Greg (#863) 05-15-15

Greg is originally from Philadelphia, he rolled his eyes as he said it. "Oh, you don't like Philadelphia?" "It's OK." (eyes rolling again). He moved here many years ago and graduated from Sarasota High School.

He is now a musician that travels a lot, with a group. Gigs seem better out of town.

"Do you play the piano?"

"A little."

"Well, what do you play in the group?"

"Well, I like Synthesizer and stuff." (Greg tends toward the taciturn).

"Oh, you play a computer."

"No, Synthesizers were around in the 70s."

Bob

Polo (#862) 05-14-05

Actually, his name is Hipolito (ee POE lee toe). Polo was in an alleyway, on his haunches, photographing. He was right in front of a bicycle that was standing in front of some complex plumbing, probably sewer pipes. I asked what he saw to photograph. Polo stood and showed me the LCD and pointed out the lines formed by the elements, how the lines formed a rough circle, and how that circle would hold the viewers eyes.

Polo has a degree in fine arts. He is from Puerto Rico, having moved to Florida 1 ½ years ago. He is working on his English. The camera was a Canon 7D and he asked me to clone out the amateurish “EOS” in the strap. The kit lens is OK, but he cannot afford pro lenses at the moment, lenses that would be necessary to photograph weddings and other money making projects.

For the time being, he works at the Yellowfin boat building facility. www.yellowfin.com The job is problematic in that he has difficulty with fumes involved in production. Polo pulled out his phone and showed me showed me images of him at the factory. He wears a hazmat-like suit with a mask. But he has to shave very closely so that the mask can form a tight fit. Even with that, fumes get in and effect his breathing.

Bob

No Photo :-( (#861) 14-05-15

I recently had an interview (my first) for a local website. Yippee!

http://www.sarasotaday.com/blog_view.cfm?BlogID=1612

Bob

Alex(andra) (#860) 05-13-15

Last week I posted a male Alex. I wanted to specify this stranger as Alex(andra) to keep things straight. From across the street I saw her being seated at one of my new favorite al fresco dining locations. For light colored hair, the light and background are wonderful. As soon as I described the project, Alex was “in.” She thought that the concept sounded like a lot of fun, and wished that she could do it (you can!).

Alex is from the north shore of Long Island, N.Y. Having moved to Sarasota 20 years ago, she is now CEO of Mercedes Medical, selling medical supplies to doctors and hospitals. This includes SaraPath, a group of pathologists who used to be my colleagues. She is on the board of directors of Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She likes the job and says that politics are minimal. I was surprised. In a recent public election, several board candidates were for selling the hospital to a for-profit group. They were defeated, and Alex is confident that this community would not stand for a hospital sale. Her info is listed in the hospital website. www.smh.com/p.aspx?p=44

While we spoke, her friend Matt arrived. A waiter immediately appeared, and Matt ordered an Arnold Palmer. Within seconds, the manager (whom I recognize) tapped and made a drinking motion from the inside of a window. Matt mouthed the words Arnold Palmer. A minute later he was the proud owner of two Arnold Palmers.

While I was photographing Alex, Matt said to her, "Why not show him 'The Look'"

"The Look?"

"Yeah, the look that she always gives to professional photographers when being photographed for magazines, etc."

I looked at Alex and said, "Like Sarasota Scene magazine?"

She shrugged and shook her head in the affirmative.

Interestingly, her portrait for the hospital website does not have "The Look."

Bob

Jan (#859) 05-12-15

Jan, pronounced Jan, not Yan. The pronunciation depends on your ancestors. Jan's mother was named 'Welch', from Ireland. That struck me funny. He was having a drink at Smokin' Joe's Bar, guaranteed good light. He has lived in Sarasota since 1959, working mostly in irrigation. During a 12 year hiatus he lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Jan loves Native American history.

Jan was a Marine, and wore the appropriate hat. During Viet Nam he was sprayed with agent orange and has numerous health problems as a result. I told him that a friend of mine was also sprayed, with diabetes and lung problems ensuing. With plenty of reason to be bitter, you could not find a more patriotic man. Jan is the same. He holds no grudge and is a true flag waver.

Recently he has lived in an apartment building that houses many college students. Several are studying film, and have recruited Jan to have an ersatz acting role. He loves it. “It keeps me young, and what the Hell.” One five minute video clip took over 20 hours to produce. Whew!

