When visiting Dunedin, FL, there was yet another street event. It was a Saturday, after all. And an elevated stage allowed “The Hummingbirds” to perform. I waited for a break between songs, placed a couple of dollars in the tip jar, and walked onto the stage to meet Steve and Rachel. You can read about them HERE.
Arielle (#578) 04-26-14
This is my third, and last, stranger from a Madeira Beach trip. Like Jessica (#343), Arielle was making art for kids. But this was painting (not tattoos), and she was in front of a store, outdoors. When she told me her name, I said, “Oh, Ariel, like the mermaid.” She said “No, AriELLE.” Ah, and the accent is on the ELLE, of course.
She is from Minnesota, and came to this area four years ago. Arielle said that she would rather mow grass than shovel snow any day. And then along came a mom with two little ones in tow, in desperate need of some hand art.
Bob
Carmen (#577) 04-25-14
After photographing Jessica (#576), my wife and I continued walking on a boardwalk lined with shops. Our path took us very close to doorways. As we walked by Casual Cottage Gifts and Clothing, Carmen suddenly appeared, almost at my shoulder. One glance and my eye was caught by hers; I had to acknowledge her. So instinctively I said, “Hi. Could I ask you for a favor? I belong to a photograph group...,” And just like that, it was out.
Carmen's head went down and she shook her head 'no', as she said, “Of course you can photograph me. I have photographed my family and friends for most of my life with a manual camera. I'm from a Catholic family in Kentucky, so there are a lot of people to photograph.” She likes black and white, and really prefers sepia toned images. The first few images had the forced camera smile. I told her so. Then I said, just be yourself, and I smiled, pulled my hand down over my face and 'wiped' the smile away. I looked into her eyes for a couple of seconds, and then got this shot.
She looked at the LCD and said, “OMIGOD, that's me! That is good, it's really me. I take so many pictures of other people, but never get one of the real me.” She said that she wanted a copy, so I gave her my MOO card and asked her to e-mail me; I would return her message with the image attached. As we parted, she took a couple of quick steps toward me, shook my hand and said “Oh thank you so much.” Wow, that seemed a bit effusive, but occasional enthusiasm is sure nice.
Sure enough, the next day I got her e-mail. It began, “Hi, this is Carmen whose photograph you shot in John's Pass in front of the store where I work (you asked me to take off my glasses so you could see my eyes)...”, as if I could have possibly forgotten her within 24 hours. So, I attached these three iterations of the image and sent them back.
Later, I got this reply, “Thanks so much. MY LIPSTICK IS RUNNING!!! EGADS!!!” I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I'll take her word for it.
Bob
Jessica (#576) 04-24-14
Near St. Petersburg Fl, is the island town of Maderia Beach. At one end, Johns Pass is lined by an incredible array of shops and eateries. One of the larger shops is Surf Style which is a laugh – there is virtually no surf here. Inside is overwhelming inventory and a stand alone kiosk with a tattoo artist. The “tattoos” are of the temporary variety, safe for kiddies to have a good time, without upsetting the parents. The wall behind the kiosk was filled with tattoo art.
Jessica was the tattoo artist. I explained 100 Strangers and went through my spiel. She was happy to comply, and said “Oh, I do some wedding photography on the side.” I said that wedding photography sounded awfully demanding for a side job. She shrugged and said, “It's no big deal.” So I asked if she aspired to be a full time photographer. “Oh no, I'm studying to be a teacher.”
Jessica went to high school, and now lives, in nearby Seminole Fl. She attends St. Petersburg College, and hopes to be an educator in a few years. Quite a career path: tattoo artist, to wedding photographer, to teacher. Who would have guessed?
Bob
Phillip (#575) 04-23-14
The Museum of Fine Art in St. Petersburg had an exhibit of the photographs of Aaron Siskind. There were 37 black and white images of Harlem living in the 1930s and 40s. Very interesting. Equally interesting was one of the docents at the museum check-in and information desk.
I seldom photograph strangers indoors, partly because the light is often funky. But I loved Phillip's hair, and told him so. He laughed and seemed just a little embarrassed, but when I explained 100 Strangers he was VERY interested. He asked if I was familiar with Humans of New York (HONY), and I said, “Oh yeah...” I told him how impressed I was by some of the information that people gave out.
So I said, “OK Phillip, what interesting fact about you can you tell me?”
“I work at the Salvador Dali Museum too.”
“Wow, Phillip, that's really really wild stuff!” We both laughed.
Bob
Brittany and Trevor (#574) 04-22-14
While seated at an outdoor trattoria, I kept my eye out for an opportunity that could be dropped into my lap. It was. Two young men and a young woman were walking towards me with a street between us. They had numerous tattoos, and the dress was definitely new age. As usual, it made me feel old.
