Mike Harvey's taxi photography exhibit is currently on display at Swansea's Monkey Cafe.
Taxi drivers see a lot of things. They are the next-best-thing, the human equivalent, of being a fly on the wall. Taxi passengers often act as though their driver isn't there, whether they're falling down drunk, making out with a stranger or having an uncomfortably personal conversation in their presence.
Harvey, who began taxi-ing as a way to fund his travel adventures, decided to start photographing his passengers. Of the hundreds of people who have made themselves at home in the backseat of his cab, only 9 people declined to have their photo taken. Browsing through the series, there is a sense of universality; no matter who you are or where you come from, we're all making our way through life.
Candid Cab Photography
Mike Harvey's Taxi Photography Reveals the Universality of Human Existence
Trend Themes
1. Taxi Photography - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a mobile app that connects taxi drivers and passengers who are interested in having their photo taken during their ride.
2. Candid Moment Capturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a platform that allows photographers to connect with individuals seeking candid photos and capture authentic moments in various settings.
3. Universal Human Experience - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design a virtual reality experience that immerses users in various scenarios to explore the universality of human existence.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate live-streaming or recording capabilities in taxis to offer passengers the option to document their journeys or experiences.
2. Photography - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a smartphone app that automatically detects candid moments and captures them without user intervention for more authentic photography
3. Art and Entertainment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create interactive art installations that highlight the universal human experience and connect people through shared narratives.