Bob

Anne (#858) 05-11-15

Anne was seated, awaiting lunch. The small outdoor table was against a window and surrounded by ivy. The slight indentation was in shade, but with light reflecting from across the street. I liked the image. When she saw it, she remarked, “Oh, the light is nice.” Immediately said, “Ah, you're an artist of some type.” Almost everyone who likes an image comments on the camera. Commenting on light is the mark of an artist. In this case, a professional photographer no less.

Much of her work is underwater.

“Where might I see your work?”

“Many places, including national Geographic.”

“I've heard of it!”

Her site is here: http://annedoubilet.com/ The galleries remind me that the best work involves making simple compositions in a complex world. Beautiful. Suddenly I said, “Wait, you must know Steve McCurry.” She does, and confirmed that he is a soft spoken gentleman, just as I had thought. I don't have a bucket list, but if I did, lunch with Steve McCurry would be near the top.

Anne was originally from Boston, but has hailed from New York for many years. As the site shows, she is a lady of the world. Anne visits Sarasota occasionally, to visit friends. She was pleasant answering questions, but offered little spontaneously. A couple of days later I read about the funeral of Dr. Eugenie Clark, world renown as “The Shark Lady.” I suspect that was why Anne was in Sarasota.

She liked the project, “How fun!” I sent her pictures and got a pleasant reply.

Bob

Sean (#857) 05-09-15

Sean likes it here. He was obviously on break from some job, and darned if it wasn't at Cafe Clasico, where I have photographed several women recently. He lived in Chicago for 12 years, Indiana for 12, and now Sarasota for three. Sean loves the ambiance of downtown. At first he worked on Siesta Key, but quickly got tired of the 'a**hole tourists.' from up north.

In Indians, making $10/hr. was considered good. Here he works 40 hrs/week and makes $20-$30/hr. With tips. But, and it is a big BUT, no health insurance. That had been costing $250/month, so he let it lapse. But if he doesn't get insurance next year, he will face a tax penalty. Ah, the joys of “The Affordable Health Care Act”.

Bob

Alison, etal (#856) 05-08-15

I used the second story parking lot by Whole Foods. Before walking down, I surveyed the food court area and saw a young couple enjoying themselves and each other. So, I wasted no time. Sure enough, they were very approachable and eager to participate.

Adam is a Sarasota native and attended local Riverview High School. He is now a freshman at Florida State University. As a University of Florida graduate, I am distressed at how many strangers go to rival FSU. Adam will major in Economics. My only recollection of Economics from business school is the development of a keen appreciation of why it is called The Dismal Science.

Mercedes is a senior at Pineview High, a school for the gifted. Her father is from Argentina where Mercedes is a common name. She will attend Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland. She chose it because of the strong music program.

As we spoke, Mercedes' mother, Alison, came up. She was happy to be photographed too – a threefer! I chose her as the posted name only in that she is the matriarch of the group. She is from New Jersey and has NO accent. I told her that I left New York almost 60 years ago and that some people say that they can hear it in my voice (I cringed as I said this). She said that a New York accent isn't such a bad thing. That's her opinion.

I sent these images to Adam. I got a reply that included this quote, “We were all buzzing about meeting you and ecstatic while waiting for these photos! Thank you.” That sure makes it all worthwhile!

Bob

Megan (#855) 05-07-15

My new favorite plaza again, keeping my eye out for a possible subject. Adjacent to the entrance to the plaza is Louie's Modern restaurant. Don't know how they got the name. A young blond lady was the greeter, and business was slow. So I stepped inside, explained the project, and she was happy to oblige. I had picked out a black wall, a good complement to her hair.

Megan is a third year student at Florida State University. Her father is the chef at Louie's Modern. Megan's desire was to work for a non-profit, so she took an internship at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Chicago. They put her to work on their website, and she found that computer work suited her. So now she is majoring in computer science. Nothing like a little work in the real world to help get one's priorities straight.

As I was getting the shot, I knew that the falloff of light, her right to left, was nice. What I had not noticed was the rim light effect on the opposite side. I have no idea of its source, but I will definitely return and explore it. She liked the image, and it has been sent electronically. After all, she is now a computer geek.