The light was OK but there was no acceptable background anywhere between us, so I got up and began walking away from them. We were all walking in the same direction with me in front. When I passed an area with a dark (but not great) background, I turned around and walked toward them, so that we would meet at the location of my choice. I spoke with Brittany and Trevor, while the other fellow stepped to the side. Brittany and Trevor were happy to oblige, but they said that they were in a hurry and could only stay a minute. I think that they felt flattered.
After I got a few shots, I turned to the other man who was now several yards away. He just shook his head “No” and gave me the crossed forearm sign. He was not smiling.
A few minutes later, I saw Brittany and Trevor (without the other guy) across the street, walking slowly. Not sure what to make of that. I don't know if the 'hurry' was a ruse to keep the encounter short, or if the third man had to be somewhere on a schedule.
Bob
William (#573) 04-20-14
Heading toward me on Cherry Street in Macon, was William. He had a relaxed, happy look, so I immediately introduced myself and explained the project. William shrugged and said, OK, I guess”, without much conviction.
He is from Atlanta, originally, but now works in “Acapulco”, a Mexican restaurant about a block away. He is a cook. I felt pretty sure that William was Hispanic, although he did not say so. I felt that the more I tried to converse, the more withdrawn and wary he became. It was an OK, but not great, encounter. In the past, I have had poor 'luck' with the Hispanic population. Something about my Anglo look must be threatening.
Bob
Uli (#572) 04-20-14
On a Sunday, a woman’s half marathon was scheduled in Clearwater, FL. The day before was reserved for a runner's expo, with vendors for all kinds of athletic pursuits. Around 9AM, workers, mostly women, were scrambling to get things set up on time. Uli caught my eye (she had the long, lean runner's look), so I made my usual request.
Uli is a German name. She thought that the 100 Strangers concept was “So neat!” Her business is Fun Athlete, and she sells offbeat athletic clothing that is..., well, fun. Her website is HERE.
Uli is used to photography. She used to sell 'extraordinary' wedding cakes in Louisiana, and she made photographs of the cakes. I asked her to move several yards to a dark purple sheet, and she had no reservations. I tried for some backlight with minimal flare. We exchanged cards and I sent her this image.
Bob
Rosie (#571) 04-19-14
Downtown Macon, GA, is unfortunately an economically depressed area. I have encountered many poor people there, but have never been panhandled – until I met Rosie.
I was walking past her when she called out, “Hey Mister, take a picture of my cat.” So I walked over and said that I'd get a picture of both of them. The cat is Sassy and is five yeas old. Rosie is from Thomaston, GA. I told her that my wife had friends from there, and Rosie said that she recognized the names. I am not totally convinced.
I showed her the images. She has no e-mail, and no way to get the photo. I suspected that when she suggested that I photograph Sassy. Then Rosie said that she had not eaten for a while, and yada, yada. I made a small contribution. So, Macon is not immune to this sort of thing.
Bob
Chris (#570) 04-18-14
I stood in a location that is usually unsuitable for portrait photography. But on this morning, the overcast sky made the light acceptable. As Chris walked toward me, his loosey-goosey gait, and amused look caught my eye and made a portrait attempt necessary.
His initial response was interest, tempered by shy caution. As I looked into his eyes, he seemed younger than I had first thought. He attends Sarasota Military Academy, not one of the larger schools in the area. I know a man whose daughter goes there and Chris knew her.
Chris was quite proud of his shirt. The logo, “Parents For Sale – Buy One, Get One Free”, could be interpreted as a serious insult. But Chris' face suggests to me that it is all in good humor.
Bob
Jo Ann (#570) 04-17-14
Three ladies were walking toward me. As I addressed them, I was careful to make eye contact with each one, in turn. I looked for a few seconds at #1, then turned to #2 and #3. The second time around, #3 was absent, never to be seen again.
When I was done speaking, (Jo Ann) said, “Oh yeah, I've heard of that.
You've heard of 100 Strangers?”
“Yes.”
“Where? Were you photographed?”
“I don't remember where, I wasn't photographed.”
I Wasn't sure what to make of that. But then Jo Ann added, “And I follow Humans of New York (HONY on Facebook.” Well I'll be darned.
So I photographed Jo Ann, but #2 held up her hand and declined. Oh well, 33% success – not so great.
Bob
Akeia (#569) 04-16-14
Akeia was on the cell phone while sitting on a bench in Macon, GA. This was on Cherry Street, next to a bridal shop. She works there. When I explained 100 Strangers, she first smiled, and then broke into laughter. She was certainly not adverse to being photographed. Her friends call her Keia (sounds like Kee-a).
She was born in Macon.
I asked, “How do you like living in Macon?”
“I hate it.”
“Why?”
“I'm too young. There isn't much for young people here. I'd rather live in Florida, either Destin or Miami.”
