The story of today's stranger has a common thread with yesterday's stranger, Kelso. It was two days later in a different town, Bradenton where there was a Thursday afternoon tradition; two blocks of a main street were blocked off and a street concert ensued at 6PM. A stage was erected at the end of the street, two rows of folding chairs were set up in a semicircle around the stage, and a couple of hundred people walked around several kiosks selling trinkets, beer, and artery-clogging foods.
As I watched the goings on, I turned around as a woman, Judy, passed, very closely. So close that I could not quickly gather my wits and approach her. She reminded me of someone I used to see on TV. Later, I realized that it was the actress Rue McClanahan whom she resembled (to me). But she was quickly by me, and she held several small bags of potato chips. She walked up to the front row of seats and passed the chips to listeners, slowly speaking to each recipient. Looking more closely I realized that they all had Downs Syndrome, or some other developmental disability. Then I was REALLY sorry that I had not approached her.
Kelso (#598) 05-19-14
Tuesday is Farmer's Market day in Gulfport, FL. But like so many Farmer's Markets, it is more about arts & crafts, and a public meeting place. And so it was this day.
We turned into a small, permanent establishment, ProjectFree Gallery and Studio. It allows local artists a chance to display. The Facebook page is HERE. Plus, there is an active pottery and glass blowing studio in the back of the building. As we perused some small charms and jewelry with a squirrel motif, a middle aged lady said, “Kelso makes all of that art.” A young Kelso appeared and theatrically showed her squirrel art. All of the squirrels had whimsical expressions.
Kelso received a B.A. In art from Ohio State University, and a masters degree from Arizona State. She is extremely outgoing. She took us (almost by the hand) to the studio in the rear of the building, where she teaches glass blowing. Kelso showed us a few individual pieces, explaining the various stages of completion. Having no knowledge of glass blowing, I could not appreciate all of the nuances.
But I could appreciate this; her students are children with Downs Syndrome. I can't imagine the patience and creativity that this must require. Kelso explained how she has to carefully suggest steps to her students along the production path of each piece, so that they can succeed while feeling personal fulfillment. Wow. This summer, she is traveling to Africa to teach art to children with African Blindness. Kelso thinks that the blindness is traumatic, but I suspect that it is infectious, either Trachoma or Onchoceriasis. But that doesn't matter – again, imagine the patience that this would require.
I got the photos as we were leaving. This had Kelso in the doorway with a dark background and looking out into the bright street. I showed her my Flickr Photostream on the cell phone. She LOVED it and went into a bunch of theatrical gestures, ending with a big hug. I consider the images a failure. I photographed Kelso the Thespian, the whimsical Kelso and the flirtatious Kelso. But I did not capture the eyes of the Kelso who teaches art to children with severe developmental and physical challenges. The Posted image comes closest. But not close enough.
Bob
Schuyler (#597) 05-18-14
I saw Schuyler crossing a street in Bradenton, FL. Fortunately he was crossing my way. I approached him and told him that I liked the style that his hat, and ear plugs provided, and went through my spiel. He smiled and said that he loves being photographed. I felt that I added a little spring in his step, which is a nice by-product of this project.
Schuyler was born in New Mexico, but grew up in Bradenton. Schuyler said that his life had not been all easy, and he takes pride in what he has accomplished. This fall, he will begin studying biotechnology at nearby State College of Florida.
A disclosure; I originally is misspelled his name as 'Skyler.' He liked the image on the LCD and later e-mailed me asking for the image, so I saw the correct spelling.
A few minutes later, we met again in a nearby coffee shop. He had been on some kind of a fast for 21 days, and was celebrating with a fancy latte. I picked up the tab and wished him well in college.
Bob
Melissa (#596) 05-17-14
One more color image. We were in a Nike store and my wife made a purchase – shoelaces, a capital investment. Melissa was at the checkout counter. I have had color on my mind, looking for opportunities to have a very few colors in an image, and for each color to define a space. The colors would ideally be complimentary (directly across from each other on the color wheel), or analogous (very close to each other on the color wheel). There was a small swatch of color behind Melissa that was VERY analogous to her skin tones and hair. So I met her and gave it a try.
