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Woman Uses Her iPhone To Capture Portraits Of Strangers On Her Daily Commute To Work, And The Result Is Impressive (30 Pics)
Most of us take some sort of public transportation to work. You can see a lot of different and interesting people there. Most of them are usually busy thinking about the day ahead, daydreaming, busy with their phones or books.
Dina Alfasi a mother of an 15-year-old and an Israeli engineer who works in a hospital, takes advantage of these moments to capture simple but beautiful portraits of strangers lost in thought. On her daily commute to work, she uses her iPhone to photograph simple moments of life.
"I'm inspired by the little moments that happen every day. My work is a testament to telling stories through a single photo and proof that all you need is just to look around to find magic moments," said Dina to Bored Panda.
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#1
ZoSanUltra 5 years ago
Such a lovely, serene, calm picture. It's hard to move on to another for some reason.
Kyrra Garrison 5 years ago
Reminds me of a modern twist on the movie "UP" except he upgraded and got a motor home 🎈🙃.
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Rav Shaul 5 years ago
The right to privacy in Israel gained a constitutional status with the adoption of the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Freedom, (the “Basic Law”). Section 7(a) of the Basic Law provides that every person is entitled to privacy. The law that provides the principles and details regarding the protection of privacy in Israel is the Protection of Privacy Law – 1981 (the “Law”), which was enacted prior to the adoption of the Basic Law. The Law does not protect the privacy of corporations but only the privacy of individuals. Section 1 of the Law prohibits any violation of the privacy of others without consent. Section 2 of the Law defines: “2(9): using, or passing on to another, information on a person’s private affairs, otherwise than for the purpose for which it was given”. 2(10): publishing or passing on anything that was obtained by the way of violation of privacy …” as a "violation of privacy" if made without consent.
"Every day, I take some form of public transit from my hometown to my job in Northern Israel as an architectural practical engineer. It was during this journey I began using my iPhone to photograph other passengers," shared Dina when asked how she got into photography.
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#2
Rav Shaul 5 years ago
The right to privacy in Israel gained a constitutional status with the adoption of the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Freedom, (the “Basic Law”). Section 7(a) of the Basic Law provides that every person is entitled to privacy. The law that provides the principles and details regarding the protection of privacy in Israel is the Protection of Privacy Law – 1981 (the “Law”), which was enacted prior to the adoption of the Basic Law. The Law does not protect the privacy of corporations but only the privacy of individuals. Section 1 of the Law prohibits any violation of the privacy of others without consent. Section 2 of the Law defines: “2(9): using, or passing on to another, information on a person’s private affairs, otherwise than for the purpose for which it was given”. 2(10): publishing or passing on anything that was obtained by the way of violation of privacy …” as a "violation of privacy" if made without consent.
"I try to convey emotions in photography. So I'm looking for the people that make me stop for a moment and think, what's their story? I try to capture the depth of human complexity through photographing strangers on my daily commute. There is something both intimate and vulnerable about the way a person exists in a public space. My daily photographs capture something inherently familiar in each of the strangers, lost in thought on their way somewhere."
#3
Elisse Goldstein-Clark 5 years ago
Love it! That was what I thought I looked like, back in the day! LOL
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
Strong but not independant of her desire to smoke. I hope she overcomes it.
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Mary Ellen Johnson 5 years ago
"Fate whispers to the warrior ' You cannot withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I Am the storm.'" - Unknown
#4
Rav Shaul 5 years ago
This picture was taken without consent Its photographic rape. Religious women in Israel fo not allow photographs of themselves. She takes the photos and does not have consent. What she is doing is illegal.
Dave P 5 years ago
Speaking as a religious Jew I can say with 100% certainty that this is false. They do allow pics, they have certain religious rules about publishing such photos for modesty, and that is only in the Haredi community. You can very easily see from the the way she is dressed she is Religious Zionist Modern Orthodox. Only religious Zionist use the headwrap like that and only the very modern orthodox would wear a nose ring. Her community doesnt even have those restrictions. Learn about the culture first
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"It only started as a way to pass the time on public transportation. Then it evolved and became a very significant part of my artwork and my life in general. I feel like I'm taking a small part in documenting life during this time."
#5
Rav Shaul 5 years ago
This woman was violated. She didn't consent to being photographed. If a man took a picture of her and without her consent it would be called a violation. This woman Dina Alfasi is a criminal. What she is doing is a violation of privacy and its illegal. She should be fined and made to pay damages.
#6
We asked Dina to share what her photography process looks like: "The availability of the iPhone camera that is always with me gives me the ability to shoot quickly and without attracting attention. So as soon as I find something interesting, I immediately check the lighting conditions and try to think from what angle it is worth taking a picture."