Well, despite this negative note, she enjoyed being photographed. Asking not to smile brought out her inner thespian tendencies.
Bob
Peter (#568) 04-14-14
My wife and I sat at an outdoor Italian restaurant, on a corner in St. Petersburg, FL. It was about 6PM. From my seat, I had a view of North and west pedestrian traffic. Looking to the west, everyone was rimmed by backlight – nice.
When I saw Peter approach from the west, I hopped out of my chair and walked toward him. There were three possible bad outcomes:
1. He would refuse a portrait.
2. I'd get the shot, but his hair would be overexposed from the backlight.
3. I'd get a good shot, but my wife would eat my pizza.
As I explained the project to Peter, he began to smile – all was good. He said, “Sure, go ahead” and he had an obvious accent. He is from Denmark, and has been in the U.S. For six months. He loves it here.
I said, “You look too young for that luxurious beard.”
Peter stroked his beard and smiled, “I'm 35.”
“What are you going to do when it turns all gray?”
Still stroking, and smiling broader, “We'll see...”
Bob
Oana, Dan, and David (#567) 04-14-14
I walked on Main Street with another photographer, Rob. Rob is a retired professional portrait photographer, trained at Brooks Institute. We must have been quite a sight. I am 6'1”, and carry my micro 4/3 camera on a wrist strap – wrist bling. Rob is several inches shorter and looked like a pack mule. He had a full frame camera with bazooka lens, tripod, strobes, and a bulging photovest filled with God-knows-what. I was about to learn some things that morning.
Across the street I saw a young family of three eating in the doorway of a restaurant. The inside was dark and the light popped them, so I excused myself, crossed the street, and made my move. The three were at a fairly long table with Mom and Dad at the ends, and junior in the middle. Usually when I explain the project to two adults, I make eye contact with each, alternately. But Dan and Oana were so far apart that I did my male chauvinist pig thing and addressed Dan. While I spoke, he had a look of puzzled amusement. Finally he said, “No. No, I thank you.” He had a European accent that I did not recognize. I thanked him, wished them a good day, and moved on.
I spoke with Rob about 40 yards away when Dan quickly approached and asked me to repeat the request. I did so and showed him my cell phone with Flickr Photostream. He smiled and said “That's OK,” and we walked back to his table. They are from Romania, and visiting Florida for a few months.
When I asked to photograph David (the child), he said sure. Like most kids, David was squirming all over the place. I got a few bursts, and only the very last frame was usable.
Bob
Roselyn and David (#566) 04-13-14
Roselyn and David were performing at the end of a street at a Farmer's Market. Roselyn's electric smile and outgoing personality stole the show. David was the 'straight man', being quiet and supportive. He played a trumpet, while she played the guitar and sang. And SANG!
They are from New Orleans, and their music was predominantly southern jazz. Their website is HERE.
Roselyn was more than happy to be photographed and talk (between numbers) about their tour. But the real chatting began when I asked, “Were you in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina?” She put down the guitar and talked for five minutes. The gist of it was that she and David left JUST before the storm hit. And their home was destroyed. Who knows what would have happened had they stayed.
Her daughter saved the. She (the daughter) called Roselyn and said that she had to leave. Roselyn had not been paying attention to the news, and just said that New Orleans is used to hurricanes. No big deal. Her daughter said, “This storm is huge. It IS a big deal. You have to leave now!” Roselyn again played it down. The daughter finally said, “If you don't leave now I'll kick your coffin when it's over.” So Roselyn and David left, and the rest is history.
Bob
Willie (#565) 04-12-14
When I saw Willie, I just loved the light. And when I made my move, he had no reservations about being photographed. Willie was born and raised in Macon, and attended three high schools including Central, where my Granddaughter is now a freshman. There are seven high schools in Macon, so a lot of folks have attended Central.
When I asked him not to smiles, the smile got a bit less pronounced. Finally I said, “You just can't not smile, can you?” Willie said, “No man, it's my birthday. I'm 50 today.” Well, THAT'S a good reason!
Bob
John (#564) 04-10-14
I began the morning with another photographer interested in portraits of strangers. So, as usual, I wanted to approach someone fairly quickly, to get the 'juices' flowing. Along came John. We were in an area that is usually in bright sunlight, but this was a rare very overcast day, and light was of acceptable quality almost everywhere.
When I approached John, he was interested in the project and was eager to be photographed. He said, Oh, you have a film camera?” I love it when people confuse my Olympus OM-D E-M5 for a film camera, because of it's retro look. I assured him that it was pure digital. Turns out that John has a Canon 7D and is getting into professional photography. He has been assisting professional photographer Troy Plota – his website is HERE.
Troy does very high end work.
John is from nearby Bradenton and graduated from high school there.
Bob