Melissa spoke with an island twang; she was born in Trinidad and left when she was 18. “I am a VERY independent person, and I just had to get away from my parents. Now, I miss them.” She went to New York (the Bronx) for several years and still owns a home there. She loved the fast lifestyle, but it was no place to raise her two kids. So now she's in Ft. Myers. When the kids are grown, she'll move back to New York.
This was her penultimate day at Nike. Melissa is starting her own business, body-wrapping. That is well off my radar screen. Anyway, the posted image is what I am most comfortable with. The image in the comment section – I can't decide.
Bob
Natalie (#595) 05-16-14
In the previous two stranger write ups, I have mentioned some aspect of color vs b&w. Natalie, and tomorrow's stranger, will wrap this up.
“Times Square” on Ft. Myers Beach is the epicenter of honky tonk, tourist attractions. My wife, Barbara, entered a beach attire store and I noticed Natalie at a tiny jewelry kiosk across the street. The light under her umbrella looked acceptable but the background was marginal at best. It wasn't so busy, but it was bright. I would have to let it blow out. So, I did.
Natalie was familiar with Flickr and was eager to be photographed. Natalie has a delightful accent; she was born in Paris. I told her that her English was very good. She said, “Maybe, but I can't lose the accent.” I said “It's delightful, you shouldn't want to lose it.” Natalie smiled, she knew it. She makes the jewelry and has sold it at that kiosk, at that exact location, for 13 years. Impressive. I asked how she survived in the late summer, when the heat is stifling and so many residents have “gone north.” She said that it was tough, especially when thunderstorms pop up. She closes up for several weeks and goes to trade shows in Europe. Nice!
Natalie was very interested in the project and took my card.
After I got a few shots I looked at a few jewelry pieces. The next day was Mother's Day, and I had a chance to score with Barbara. A necklace turtle charm caught my eye. The carapace was made of abalone, producing a rainbow of reflected colors. I quickly paid, and Natalie wrapped it – I just got it into my pocket just as Barbara emerged from the store. Timing is everything.
The next morning when Barbara saw the charm, she surmised it's source. Later we walked by Natalie again and Barbara pointed to the necklace. Natalie pointed and raised her eyebrows, “I forgot to do something yesterday, get your picture.” So she got an iPad shot. As she shot low to high, the image will do nicely in her Rooster neck collection. Natalie had already checked my Flickr Photostream. So nice when someone shows interest.
So I chose color, and let the background mostly blow out. I tried black and white – terrible! To make a b&w face 'pop”, I make it contrasty. In Nik Silver Efex Pro II, the 'structure' command is an amalgam of contrast and sharpness. Natalie has smooth features, and very faint skin pigment irregularity. You hardly notice it, but in high contrast b&w, it is greatly accentuated and unacceptable. Color has to be the separating quality, not contrast.
Bob
Theresa (#594)
I saw Theresa at the edge of Vinoy park in St. Petersburg. The light on her hair caught my eye. The park has a permanent arbor, so it is perfect for outdoor weddings. And Theresa was about to watch one. She knew none of the participants, she just likes weddings.
When I approached her, she was soft spoken and friendly, but wary. She asked if I had a card – I gave her one. Then she asked if I had a Linkedin or Facebook account. I gave her my Facebook name and within seconds, she was looking at my Facebook timeline on her cellphone. Impressive. Then she softly said that you can never be too careful with Ted Bundys around. This amazed me, Ted Bundy was executed for committing the Chi Omega murders of three young ladies at Florida State University. With that on her mind, I am amazed that she even spoke to me, much less allowed a portrait.
But she did. Theresa moved to St. Pete three months ago and immediately got a job in IT. Nice. She had lived in Cincinnati for 25 years, and before that in Michigan, with her father. She had had enough of gloomy weather and made the move. The cold did not bother her so much, it was the prolonged lack of sunshine that forced her hand.
These two images are a follow-up from yesterday's color vs B&W discussion. Looking at many of Steve McCurry's color portraits, two characteristics stand out.
