Can kids participate?
A » By all means YES! The only restriction on kids’ participation is that the story has to be told to me (verbally is fine) by the child herself or himself. So if your child can tell me a story, they can be a part of this.

The Stories

Q » How long are the stories?
A » Generally speaking, I am trying to keep the stories under 200 words.

Q » Are there any restrictions on the stories?
A » You cannot include any copyrighted material (such as song lyrics), and I reserve the right to edit your story for appropriateness (our audience will include children).

Q » Can I use my name?
A » Some of my participants have decided to sign their stories. You can do so either by simply including your name in your story, or by giving me your signature, either on paper or scanned in high-res.

The Photographs

Q » Can I send you a photo of me?
A » No, I make all the photos myself (even the one of me above).

Q » What if my photo is unflattering/out of focus/distasteful/etc...
A » I will take the utmost care in respecting any wishes you have regarding your photograph, but the goal of this project is not glamorous portraits, so you will have to trust me.

Q » Will I be recognizable?
A » The level of anonymity is up to you. Some people will use their real names or others’ names in their stories. If you would like to remain anonymous, I can do my best to conceal your identity, but you may be recognized. I cannot guarantee that you will be anonymous.

Q » What about nudity?
A » Our audiences will include children, so any contextual, tasteful and non-pornographic nudity will be evaluated on a case-to-case basis. But this first chapter of the story is meant to be family-friendly.

Q » Can you photograph my cat/dog/gerbil/hamster/car/shoe/la-z-boy recliner?
A » The photograph will illustrate the story. If one of these things is a “part” of you, then yes.

Q » Can my wife/mom/S.O./parole officer/dominatrix be in the photo with me?
A » I’d like these to be individual stories, but if you make a convincing enough case, I’m easily persuaded.

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Each part begins as a story. They are printed, emailed, IM’d, or spoken to me. I then make a simple photograph using solely found light. I use a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II and a variety of lenses. I catalog, process and convert the images to black & white in Aperture. I set the story text in the Prestige Elite typeface. I assemble the pieces in Photoshop CS3 on a Mac.

I am a professional photographer in Burlingame, California. I photograph people at play and at work. My website is http://stevemaller.com.