Bob

Alex (#854) 05-06-15

I walked through my new favorite hunting grounds, the plaza by Buddy Brew Coffee. On a couch-like seating group sat Alex, rather forlorn looking. I say sat, it was partly lying.

When I approached him Alex was friendly and happy to be photographed. In his present predicament there was little else to do.

Alex teaches (taught) snow skiing in Nevada. For a vacation, he went skiing in Park City UT. Big mistake. One false move and he tore the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his right knee. So he came “home” to be with his parents while convalescing. He is using this time to reconsider the future direction of his life. Recovery will take at least 6 – 12 months.

Alex was born in California, but came to Sarasota before the first grade. He attended the Booker Middle School, Riverview High School, and the University of Florida where he majored in Geology. I asked how many ski instructors graduated from the University of Florida. Answer: one. Although he looked a bit pathetic, Alex has a good attitude and is philosophical about it all.

Bob

Natalie (#853) 05-05-14

Two days ago in Sarasota was the Inspire Sarasota Festival. Pretty neat. Many kiosks were set up, showcasing youth artistic endeavors. A grandstand was at each end, with children chorus and orchestra performances. I noticed Natalie under a tent for the Sarasota Ballet. Most of the tents have great shade with reflected light. And most have terrible backgrounds, with harsh light and contrasty objects. My goal was to position Natalie in front of a tree trunk.

She was pleasant and cooperative, but took little interest in the project. Natalie had no interest in getting a copy of the images. She was born in Michigan and spent many years in New York and Connecticut. Having spent three months in Europe, she recently moved here to help an ailing aunt. Now she is ready to get down to work. The Sarasota Film Festival recently showed a film called Capturing Grace, about dance therapy for Parkinson's Disease patients. I was surprised that Natalie was totally unaware.

As usual, I asked her not to smile for the camera. She naturally gave this look, with lips open. Normally I don't like open mouths, but this look is different. It reminds me of the provocative lip position of The Girl With the Pearl Earring.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Meisje_met_de_parel.jpg&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_with_a_Pearl_Earring&h=4794&w=4095&tbnid=-WO7UBS6sE7nxM:&zoom=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=136&usg=__15cTUWSlPq4h8nx8zvxsoKYCq5s=&docid=V1EzWIzBqSdA7M&itg=1

Reviewers consider that a sign of sexual availability, and that the subject was the mistress of the artist, Johannes Vermeer. Any likeness is strictly coincidental. :-)

Bob

Patrick (#852) 05-04-15

On an about to be rainy morning, I walked past Patrick, not knowing his name. I had seen him numerous times within a block, with the typical appearance of homelessness: scraggy beard, full rucksack, and eyes down beaten look. As I past I thought that he said something. I wasn't sure if he was addressing me, or himself in a state of mental illness. I took a step back and said,”Did you say something?” Sure enough, he was speaking to me.

“Could you help me stay in a shelter tonight?” This was in a barely audible, apparently ashamed voice. I said, “The Salvation Army shelter is $10/night, right?” That is after the first 30 free nights. I don't usually do this, but I handed him $10. He was SO grateful. Patrick worked for Fed Ex for 25 years in Manhattan. He lost the job because of alcohol abuse. At some point he moved to St. Petersburg and got a job at the Salvation Army, as well as a Sponsor, an Alcoholics Anonymous Sponsor. He was sober until his wife died last year – he pulled a photo of the two of them. He was clean shaven and they both looked nice. He said that now he is still into alcohol and I told him that I could smell it. He spoke well, however, and perfectly clearly.

He pointed to his worn out shoes and said that a photographer wanted to photograph them – the feet of the homeless. A week earlier, someone had stolen some of his clothes. I explained that I always photograph the face with eye contact. The eyes are where we live, where the soul is. I never photograph a homeless person in a demeaning way, only as human equals. He was moved by this and began to tear up.

While talking, a young woman addressed us asking if either of us could spare a dollar or two so that she could get diapers for her baby. I have now seen a homeless person panhandled, never thought I'd see the day. Patrick put a hand into his pocket and said, “I think I have 25 cents (not the $10). I waved him off and got something for Desiree. She also was very grateful. I asked how many children she had. “One, plus one on the way (pointing to her abdomen). I said, “at least that one doesn't need diapers, and we all got a laugh. Before I got the portrait, she asked if it went onto the Internet. I explained Flicker and showed her my Photostream on the phone. With some reluctance, she agreed.