1. There are very few colors, often only two. Almost never more than four. The colors are either a) complimentary, or b) analogous.
2. Each color defines a space. There is very seldom more than one color in a space that is defined by lines.
Now, Theresa's images illustrates my frustration with color. The colors are analogous, and work well together (IMHO). But the space to out right in the image has several color areas. Basically, the background is too busy in this (small) area. I find it much easier to deal with an imperfect background in B&W.
Bob
Mike (#593) 05-14-14
This image poses the ever-present dilemma for me, color vs black and white.
I was attracted to Mike because of the luxurious red beard. I told him so, and he smiled and said “OK.” This was in Clearwater, and he works in a bike shop a couple of blocks from where we met. “I live and breath bicycles.” I asked what kind if biking he likes. The answer was all of it, road bikes, BMX, mountain biking, anything.
I told Mike that my son (now 40) used to be big into BMX racing. Mike and I knew some of the same people associated with the sport. In fact, Mike used to work for J&R Bicycles in St. Petersburg. I remember the family that owns it, the Morrisons quite well. We recounted the individual family members, it was a trip down Memory Lane for me. Small world.
I first prepared the image for color, demonstrating the beard. But just for the heck of it, I made a B&W version too. Wow, what a difference. For me, Mike's personality just comes forward in B&W. The image is about HIM, not his beard. It just more accurately portrays what I want to see in strangers. It's like Steve McCurry says – a little piece of the soul.
Bob
Mary (#592) 05-13-14
The Mainsail Art Festival in St. Petersburg had over 250 art booths. One that caught my eye was “The Hairy Potter” - cute. I went inside and met Mary.
Mary's fiancee is John Moore, THE Hairy Potter. He makes pottery from horse hair. Why not? The website is HERE.
Mary (Hayman) is an artist too, and she and John collaborate. Their collaborations include “crackpots.” A visible crack in the piece is laced with leather strips. There is no shortage of creative ideas in the art world.
Mary lamented that although the art festival is juried, being noticed among 250 artists is difficult. The charge for a booth is $250, which seems reasonable enough. But there is an additional $100 fee for a trailer, and an ADDITIONAL $100 fee for a car. She had better sell some hairy art.
To me, Mary just has the 'artsy' look. When I asked for a portrait, there was no hesitation. I find that artists are usually sympathetic to what we stranger-hunters are doing.
Bob
Jerry (#591) 05-12-14
Jerry had a sense of humor, always a twinkle in his eye. He is a retired Tonsorial Artist. A barber. His eyes definitely twinkled when he told me that. Jerry has suffered from cancer and leukemia. You would never guess that to look at him, or hear his view of life.
His hat said “Cuba.” I asked if he had been there. “Many times.” I said that I thought that we were not allowed spend money in Cuba, and hence, were barred. But Jerry goes with a sponsored mission, C. Q. I. Missions, that brings Art, Education, and Global Health to underprivileged parts of the world. The website is HERE. Jerry's name is prominently displayed. Their Facebook page is HERE.
Jerry is very enthusiastic about the Cuban's responses to his help. He says, “They love Americans, but can't admit it to their government.” Jerry nodded approval as I explained 100 Strangers. He said that I should accompany him on one of the Cuban trips to photograph the population. He said that I'd be accepted enthusiastically. He is very attuned to personal connections, and the inner joy that they bring.
I think that Jerry has found a meaningful way to spend the latter part of his life. His outer persona is one of humor, but I think that inner currents run deep. Hopefully his health problems are under control, but even if they aren't, a purpose larger than oneself can bring inner peace and satisfaction. I suspect that Jerry has found this.
An aside; One man, Vic Strecher, has found a purpose in his life, and passed it on through a book and website. The site is HERE. The URL sounds funky, but do not dismiss this out of hand. His book is HERE.
I found this an eye opening read. Caution: keep a tissue handy.
Bob
Too (#590) 05-11-14
I find this a difficult write up, as the encounter was a bit disjointed. I cannot follow a theme. It began outside of a Starbucks in St. Petersburg. I saw this distinguished looking African American sitting by himself, checking his cell phone. Another man (tomorrow's stranger) was alone at an adjacent table.
