Kim (#472) 11-29-13

Kim (#472) 11-29-13

Another outdoor art show, I love it! A grass island in the middle of St. Armand's Circle was filled with tents, containing all kinds of art. One tent caught my eye. Not because the art was beautiful (it was), but because the art was displayed on a black background. And the lady vendor had white hair – it just jumped out.

So I introduced myself to Kim and explained why I wanted to photograph her for my project. Being an artist, she immediately understood and was totally cooperative. The reflected light was perfect, and I thanked her profusely before two looker – customers came in.

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The art was polished wooden birds, dolphins, etc., that were so smooth looking that I thought that they were metal. A wall hanging group of seagulls was about 6 feet across and would command an entire living room wall. It seemed worth the $2,500 price tag. Werner Holzbaur's website is HERE.

Bob

 

 

 

Brenda (#471) 11-27-13

I was finishing up with yesterday's stranger, C.T. But then a striking woman ran up and hugged him and they merrily embraced. Anytime I see a blonde African American woman, I consider her striking. Period. So I said to C.T., “Hey, how about introducing me to your friend!” He said, “Sure, but this one will cost you. Ha ha!”

Uh, oh.

Brenda turned to me and said that I’d have to hear her sing at The Vineyard, at 8:30. Gulp! The Sarasota Vineyard and Bistro was only a couple of blocks away, and the website is HERE.   Brenda Watty is mentioned in the entertainment section.

My mind quickly raced and I realized that there was no way that I could attend that evening. I told Brenda so, and said that I’d try another Saturday night. Then I got a few shots.

As she was about to leave, she looked at me and (assertively) said,

“8:30 on Saturday nights, WHERE?”

“Uh, the Vineyard”

“YEAH, BABY” (fist pump)

Bob

C.T. (#470) 11-26-13

I spotted a tall young man and just had to give it a try. I'm 6'1”, but he was an inch or two taller. Without hair. With his hair, he was probably 6 inches taller. I had to follow him a bit and position myself so that we would meet in an area of favorable light. I hope that this would not be considered 'stalking'. I consider it planning ahead and positioning.

As soon as I explained 100 Strangers to C.T., he smiled broadly and liked the idea. I asked if C.T. Was just the two letters, and he explained that it was for Coach Taylor. Last summer, C.T. Was hired by a local high school to be a girl's basketball coach, and he is clearly proud of it. His team has defeated a few powerhouses, including my Alma Mater. When I told him that, he gave his condolences, with a friendly mocking grin.

Amazingly, he is familiar with homeless facilities and how to live in a car. Looking at him, and hearing him speak, I would never have guessed. Difficult times breed difficult situations. Sarasota County has hired an expert in handling homeless programs and facilities; it appears that both the county and included cities are about to appropriate substantial funds to implement the proposals.

C.T. was concerned that the photo would show his previously broken nose. Even after he told me, I could barely spot it. He liked the final image, and took my MOO card. A moment later, a woman walked up and they embraced like old buddies. I said, “Hey, how about introducing me to your friend.” and this leads to the next Stranger.

Next year, may you team win all (but one) of its games.

Bob

Caroline and John (#469) 11-25-13

As the young couple walked my way, they just seemed to have a glow. They were smiling and talking softly to each other – all seemed good. When I asked for a portrait, each was more than ready to comply. John and Caroling were visiting from a neighboring town about 15 miles away.

I asked, “What is the best thing that has happened to you today?”  Caroline responded, “Dropping off my engagement ring to be re-sized.”  Oh, then I understood why they were glowing. Then I asked, “What's the worst thing that has happened today?” John answered, “Nothing, it has been a great day!”

Bob

Anthony (#468) 24-11-13

I liked his hair and hat. I saw him from a distance, talking to several fellows, so I waited my turn. It took several minutes, but when I approached Anthony, he had no reservations.

 He was born and raised in Sarasota. Last year he graduated from Sarasota High School. Now he is in the work force. I asked what job he had gotten. “Uh, right now I’m selling roses at an outdoor booth on Saturdays.”

 These are difficult times.

 Bob

Gail (#467) 11-23-13

A rack of clothing for sale, on a sidewalk, suggests cheap merchandise to me. Just my prejudice. So when I see people pawing through the on-sale items, I suspect that they are expecting a huge bargain. In that context, Gail really caught my eye. She was examining the on-rack clothing very closely. I thought that she looked quite elegant; her physical appearance, clothing and 'bling' gave her a 'regal 'presence' that seemed to contradict the surroundings.