She left, and I said goodbye to Patrick. He began to whimper and said, “You are a gentleman. You care.” That was about 9AM. My day was changed.

Bob

Amanda (#851) 05-02-15

I was heading back to the car, done for the afternoon. Or so I thought. I walked by Cafe Clasico and its west wall, vine covered. Several tiny alcoves hold a round table and two chairs. I nearly had a double take as I passed one alcove with Amanda seated, with a man standing in front speaking. The light was so nice on her hair that I waited several yards away. I think that by telepathy I willed the guy away. When she was along, I wasted no time trying to recruit her.

After a few moments of hesitancy, she was fine with being photographed. Immediately the lip gloss came out and she began preening. I assured her that I wanted her to look natural and did not make women look like porcelain dolls with Photoshop. She understood, and agreed. Sort of. Amanda indicated that a little shin improvement in Photoshop was OK with her. Sigh...

Then I tried to get her to remove the sunglasses. She realized that I wanted to see her eyes, but, “The sunglasses are ME!” So we compromised with sunglasses being on her person, but not covering her eyes. Later I saw a couple of portraits on her website, and no sunglasses were in sight.

Now, the website. Amanda owns a company, Design Sarasota, that designs websites, works on SEO, social media exposure, etc. She works out of her house.    http://designingsarasota.com/

She loves the 100 Strangers concept and offered to make some recommendations for me, pro bono. As my website and blog get virtually no traffic, I am eager to get her opinions.

Bob

Kelsey (#850) 05-01-15

Time for a haircut. So I headed over to Great Clips which is sort of an assembly line place, like sheep shearing. Kelsey looked at my profile on the computer (can you believe that?) and said, “two and four, that's it?” Now here is how to cipher that. I get almost a buzz cut with the sides being two (Very short clipper setting) and four on the top (not quite so short). This has two advantages:

1. Never having to carry a comb, and

2. Every barber in the U.S. Knows what that means, and has the right equipment.

So I confirmed the request and she sat me down. Kelsey said, “Four and two, right?”

“NO! Two and four!” Then I saw her in the mirror, grinning. Fooled again, she had me.

Amazingly, the light in front of the shop wasn't bad. I didn't write down where she was born. Drat. But she told her husband that she was allergic to snow. So here they are. No kids, but a four legged offspring. She approved of the image and gave me her e-mail address. Well, actually their address. It is their last name followed by “2”. I said that she should be “1”. Kelsey agreed.

Bob

Harold and Charlotte (#849) 04-30-15

I saw Harold walking down the middle of a street in a Farmer's Market. He had a lady at each side, how nice. His sartorial style really caught my eye – checked shirt with open collar, sport jacket, handkerchief matching the shirt, and blue jeans. Here was a man making a fashion statement. Unfortunately I know nothing about fashion statements, but he had caught my eye a couple of days earlier, so GOD was making a statement; get to work!

He and the two ladies went up to a kiosk selling olive oil. It never ceases to amaze me how many olive oil stores survive. I like olive oil, but how much can one consume? Anyway, I waited (a while!) for the three of them to turn away when I made my move. I addressed Harold and quickly switched eye contact to the ladies. When I was about finished, Harold seemed amused and befuddled. I assured him that the outfit looked cool, but it was as if he didn't know that. One lady (Charlotte) rolled her eyes and stepped back several feet. The other immediately melted into the crowd, never to be seen again.

Harold was game. He is a haberdasher at Martin Freeman, a men's clothing store a few blacks away. He is originally from West Virginia and has been in this area for 20 years. Charlotte was fairly easily convinced too. She said that she hangs around with Harold because of his nice outfits – especially the purse. He was holding Charlotte's purse but I was circumspect, as I never know who might carry a purse. We all laughed, me guardedly.

Later, I saw Charlotte alone. Hopefully Harold had to go to work.

Bob

Lilly #848 04-29-15

A music venue was at one end of the Farmer's market. A large tent protected 30 - 40 chairs, half of which were occupied. As I looked in, Lilly was looking at me, and for a second, our eyes met. She immediately looked away, but I went in for the introduction and told her I liked the hat. That was true. At first she was very skeptical, wanting to know where the images went. I explained and showed her pics on my phone. Reluctantly she agreed, but I had to promise that the images would not go on Facebook. She asked if she had to give here name. I explained that I asked for a first name, but that if she lied, I would never know. I feel confident that Lilly is her real name.

