Muni Photographer Brian Brooks: Full of Stories


Photo by Brian Brooks

Photographer Brian Brooks has been a regular contributor to Muni Diaries almost since the beginning. We love his black and white photos like this glimmering F car we featured in a weekend photo post. We caught up with him to talk about what inspires him to photograph public transit.

How did you get into photography?

I’m a transplant(circa 1994) from New Jersey and loved photography from an early age. My first job was at a 1-hour lab. A great way to learn about photography is through trial and error, working a lab where resources are unlimited is very helpful. I’m mostly self-taught with a few college classes here and there. I shoot about 40 percent analog and 60 percent digital.

What is it about Muni that inspires you to take photos there?

It’s where most San Franciscans can be seen. It’s also great because people are standing still, which gives you more time to focus on them. One of the most memorable moments was when a fare inspector ripped a transfer from my wife’s hand and I shot a photo of the interaction. It had expired while waiting on the platform for a late train.

How do you get a good picture on the bus?

I almost never ask people if I can take their photograph.) The few times I’ve asked while riding Muni they’ve always said, “No.” I can still see those photographs in my head. If you’re in the public space, you’re fair game.

What’s your line?

I’m more of a train person so the N-Judah is my line. Every time I ride Muni I can tell a story about it.

Check out more of Brian’s Muni photos on Flickr. Got Muni photos yourself? Join our Muni Photos Flickr pool.

Muni driver Tammy in YouTube documentary

Rider Carlos sent us a documentary he found on YouTube about a Muni driver. It was none other than Tammy, who held a great party on the 33-Stanyan for her riders (see Greg’s post about Tammy in May).

“The Front Seat — A documentary about San Francisco Muni Bus Drivers” was made by Sara Biegelsen at Digital Video Workshops. In it, Tammy talks about why she takes her job so seriously: “All these people on my bus, I’m responsible. Their lives are in my hands. You can’t put a price on that.” She also explains how drivers sometimes have to adjust their mood based on the line they’re driving.

Thanks, Carlos, for the tip. And thank you, Tammy, for your amazing attitude. It’s great to see you in motion.

Weekend photos: Goin’ retro in the now

life on muni
Photo by Flickr user _lmc

This short week sure did pack quite a punch. Four-day weeks often remind of us what’s left in the juicer’s reservoir — condensed everything, and not too savory.

Anyhow, Muni seems to have held up fairly well, all things considered. Here’s a look back at the week in Muni news:

– Muni Weighs How to Restore Service If It Gets the Chance (StreetsblogSF)
– Muni budget still in limbo (City Insider)
– SFMTA Board Urges Board of Supervisors to Put Revenue Measure on Ballot (StreetsblogSF)
– Cyclist collides with F-Market streetcar (SF Examiner)

And looking ahead to this weekend, the SFMTA advises of the Union Street Fair, which will take place from 10 to 6 Saturday and Sunday. It will affect service on the 22-Fillmore, 30-Stockton, and 45-Union/Stockton in the Union/Fillmore area. The Statuto Race on Sunday will affect 39-Coit service Stockton/North Point vicinity. And on Saturday, the Saint Boniface Church Anniversary will detour service on the 5-Fulton in the Golden Gate/Leavenworth area.

Once this paste known as humidity lightens up, please breathe again. And have a great weekend!

Inbound "N" - San Francisco
Photo by adamjackson1984

_ATP3114
Photo by angryf

14 Mission Ferries
Photo by Brandon Doran

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