I walked up to Rasta Man and gave him my spiel, telling him (truthfully) that I liked his hair. As I spoke, my heart sank; he was looking at me like I was a space alien. He said, “Can't do it man, everyone wants to photograph me. I'm, like, sort of a celebrity.” The guy (Jerry) at the next table spoke up, “You really don't know who he is? II later learned that Jerry is a kidder)” I became very uncomfortable, not being well versed in pop culture. I figured that he was someone famous.
Jerry said, “But you can photograph me if you want.” So I walked over to him, and we began talking. Finally Rasta Man called over, “OK, you can get my picture.” I left Jerry like a hot potato and met Too. That's the only name that he gave. He is originally from Miami, but went to college in St. Pete. He returned to Florida City (south of Miami), but then came back here – quite a bit of relocation for a young guy.
Too said that he has been on TV many times – sort of coincidental. He said that he had been interviewed by Kelly Ring, an anchor at the local FOX affiliate. I asked him why. “I don't know, things sort of happen when I'm around. And people want to get my picture.”
I showed him my cell phone with my Flickr Photostream. His eyes widened when he said, “You didn't know any of those people?” I scrolled down and said that the images would go a few feet into the ground. He seemed impressed. When I raised the camera, Too naturally gave the sign of the Aquila – double headed eagle. I had to Google that.
Suddenly he excused himself, got on a nice looking bike, and rode away. I asked Jerry if he knew Too. “Not really, I think that he's an entertainer trying to get established.” We agreed that if that is true, Too should be actively promoting himself, not being coy. I really don't know what to make of all this.
Bob
Olesya (#589) 05-10-14
After photographing Meghan, my last stranger, she said “There's another person here you can photograph.” Almost on cue, Olesya walked up. She was quite shy, and I had to 'draw her out'. The name Olesya has four syllables and I had to struggle to spell it correctly. She was raised in southwest Florida, but she was born in Siberia. For me, that is a first. Olesya's parents are in the U.S., but she was reluctant to talk about them.
I photographed Olesya in the same place as Meghan, the light was identical. Each was indoors, a few feet from an open door. Several people pointed out that the image of Meghan is too cool, there is a cyan cast. It frustrates me that I can often recognize color casts in other photographer's images, but not my own. This is part of the beauty of black and white, for me. Anyway, I now have the opportunity to redeem myself.
When I showed Olesya her image on the LCD, she was unhappy that she didn't have much makeup on. I'll let you decide if that is a major problem.
Bob
Meghan (#588) 05-09-14
I walked along the main drag in Naples, Fl, at 10AM. Stores were just opening. As I passed the high-end, childrens clothing store, “little Luxe”, Meghan was opening the front door and arranging clothing. The light (and Meghan) looked great, so I introduced myself. She was willing, if not eager, to be photographed.
Meghan is originally from Chicago and moved to Naples two years ago. She LOVES it, although it is predominantly an older population. My presence wasn't helping matters any.
I showed her this image, and she was impressed with her eyes. Me too.
Bob
Michelet (#587) 05-08-14
Michelet. Michelet Innocent. Is that a great name or what? He is a singer, and was performing on an outdoor stage. I caught him on break. Michelet is from Paris – I've heard of it. And I liked his art. His website is HERE.
He had two stacks of CDs for sale, one was in English and the other was of the same songs in French. Neat! I bought a CD. After a one second deliberation, I chose English.
Michelet is very well spoken (with a delightful French accent) and acts like a true gentleman. When I asked for a portrait, his response was “Of course.”
Bob
Josh and Jamie (#586) 05-06-14
Another business at the The Outdoor Living and Garden Show was “Tower Garden. One of the two proprietors caught my eye – Jamie, sorry Josh. I waited for them to be idle and then made my move. They had no problem with being photographed.
They were very enthusiastic about their business. The tower is a vertical system for growing fruits and vegetables indoors. The website is HERE.
Josh and Jamie have a franchise in Bradenton, and also offer lawn and garden maintenance. I told them that I live in Venice, the other direction from Bradenton. Josh brightened up and said that they plan a Venice facility soon. I'll keep my eyes open.