 So I made my move and explained the project. Gail was very reserved, but obviously agreed. She lives locally, but was not interested in any further conversation. I think that I failed to get her to really buy into the 100 Strangers concept. Nevertheless, I like the image.

Bob

Mike (#466) 11-21-13

Mike just had an interesting expression as he approached on his bicycle. When I asked, he not only said OK, but he thanked me. Thanked me!

 Mike is an English teacher. But not just any English teacher; he teaches English to minorities, for whom English is a second language. And he teaches it at night. Mike lives on a sailboat (no mast) that is moored about 100 yards into Sarasota Bay. He keeps the bike at a nearby marina, locked of course. He has to row into the marina in a small dinghy. And row back at night, after class. And if it is windy and raining,...

 Prior to living in Sarasota, he had another job teaching English as a second language. That was in South Korea. Mike was not in the military, but was an independent contractor.

 Like I said, not just any English teacher.

Bob

Terri (#465) 11-20-13

On a Saturday morning, volunteers were trying to get signatures on a petition concerning an environmental cause. Each one would approach a person and say ”Are you a registered voter in Florida?” If the answer was yes, they would continue explaining the petition. I had signed on on a previous weekend.

 I was on a street corner and heard one volunteer (Terri) say, “Are you a registered voter in Montana?”

 What?!?

 Almost immediately she corrected herself, “I mean in Florida. (laugh) I used to live in Montana, and that slipped out.”

 So I just hovered in the background while she continued working. Finally when there was a break in the action, I approached Terri and explained 100 Strangers. Then I said, “But I don't live in Montana.” She burst out laughing, and had difficulty becoming serious for a portrait.

She approved of the image on the LCD, as a man approached. She wheeled around and went back to work.

Bob

Julia and Catherine (#464) 11-19-13

I saw two young ladies crossing a main street – one wearing a stylish hat and the other a kerchief of sorts. I followed several yards until they stopped at an outdoor kiosk selling plants. They both spent several minutes examining small cacti. Finally they each purchased one and began walking my way.

I asked them my usual favor, helping me with the 100 Strangers project. Both Julia and Catherine seemed genuinely surprised and eager to help. The took MOO cards and said that they looked forward to seeing the final images. Both live 20 miles south, very close to me.

I asked them what the best thing was about that morning. After a brief pause, each, almost simultaneously said “Getting this cactus!” as they held up the succulents.

Bob

Jen (#463) 11-18-13

With yesterday’s stranger, Nanduh, was Jen. She was the more talkative of the two. As soon as I asked a ‘favor’ for a portrait. She said, “Oh. I do that too.” Really? She was unfamiliar with the 100 Strangers group, but she does have a Flickr account. Jen used to belong to Dimage, a local camera club, but her membership had lapsed. I tried to talk her into re-joining – we’ll see.

Jen has done some photography for hire, but has a ‘day job’ and considers herself an amateur. She would like to change that. Before we parted, she asked me to stand still for a few shots. I did, while her Nikon D7000 clicked away. At the same time, Nanduh did the same, but with on camera flash.

I asked what the best thing was that had happened to her that day. She said, “Waking up! Waking up before 10AM and feeling good.” I often get a variation of this response. She took my MOO card, and I suspect that we will cross paths again. As I walked away, I saw her approach two police officers, and was getting their portraits. Jen is for real.

Bob
 

Nanduh (#462) 11-17-13

A Chalk Festival. I feel that Southwest Florida is the epicenter of outdoor cultural activities. But, of course, I am too narrow minded to take it all in – there are just so many Strangers around. And along came Nanduh and Jen. Both carried Nikons. I'll introduce Nanduh now, Jen tomorrow.

Of course the name interested me. I said, “N-a-n-d-a?” He said “No, N-a-n-d-a-h.” Ah, the H. I gritted my teeth and thought “Don't forget that. Don't forget that”, until I had a chance to write it down in my Moleskine journal. Whew!

I asked where he was from – Sarasota, but he moved here within the past year. I asked where from, thinking that I might get a clue about the name. Ohio. Rats! So I just told him that his name was interesting. Nanduh quickly ran through some eclectic ancestry, quickly enough that I forget most of it. But his parents are Russian and Brazilian – that itself is rather unique. I again addressed him by name, and he said “You remembered!” It had only been a minute. Jeez, give me a break. Ten minutes later might have been a different story.