#7
Demongrrrrl 5 years ago
You should at least ask their permission to photograph them.
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Cheryl Skina 5 years ago
This one and the first are my favorites. They're both incredibly beautiful.
deanna woods 5 years ago
If she didn't have on the ear buds, this picture would like it's from the '50s.
WildBerry 5 years ago
You wouldn't see a purse like she has there back in the 50's.
Load More Replies... Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
The person taking these is a class act! She sees the beauty and shares .
Dina told us what part of this project she likes the best: "My favorite part is reading comments from people who write to me after seeing my photo, telling me how the picture made them feel, that it reminded them of something or someone, and so on. It's always exciting and not obvious." She also shared that she doesn't like to feel like she missed out on a wonderful shot, because it doesn't always work out.
#9
AflyingSquirrel 5 years ago
I think that might be a dad, though, but I don't know. Still, cute
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Arctic Fox Lover 5 years ago
She's like "Don't look at the butt crack, don't look at the butt crack..." XD
#10
Ernest Stefan Matyus 1 year ago
Wait what? This is part of her daily commute? Where does she live‽
Dina works as a architectural practical engineer. She also likes to spend time at the beach and skate park, where she captures other types of photographs. She shared that she feels inspired by wonderful photographers from all over the world, especially from the phone photography community.
#11
#12
Mary Ellen Johnson 5 years ago
the writing to the left, 'lean on door'. This heartbreaking photo says, 'you can lean on me.'
What do you think of these photographs? Tell us in the comments and don't forget to upvote your favorite picture. If you like what Dina does with her iPhone, follow her on her social media and show her some love!
#13
Merilyn Horton 5 years ago
She is in the forces, and heading back from spending time with her boyfriend...................
#14
Katherine Mulholland 5 years ago
This is the first one in the series who looks happy and contented with herself rather than tired, miserable, alone or contemplative. She lifts my spirit.
TinTin 5 years ago
I thought the man in #1 looked like he had a happy memory or just existentially happy! :)
Load More Replies... Naomi Cline 5 years ago
She looks like she is on her way to share something wonderful and she is doing her best to hide her excitement.
Julie Hanford 5 years ago
It has always amazed me how many people there are who think that all muslims are terrorists. the ones ive met are quite nice. this photo shows that.
Mary Peace 5 years ago
I didn't even think about her being a Muslim, but now you mention it I agree.
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Amnon Eylath 5 years ago (edited)
The train is arriving at Nahariyah Station...last stop in the north of Israel.
Anita Hudson 5 years ago
...again, great composition, clarity of her eyes and skin, and storytelling - the card and phone in hand, has she just got on and leaving the man in the station with a last message?
#16
Lori Grondin 5 years ago
If you READ it tells you that she took the photos on public transportation in Israel
Elisa Day 5 years ago
But this is definitely not Israel... Don't believe everything you read :)
Load More Replies... Meyer Weinstock 5 years ago
I grew up in an agricultural semi-desert. I have adapted to mountains and snow. I'd love to do it again...C'mon, Elaine...live a little!
Load More Replies... Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
Some people call this a photo bom I call it a picture of people taking pictures interresting.
#17
postboredom 5 years ago (edited)
His hair is really cool. I first thought they were attached to his specs!
Dave P 5 years ago
Peyos or Peyot the side curls worn by religious Jews, there are many different styles. That style is worn by Hasidic Jews and Jews from Yemen
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Meyer Weinstock 5 years ago (edited)
Reminds me of my 2 years commuting to Los Angeles for my first MA degree. (and I had to learn Arabic and Turkish, too.) -Rev Dr M
#19
Karen Parker 5 years ago (edited)
There are truly beautiful people in your part of the world, and this is captured so wonderfully in your pics.
#20
Julia Maurice 5 years ago
I like the contrast between the religious boy's outfit and the (profane) shorts behind him
#21
#22
Dave P 5 years ago
You mean Traditional World in the New World. That is huge chunk of Israel
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Capelli rosa e patate 5 years ago
There are a lot of Jewish people in this series I’ve noticed. Where are you in the world to have such an openly diverse community?
#23
#24
#25
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
If you want to change things unlock that chain of cigarettes holding you back.
#26
Soggy Crumpet 5 years ago
Whatever uniform this is for, thank you for your contribution to society!