When being photographed, Jamie was a bit reserved, while Josh seemed flattered by the encounter.
Bob
Ryan (#585) 05-05-14
In early April, there was yet another outdoor event in Sarasota. This was “The Outdoor Living and Garden Show.” So windy that many vendors could not put all of their products out – a couple had tent damage. But Ryan didn't.
His business in Marble Florida, out of Tampa. Marble doesn't blow away too easily. The company website is HERE.
The main products are pavers and tiles for projects that become rather expensive. This is the first time that Ryan has been in a Sarasota show. He wasn't sure. The entry fee was $400, but one contract would make the show a success.
I had to struggle for a relatively clean background. He didn't like the first image, as a little tuft of hair sprung out above his right ear. This would have taken two seconds to fix with the clone tool. But I got a few more, and he liked this one. In moving around I got a better background too. A win – win situation.
Bob
Cookie (#584) 05-04-14
Another Farmer's Market, this time in St. Petersburg. This stranger was chosen strictly by color. One booth was called “Unique Wineglass Charms”. The proprietor, Cookie, had flaming red hair, and the back of her booth had a blue sunscreen. I approached Cookie and explained that her hair and background were perfect complements. She was game, and positioned herself appropriately.
When she saw the image on the LCD, she laughed, shrugged, and said, “It would be OK if I was thinner and taller.”
No problem, I have Photoshop.” Cookie laughed. I didn't mention that I wouldn't know how to make her thinner or taller in Photoshop, even if I wanted to. And I don't.
Bob
Greg (#583) 05-03-14
Along the sidewalk of Cleveland St. in Clearwater, Greg was squatted down on his haunches, having a smoke and talking on the cell phone. I liked his Salvador Dali-like mustache, and stood nearby, waiting for my opportunity. Once off the phone, I approached Greg, and told him that I liked the 'stache. He smiled and said that he liked the Dali look, and that the mustache and said that it “used to be up to here”, and held his hands up to the corner of his eyes. I asked why it is now so much smaller. He shrugged and said, “It comes and goes.”
I got these images, and said that I had seen Dali photos that looked very similar (the third image IS Dali). This was no coincidence. Greg was well aware of Dali images and endeavored to emulate them. I told him that his inner thespian was showing. Greg has a fine arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and enjoys theater. He moved to Clearwater one year ago, and now works in Starbucks (20 yards away). “This is just while I get situated. My plan is to open a high-end hot dog and hamburger restaurant.” I said that it must be a very competitive area. He had had such a restaurant in Pittsburgh for 10 years, and offered specialty hot dogs. I suggested a frankfurter shaped like Dali's mustache. With a pensive look, Greg held up his forefinger, “That's a thought!'
Bob
Al (#582) 04-30-14
I saw Al with his constant companion, Kash, the wonder dog. Al is a dog lover, and acquired Kash in Germany, eight years ago. A young couple walked by with a Siberian Husky puppy, the kind with blue eyes. The man held a leash that lead to a collar around the dog's neck. Al spoke with them at length about a better leash solution, one that lead to a harness around the dog's chest. They shook hands and the young couple walked on (I wish that I could have photographed them too).
Al told me that he is homeless. I was surprised, as his clothes looked clean and the facial hair was trimmed. Al smiled, shrugged, and said “Being homeless doesn't mean that you are a bum. And I am not into any kind of substance abuse either.” Al spends his nights in a parking garage that has an outdoor sink. The owner is a friend, and looks the other way. As we spoke, a lady proprietor came out of a nearby store and put a bowl on the ground; “For Kash”, she said. Al seems to have an infrastructure.
In the early 2000s, he had an art gallery and framery on Royal St., in New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina destroyed it. Then he worked in a gallery for a while in Portland, Oregon, but the economic downturn of 2008 removed that job. One thing lead to another, and here he is. Born and raised in Sarasota, he returned home, although all family and friends are gone.
I cannot overstate how well spoken Al is. Homelessness comes in many forms.
Bob
