Linda (#902) 06-23-15
Linda looked like an unlikely parking lot attendant. But there she was, minding a lot that might have held 30 cars.
She only works on Sundays.
“What about weekdays?”
“I'm getting tired.”
Interview over.
Bob
Tommy (#901) 06-22-15
Tommy was sitting on a public bench in City Market, Savannah. I walked around a bit to envision a shot that would put his white hair against a dark background. Finding what I liked, I approached him, explained the project and asked permission for a portrait. His eyes drilled through me as he thought about it. Tommy looked to his side as if a friend would advise him. Finally he said, “OK, for a dollar.” Every man has his price; Tommy's price is $1.
I explained hot his hair would 'pop' against the background, but he seemed unimpressed. When I showed him the pics, he shrugged. Struggling, I said, “I could remove those scabs in Photoshop.” Tommy laughed and said “I got that when I fell on concrete.”
“Oh, bet that bled a lot.”
“Yeah, hurt like hell too. Tripped over a curb.”
“Were any alcoholic beverages involved?”
“Oh, yeah. OHHH Yeah!”
Bob
Stella (#900) 06-21-15
Stella was walking through City market, in Savannah, with a Canon 7D. She is an amateur doing mostly travel photography. Two years ago she went to Africa and bought the 7D for that trip. Stella knows art; she went to film school for a while.
Stella was visiting from Lake Wales, FL. Small world, my niece and nephew both graduated from Warner college in Lake Wales: Stella knows it well. She is an insurance adjuster for State Farm Insurance. Her mother was with her and they were about to leave for Myrtle Beach, SC. When I pulled the camera up and asked for no 'say cheese smile', Stella immediately assumed this pose.
She liked the photos, but did not want a copy.
Bob
Mike (#899) 06-20-15
Early in Savannah, Mike ran across the street and approached me. There were few people about, and my dress and camera were a dead giveaway that I was a tourist. I have been asked for money before, and I felt it coming. But this one had a twist.
Mike said, “I never ask for money, and I am very embarrassed. But could you buy me breakfast at McDonalds?” He didn't want money, he wanted food. So we went to a Mickey Ds a block away and he got $8 worth of calories. He isn't thin for no reason.
He has no wife or kids. Last year he had a job in Athens, GA, delivering furniture. It paid $8/hour, but the company went out of business. Currently he lives in a tent, under a bridge. Mike insisted on showing me a picture of Tiffany with her phone number. Tiffany had two days work for him at the end of the week – he hopes that it will develop into something more. Mike also showed me a shiny new VISA card. H & R block filed his income taxes; he is due refunds from both the state and IRS. When Block receives the money, the VISA debit card will be charged up.
For most of us, the United States is a first world country. But some citizens live in the third world.
Bob
Dyshakira (#898) 06-19-15
While walking toward River Street in Savannah, I saw a tall, slim woman with looong hair on the other side of the street. Walking fast, I could not overtake her without breaking into a run. Not gonna happen. So I temporarily gave up.
A few minutes later I had arrived at the Savannah River's edge, and there she was, standing still. So I immediately approached her. As soon as I began to ask, a freighter blew a prolonged horn signal, six seconds of ear splitting noise. I just looked at her, smiled, and shrugged. When I got to explain the project she sheepishly said OK. She was shy with a tiny voice.
The problem came when I asked her name; I just could not understand it. She kept saying, “D-Y-S, then 'like the singer.” Ok, Dysinatra? Dystreisand? It took a quick Google search to find the singer Shakira. That was it, Dyshakira. How could a guy of my generation miss that? I hum Shakira tunes in the shower every evening.
Dyshakira is a Savannah native, and attends Armstrong State University, in town. She works as a hostess at the Westin Resort, on the opposite side of the river. She was waiting for a ferry. That's why she walked so fast, but then stopped.
Bob
Pierre (#897) 06-18-15
Pierre was reading outdoors in City Market, Savannah GA. He looked serious. When I asked him to be part of the project, he said, “Sure, sir.”
“Just Bob, please.”
'OK, sir.”
He was just formal, and couldn't help himself.
Pierre was from Lauden, SC. During high school years he spent two years in technology school. His specialty was graphic arts. Pierre's next stop was Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). It's amazing that SCAD has become a revered art school in only about 40 years. He just graduated! The next stop is California later this summer where he will look for a job designing packaging.
I asked about his name. His father is Haitian, and he speaks creole. Pierre does not.
Bob
Ryan (#896) 06-17-15
Ryan was entertaining with the guitar, in front of the same wall as Happy, #892. He is from the southeast coast of Florida, visiting friends in the area.
He loves Asheville. In fact, I'm not sure why he's going back to Florida.
Oh yeah, most of all he loved being photographed.
Bob