Lilly asked if I knew a Judy Sargent, a local amateur photographer. I did not. Judy used to enter local photo contests, but became disillusioned. So many entrants were pros, it did not seem like a level playing field. She asked if I entered contests. Very seldom. She didn't like the first round of pics, without the smile. I took some more with the smiley face and she was happy.

Bob

Andrea (#847) 04-28-15

I spend so much time at the coffee shop, Pastry Art, that I have photographed many of the employees. But there is turnover, and a new crop is ready to be harvested. Andrea usually wears cool hats. On an unusually slow day, I explained the project and she gladly stepped outside for a few shots.

She is from Wisconsin and has been in Florida for six years. She does miss her family, but not the cold. And she admitted that if she went back, she and her family would get on each others nerves. So it goes.

Andrea does quite a bit of photography with her iPhone 4. She doesn't do much street photography, and later she thanked me for showing her how to approach a stranger. She lusts for a Canon 5D MKII. The barista life is not one for accumulating wealth, and just that day she bought a new Apple computer. She has a second job to someday realize her dream.

Andrea has interesting tattoos on her arm. She did not want them photographed, they are personal. She had them applied when she was very young, and a Buddhist. Her family HATES them. There is some remorse. She said that if it were up to her today, she would not have them applied. But she still likes two of them just for the arts sake, not their meaning.

Bob

Felicia and Katy (#846) 04-27-15

I must begin by digressing to my last post. I met Felicia in the atrium by the coffee shop, seen in the first comment. Notice that the coffee shop is in the upper right, and notice the jazzy zebra striping on the wall. Interesting spot. And finally, please notice Felicia sitting in front of these stripes, on the phone. I almost gave up on waiting for her, but finally she got off the phone – or the battery died.

Felicia is originally from Illinois and moved to Sarasota 20 years ago. She has been an insurance executive for 25 years, and the business polish shows, as she is very well spoken and poised. More importantly, when she heard 100 Strangers, she immediately 'got it', and was all for it. So nice.

Her time on the phone was not concerning insurance. She has some pro bono 'fun jobs' on the side, and Felicia was helping a non-profit group put on a running and paddle board event at nearby Nathan Benderson Park. She says that the venue is so good, that arranging the event was easy. Nice to put that outgoing personality and poise to good use.

As we spoke, her friend Katy walked up. After some salutations and hugging, she introduced us. Fortunately I asked Katy how to spell her name, my inclination would have been Katie. Katy moved here two years ago from New Jersey (Joisey). She was even more into 100 Strangers than Felicia. Both ladies took cards and promised to e-mail me so that I'll have their addresses and send the photos.

I like this spot and will use those stripes again.

Bob

David (#845) 04-27-15

I had lunch in Station 400, Sarasota. I looked up and behind the cash register was a glorious mustache with David behind it. He was a waiter, but not assigned to me. As I was about to leave he was there again. I asked if I came back in two minutes with a camera, could I get his portrait. He said fine, with a big smile.

I rushed back and got the shot. I said, "I'll bet if I come back in a few weeks, the mustache will be out to here", ans I motioned about two feet with my hands. He said, "No, if you come back in a few weeks, it will probably be gone.

I'm glad I was there that day.

Bob

Elijah (#844) 04-26-15

I pulled the car into a different high rise parking lot. As the stairs exit the ground floor, it is into an atrium with comfortable seating and a small coffee shop, Buddy Brew Coffee). The light is slightly low in quantity, but high in quality. So I boosted the ISO to 800 and waited.

Along came Elijah. He is about 6'3” tall and thin. The untied tie accentuated the vertical. So as he exited Buddys with java in hand, I introduced myself. He is soft spoken and a little shy, but was happy to participate. He is a Sarasota native, and for the past 1 ½ years has worked at Louie's Modern Restaurant, which forms the right wall of the atrium.

Elijah really liked the images. He gave me his e-mail address, and it is a Yahoo account. I told him that most people his age use Yahoo, people my age use AOL or GMAIL.

“Why did you choose Yahoo?”

“Yahoo was already my home page, and signing up was easy.”

Maybe this is not as significant as I had thought.

Bob