Nanduh is getting into professional photography, having a background in design. As we were about to part, he said “OK, you're Bob, right? B-o-b.” I said, “No, you've got it backwards. It's b-o-B.” He smiled in a way that I already recognized as characteristic. Nanduh has a keen, dry sense of humor, and he smiles with his eyes more than his mouth. I think that the image captures that.

Bob

Mary Lou (#461) 11-16-13

While strolling through the St. Armand's Art Festival, I saw a woman across the street working outside of a store. I mistakenly thought that she worked there. I crossed and approached her. Mary Lou Johnson is a photographer, and proud of her Nikon D800. She was setting up a table to sell her new photography book, “The Lure of Longboat Key”. Mary Lou has a current exhibit at the Longboat Key Tennis Club, and does professional portraiture. Her website is HERE.

She was quite interested in the 100 Strangers concept, and took my MOO card. In a previous segment of her life, Mary Lou was a psychology councilor and was interested in the process of approaching strangers.

Mary Lou went to high school in Tampa, about 50 miles away. She and her husband spent their honeymoon on Longboat Key, and were able to realize the dream of living there 10 years ago.

Bob

Andrea (#460) 11-15-13

Andrea caught my eye because of her stylish flowing clothing, and..., well, you can see. She was walking among booths at an outdoor exhibit area, and I had to maneuver a bit to 'meet' her in an area of decent light.

She was quite receptive to being photographed. I was in luck; Andrea was a 4th year student at the nearby Ringling School of Art. I feel that anyone involved with any type of art is sympathetic to someone trying to create something. Anything. Artists understand that creating something is not easy. She studies illustration. Andrea is from New Jersey, but her boyfriend lives about 10 miles away. She will probably seek employment in this area.

After a few shots, I thought that the light would be better about 50 feet away. Andrea was eager to move. Ironically, I would up liking the first shot (in the first location) best. I just found the facial gesture most compelling.

Bob

Fred and Juan (#459) 11-14-13

The following is a common refrain for me. I saw a man with a cool hound’s tooth-type hat. I definitely wanted to meet him, but he was in animated conversation with three other men. I patiently waited my turn. And waited. Finally I gave up and moved on.


About two hours later, there he was, headed my way with a young man. I hate to sound like some kind of a mystic, but it really seems that luck brings strangers to me. Like some large invisible hand of fate gently guides a stranger in my direction. And when this happens, I believe that it is my duty to make contact, and try to get a portrait. To pass up the opportunity would be an insult to the guiding hand of fate. Not a good idea.

So I met Fred, and told him that he looked cool in that hat (actually, UNDER that hat). Then I explained that I had seen him earlier – the whole spiel. Fred seemed interested, and I think a little flattered. He has lived in Sarasota from 1994, and was in Bradenton before that.

With Fred was Juan. He also had no reservation about being photographed. I told them that I lived in Venice, Juan said, “Oh, I graduated from Venice High School.” I told him that I too, had graduated from VHS, although not in the same year. Or same decade. Barely in the same half century.

Both seemed interested in the 100 Strangers project, and took my MOO card.

Bob

Lynne (#458) 11-13-13

Lynne was walking toward me, and I liked her stylish hat. She was carrying a red Nikon – I have mixed feelings about brightly colored DSLRs. But that’s me.

She was staying in Sarasota, 20 lives away, but she lives in Canada. I got a few series’ of smiley faced shots. I showed them to Lynne, and she seemed to approve.

But I got just one shot with the pursed lips.

This elicited the quote of the day, “OMIGOD, I look just like my Mum”.

Can’t beat that. I hope that your Mum approves.

Bob

 

 

 

 

 

Liz (#457) 11-12-13

A young woman, walking a long-haired dachshund, was heading my way. I was under cover with lots of reflected light, so I just waited. When I approached her for a portrait, she agreed, but seemed very reserved. Liz asked where the images ‘went’, so I pulled out my Android phone and showed her my Flickr Photostream.

She brightened right up and said that she loved the images. Liz teaches small children but has done some modeling on the side. She said that some other models might like to see these. Then she asked if I had a Facebook page, so I gave her my MOO card, pointed to my name, and said that my Facebook page would pop up.

