Why I do this – an example

I studied Anthropology in college, and the commonality in humans as well as our outward, obvious differences has always intrigued me. I don’t have to look far to see scenes that give me reasons for contemplation.

I do not make it a rule to photograph homeless people.  What is unique about them is NOT their living conditions, and I do not ever want to make that aspect of their lives the focus of my photographs.  However, when someone asks me to take their photo, and wants to engage in a conversation (without an obvious request for money – which I do not give), I become interested in who they are and am happy to share what I learn.

So, this early spring day, after a lot of rain, this gentleman asked if I would take his picture.  He told me that he is a musician and he had just gotten a small sample cup of coffee from a local cafe in trade for the coins he had found on the street. We talked about staying open to possibilities. In this photo, he said he is looking to heaven.

This photo is what I saw when I turned around and the contrast was too obvious not to take the shot.   This is the world around us.

Why I should always carry a camera Part 2

We have a very active, vibrant, downtown so there is always something going on, and people have places to go and things to do.   This rare sunny, warm day there was an innovation fair and thousands of people….then out of the crowd I spotted this.

I don’t know why he was there, but it made my day!  Who needs New York?

There is always something nearby to bring a smile.

Street photography has evolved from the gritty, black and white slice of life to a way to share life all around us.  Sometimes it can even bring a smile.