There are 8 billion people on this planet, and we are lonelier than ever.
When I'm photographing on the streets, I see a zombie-like symptom burning a hole in my chest. Everyone is glued to their devices.
Sitting on a bench, leaning against a wall, and, worst of all, sitting at the table with friends and family. Everyone is scrolling, texting, and surfing the web without much regard for what is happening around them, much less who is around them.
Another example that really "grinds my gears" (any Family Guy fans out there?) is the wave of people recording videos at concerts. Just be present!
Look, I'm not judging—well, a little. But the truth is that I am no better. I'm actually typing this journal entry while sitting in an Uber next to my wife while visiting a new city (photos from this trip soon).
This zombie-like state... I see it everywhere. To different degrees depending on the country or the city, but the contagion seems to have spread beyond most human-made boundaries.
In part, I write this as a reminder to myself to be better. To look up. Maybe by telling you I will do better, it helps me actually stick to it.
So what does the title "Go beyond hello" have to do with any of this? "Go beyond hello" means to not just say hi to someone and go on our way or back to our screens, but to ask more; to keep the conversation going. You'll be surprised how much people can teach you about history, life lessons, and more.
Below are a few photos I was only able to capture because I went beyond just a cordial acknowledgment and sought to connect at a deeper level. What they taught me… that I can’t share.
Trinidad, Cuba. 2023
Venice beach, California. 2026
My optometrist, 2026.
Cheers to more real connections and fewer digital ones.
Until next time,
JG