About an hour later, my phone buzzed - it was a Facebook ‘friend’ request from Liz. I cannot overstate how nice it is to have a ‘stranger’ express an interest in the project, and follow up. She speaks Spanish, French and German, and lists Barcelona as her hometown. Most interesting.

Bob

John (#456) 11-11-13

My wife and I cruised up the Mississippi on a Paddle-wheel steamer, the American Queen. We has a few hours ashore in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. With less than an hour left, I ran into town looking for locals to meet and photograph. As I passed a restaurant, I ‘felt’ more than saw a man leaning against a wall, smoking. Intuitively I thought that he was an employee on break. I wheeled around to face him as I began my mantra (asking to meet him and get a portrait). The words were not totally out of my mouth when I focused on his expression. He did not look happy. Maybe I approached the wrong guy.

But he quickly said OK, and his demeanor and voice did not match his face.

Yes, he was John, and did work at the restaurant, The Bodega Brew Pub. John told me that he was born in Iowa, but has lived in LaCrosse for many years. So I told him that I was visiting from Florida, and that I was on a tour boat. John said, “Oh, the American Queen? She is beautiful. I spent a night aboard her last week.”

Huh?

It turns out that the week before, The American Queen had stopped at LaCrosse too. The Brew House Pub supplied a portfolio of beers for an Oktoberfest beer tasting party aboard. John handled the beer and stayed aboard for the night, disembarking in Dubuque, Iowa.

It is amazing, what stories you stumble upon when meeting strangers.

Bob

Sheri (#455) 11-10-13

Have you ever heard of Orange Theory Fitness? Neither had I. But Sheri has. If you care to know, look HERE.


 When I passed an outdoor booth for OTF (I just made that up), I could not resist. I stood in front of Sheri and began my usual spiel: “Hi, could I ask a favor? I belong to a photography group called 100 Strangers, and…”. As soon as she heard the root word, “strange”, she burst out laughing. Sheri said, “OK, I’m strange, you win”, as she held her arms out wide. Several passersby stopped to watch her antics. Click, click. She just moved here from California, and is making a splash, methinks.

Her coworker, Keith, is a New York transplant. In fact, very close to where I used to live – 60 years ago.

Bob

BJ (#454) 11-09-13

BJ is the second of three artist/vendors who I met, and photographed, at an art festival. And there is another one 20 miles away next weekend! BJ is a ‘mural artist.’ Her tent contained a few paintings about 8 feet long, on canvas. This was hanging canvas cloth, not stretched over a frame.

She is from Englewood, 15 miles away, and had moved there from St. Louis, 12 years ago. I told her that I went to Englewood Elementary School (SEVERAL years ago). The school was brand new then. It has since been torn down, less than 50 years later. BJ said, “Well, that’s America for you!”

Surprisingly she does not seem to have a website. But later learned that she is responsible for several outdoor murals on stores and public buildings in town. I see her work every day.

Unfortunately, as she was ‘on duty’, I was unable to get her past the camera smile.

Bob

 

Mack (#453) 11-08-13

My wife and I walked down market St., a main thoroughfare in downtown St. Louis. It was about 4PM with a moderate number of pedestrians in the park that splits Market St. From behind, I could sense more than see, someone running towards us. This young fellow, slightly out of breath, asked if I could help him. He needed a few dollars before 5PM to get his car out of a for-pay parking lot, or it would be locked up for the night. I was a bit surprised as I had never been approached like that when my wife was present. I was very skeptical about the story, but am prepared for such an eventuality.

I said, “I can help, but I’d like a favor from you in return.” Then I explained the 100 Strangers project. He brightened up and said, “Sure, no problem.” I keep a few dollars in a compartment in my pocket, so that I can retrieve it without pulling out my wallet. So, I gave him the money before photographing him. In a VERY brief encounter, I think that this builds a teeny bit of trust, and results in a more authentic portrait. After receiving the money, he was more than happy to pose for a minute.

I asked his name. He said “Mack, like the truck.” We shook hands and parted. He sauntered away slowly, without running.

Some photographers feel that it is not appropriate to give anyone money prior to a portrait. I cannot argue against that, but act as I do for two reasons:

  1. I am basically a softie, and am inclined to help someone less fortunate, even if their story is suspect.

  2. Photographers sometimes pay a fair amount of money to a pretty lady to model. So why not pay a little for a ‘regular’ person to be photographed?

That’s just how I feel.

Bob