Dan (#868) 05-21-15

The next four strangers will be a little different. A reporter, Katy, from the Sarasota Herald Tribune interviewed me, and then followed me around with video equipment. So when I introduced myself to a stranger and made 'the ask', Katy quickly explained that I was being followed for a website video. Katy met me a few weeks ago – I photographed her, of course (#607).

As Katy and I passed Smokin' Joe's Bar, Dan was having a cigar break al fresco. He had lived in Seattle. I noted that most people around here were from Ohio/Michigan, or New York/New Jersey. Seattle to Sarasota is not a common migration path. Many years ago Dan moved here to be close to his ailing dad. They were together for 20 years.

Dan loves Pastry Art, my favorite haunt. A few months ago he was in an auto accident and had one arm in a sling. So he learned to hold a bag with pastries and a cup of coffee in one hand – a useful skill.

He lit up his cigar and told me not to photograph him with it. His wife would be upset.

“Do you think that she cannot smell it on your breath?”

“I brush my teeth before she sees me.”

“Oh.”

They have been married for 10 years. Two years ago they opened up a salon salon in the nearby Rosemary District. That is an up and coming neighborhood that had been neglected for decades.

Bob

Thomas and Lucy, (#867) 05-20-15

Thomas is Hungarian. He likes Sarasota, but thinks that there should be more cultural activities for young people. I told him that I used to live in Venice. He rolled his eyes and said, "You would be young there (67), I would REALLY be young." Thomas is well acquainted with Cafe Clasico, where we were; he met Lucy there. And he remembers when it was the Palm Cafe, and before that, Sarasota Bookstore. Thomas reminisced about the "Mom and Pop" bookstore, and private bookstores in general. Their future does not appear bright.

He is a realtor. I said, "Oh, do you sell these condos( waving my arm by new highrises under construction)." he said yes, but that most of them had already been sold, for up to $2,000,000 each where there is a bay view.

Lucy said that I had never heard of her birthplace, Cape Verde. I said that of course I had, a group of islands off Africa. She seemed surprised. I told her that she was the first female from Cape Verde that I had met that was not a hurricane. In Florida we are very cognizant of the "Cape Verde Season", where tropical depressions form off of Africa and sweep across the Atlantic, strengthening into hurricanes.

Lucy used to work at Cafe Clasico, but now she works at Brian's Seafood, north of town. She is my second stranger who works there. Lucy wanted to keep sunglasses on. She had partied hard the night before and was concerned about the appearance of her eyes. They look fine.

Bob

Kelsey and Alex (#866) 19-05-15

Kelsey and Alex walked my way and I was ready. But they suddenly turned into a spice store and I had to bide my time. A fellow tied his bulldog to a pole right next to me and disappeared into a restaurant. The beautiful dog was rather ambitious and I had to move – I almost lost interest. But when they walked out and I explained the project, they were more than happy to be a part.

Kelsey and Alex are from Tampa, visiting the area for a day. So far, they are impressed. Kelsey teaches English as a second language. She speaks some Russian, but is not allowed to speak it in class. If the primary language is used at all, students end up 'translating' everything, and never learn how to 'think' in English. Actually, I'm not sure that I can think in English. She likes this challenge, but doesn't look at this as her calling.

Alex works in finance. Not for a brokerage house, but at an electrical supply company. Among other things, he does collections.

“Oh, are you the 'enforcer' for delinquent accounts?”

Kelsey, “Yeah, that's why he has these guns (squeezes Alex's bicep).”

Alex, “No, I haven't had to resort to violence yet (rolls eyes).”

They both seemed to enjoy the encounter and took my card.

Bob

Jess and Tucker (#865) 05-18-15

Jess and Tucker had the audacity to sip cups of Java in front of MY coffee shop. So I did my thing, and they were happy to be photographed.

Jess (Jessica) graduated from local Booker High School, the one partially devoted to visual and performing arts. Since 2009 she has performed with the Modern Ethos dance troupe. http://movingethos.org/index.html

The group will be performing in Sarasota this July. The venue will be the tiny Urbanite theater, which will be modified to seat 35 (thirty five!) for the performances. Jess agrees that dancers not colliding will be a challenge. I immediately bought a ticket for the first performance.

Tucker owns her own landscaping business. I was intrigued by the intricate tattoo on her left arm. She got it in New Zealand for the equivalent of $300. It is art of the Mauri, the indigenous people of new Zealand. Each line represents an event in Tucker's life.

Bob

Mike (#864) 05-17-15

Mike was sitting with a young lady who shook her head “no.” Mike shook his head “yes” at that, I guess she was really having a bad day. But Mike was not, and was glad to participate. Both of them are musicians in a band called 'Pleasures.' She is a guitar player and vocalist, Mike plays drums. When I showed him my Photostream, he pointed to Greg (yesterday's stranger) and said that Greg was in the same band. Quite a coincidence as these were on different days.

Mike was born in Sarasota and graduated from Sarasota High School. After getting a degree in Music, he taught for two years at SHS and one year at Booker High. But teaching was not for Mike, so he quit to join this band. They are arranging their second tour, 5,000 miles in a month. Their first tour was over 8,000 miles. It was modestly successful, they came home with a little money after expenses. The financial uncertainty doesn't seem to bother him.

I told him about a book that I just read – it seems germane: The Crossroads of Should and Must.” Should is what other people and society suggest you do, vs must, what your heart says to do.

Bob

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