Dave P 5 years ago
IDF, he is a Lieutenant from his shoulder rank, can't get a good look at the insignia on but it looks like one of the logistical corps ones, the beret is for the elite Golani Brigade. Most likely Golani support staff officer
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#27
#28
Anita Hudson 5 years ago
...beautiful composition again, and amongst the others Jewish ringlets, the light catching the hair... the clarity of the eyes...
#29
postboredom 5 years ago
Not everyone you see is a Karen, @BrokenAngel. She seems to be a nice lady. Why would you think that?
Kat Khatib 5 years ago
Agree. I think she looks like a classy older woman.
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#30
WilvanderHeijden 5 years ago
You must wear masks in public transport. Yeah, but not when we're kissing because we're young and we're immune to Corona.
E. Ozan Toraman 5 years ago
If it's one small kiss, a little beauty in the world may give people an immune boost. :)
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Rick Corrigan 5 years ago
Masterful shots. Did you, (the photographer,) ask before shooting, just shoot, or shoot but only “on the sly“ so the subjects wouldn’t know? And what if they protesred? I’m very shy of taking people’s photos, even in public, but I’ve missed a lot of good shots. I shall go forth now with more resolve.
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
When your shoes and knees are touching it's not six feet! You 've been kissed too.
Patricia Kasprowski 5 years ago
Beautiful pictures. Remind me of the years I commuted to Chicago in my youth to work. Love trains. Actually never was bored on that commute. Always something interesting to see and people watching never gets boring!
#31
La Petite Morte 5 years ago
We don't know how old this picture is. It could be over a year old or older.
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#33
#39
#40
Mosheh Wolf 5 years ago
The "girl" a second lieutenant in the IDF, and, by the fact that she is also carrying an assault rifle, she is also in a combat unit. Based on the fact that she also has a pen out, could also be trying to get things done on her way home or back to base. The baby is cute, but she may have other things on her mind.
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#43
#47
#54
Mosheh Wolf 5 years ago
IDF captain. That is a field dress uniform, so no unit identification. Based on his age, and the fact that he is wearing field dress uniform while on a civilian bus, he is likely a reservist, in which case he only would have a field dress uniform.
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#64
#65
La Petite Morte 5 years ago
That looks like a very complicated pattern, so yeah.
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#66
#83
#90
#97
Oskar vanZandt 5 years ago (edited)
I like the reflection of the boy on his sleeve- like a kind of badge...
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago (edited)
These images are beautiful, the people gorgeous. However, I think it's highly intrusive and rude. Is there no place free from social media #$%&es?
sabocat 5 years ago
Did these people give consent to their picture being published? I sure hope so! You can't just put pictures of strangers up the internet. I do a lot of street photography but I always get an email address to sent the picture and ask for permission. (analogue so I can't show them directly)
A Random Panda 5 years ago
A lot of them look like they were posing, so yes, I think so.
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Aunt Messy 5 years ago
They're very nice photos - but I would be furious if some stranger plastered my face all over the internet without my consent. This kind of photography is extremely intrusive. I've been stalked in the past. There are NO photographs of me online. NOT. ONE. There's a reason for that. I don't want to die because some moron on public transit decides to take a picture of me.
Forty Seven Pandas 5 years ago (edited)
I find it super creepy to photograph someone without their knowledge and post it online. If it had been a man taking these, I think the reaction would have been more harsh. Especially over the photo of the woman sleeping with her legs curled up.
Mary Campbell 5 years ago
Same comment as others - did photographer have permission to share these photos? They are beautiful, but that is a huge invasion if permission not given.
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago (edited)
These images are beautiful, the people gorgeous. However, I think it's highly intrusive and rude. Is there no place free from social media #$%&es?
sabocat 5 years ago
Did these people give consent to their picture being published? I sure hope so! You can't just put pictures of strangers up the internet. I do a lot of street photography but I always get an email address to sent the picture and ask for permission. (analogue so I can't show them directly)
A Random Panda 5 years ago
A lot of them look like they were posing, so yes, I think so.
Load More Replies... Aunt Messy 5 years ago
They're very nice photos - but I would be furious if some stranger plastered my face all over the internet without my consent. This kind of photography is extremely intrusive. I've been stalked in the past. There are NO photographs of me online. NOT. ONE. There's a reason for that. I don't want to die because some moron on public transit decides to take a picture of me.
Forty Seven Pandas 5 years ago (edited)
I find it super creepy to photograph someone without their knowledge and post it online. If it had been a man taking these, I think the reaction would have been more harsh. Especially over the photo of the woman sleeping with her legs curled up.
Mary Campbell 5 years ago
Same comment as others - did photographer have permission to share these photos? They are beautiful, but that is a huge invasion if permission not given.
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