Alayna (#611) 06-05-14

My wife and I were walking onto a fishing pier at Ft. Myers Beach. As we went up a ramp. I looked down on a beach bar, the Beach Pierside Grill, getting an aerial view. It had not yet opened, but Alayna was arranging outdoor seating. Her hair caught my eye as it captured the morning sunlight. So, I rearranged my walk and met Alayna.

She seemed a little surprised and reserved, but said yes. Alayna was born and raised in Ft. Myers. She told me how long she had worked at the Grill, but I didn't write it down, and now I forget. :-(

The sun was bright, and as we spoke I was eying a shaded location nearby. When I suggested moving there, she suggested another location, a few yards further. That was nice, and her location was probably better!

I asked Alayna to eschew the “Say Cheese” smile, and she agreed. She said that a big smile made her eyes smaller. Wow, that's some good insight. Perhaps she had been photographed in the past?

Bob

Dale (#610) 06-04-14

This one has been in the queue for quite a while. I was a little uncomfortable with the encounter, and I wasn't sure that I would ever post it. But three months have past, and all seems well.

I was with three other photographers on my favorite Sarasota street. With peripheral vision, I saw Dale approaching on a bicycle. We made eye contact and he said “Hello,it looks like some photographers!” I affirmed his observation and said, “Guess what I like to photograph?”, and went through my spiel. Dale was OK with that, but said that he needed something. The local Salvation Army charged $10/night and he needed some money for board (he said this to all four of us.) Dale's presentation was pretty polished.

We made a modest contribution and I got a few shots. When he saw the image on the LCD he said that he needed it for his Facebook page – could I send it to his Facebook account. He doesn't have regular e-mail. I had no problem with the concept, but wasn't sure how to do it. I later looked up his name in Facebook; there are lots of Dale Roberts', but none appeared to be him.

Then Dale “God Blessed” us all, and said that God provides what he needs. He didn't have transportation but God provided the bicycle. He found it that morning, and not finding an owner, assumed that God had given it to him. I had noticed that it seemed small for him, but I looked more closely. It was a nearly new, girl's bike. Hmmm...

Bob

Diana (#609) 06-03-14

A few weeks ago I was experiencing my recurring angst about color vs black and white. To me, b&w draws the viewer to the eyes, and emphasizes expression over distracting elements in the frame. But then there's Steve McCurry; his color portraits have only two or three colors, with each color defining a space. And they are so compelling! So I periodically feel that I must give color another try.

Thank you, Diana, you came along at just the right time. I met you in Ft. Myers, and although you were in a hurry, you graciously spared me a few minutes of your time. And you indulged me by moving about 30 yards to find a suitable background. Congratulations on just finishing a singing engagement at the Florida Repertory Theatre. I'm sure that you were a hit! You seemed to approve of your images on the camera's LCD, so I emailed you the files. I'm sure that you enjoy your home in Cape Coral, just across the Caloosahatchee River.

I was pleased that the background color and sweater were so compatible. But still I vacillate; Does the b&w version provide a more powerful representation of Diana's facial gesture?

Bob

Peter (#608) 06-02-14

Peter was walking toward me, in Naples, FL. With the Canon DSLR hanging from his neck, I figured that he'd be a good candidate. Plus, something about his look and body language suggested that he was not a local. When I stopped him, he seemed a bit amused, but interested. He was more interested when I showed him my Photostream on the cell phone.

Peter is from Slovakia, REALLY not a local. In retrospect, I am sorry that I didn't ask about the spelling of his name, I might be wrong. I told him that his English was good, but he just rolled his eyes. Peter did have a substantial accent, but he was very easily understood. He was in the U.S. for a three month stint, that was almost over. I asked if he was a student. He laughed and said, “No, I'm 27!”

Peter was very interested in my Olympus OM-D. Surprisingly, when I explained what it was, he was totally unfamiliar with the micro 4/3 concept. He held it and took a few shots. Looking at the LCD, he laughed and said “Oh God, delete these!” He did not feel at all comfortable with the electronic viewfinder.

Bob

Linda (#607) 06-01-14

Linda and Jodi (yesterday's stranger) have been friends for 20 years. Linda used to live in Syracuse, NY, and knew Jodi “up north.” Now she has a house in Burnt Store, about 20 miles away (I think). Jodi has been staying in Linda's house for nearly two weeks.

Linda was very infatuated by the 100 Strangers project, and took my MOO card. In retrospect, interest in the project seems to be gender related. Far more women seem interested than men.

For post processing, I have downloaded a trial version of Topaz ReMask. This helps create complicated masks to include hair, etc. My intent is to use it to help 'clean up' backgrounds, not to replace backgrounds with pretty scenes. There is a learning curve, for sure.

Bob

Jodi (#606) 05-31-14

I met Jodi and her friend Linda (tomorrow's stranger) In Cape Coral, FL. They were on a bench situated in an alleyway, between stores. There were shafts of late afternoon sunlight parallel to the alleyway, and lots of structure for light reflection. Jody was happy to comply.

She lives near Buffalo, NY, and loves the cold (good thing). Snowmobiles are her passion. She was visiting her friend for two weeks, but had to return the upcoming weekend, as her nephew was about to graduate from Buffalo State University.

Jodi loves the 100 Strangers concept. I showed her the images on my cell phone, and she took my MOO card. I did not get her e-mail address and I feel badly about that. Due to personal circumstances, I am posting this about two weeks after the encounter.

Bob

David (#605) 05-30-14

While sitting on a bench in Ft. Myers, David walked by and asked about my camera. This has been a side benefit of the Olympus OM-D E-M5: the retro look catches people's eye and is often a conversation starter. So I told David that despite the look, it's actually quite modern. And then I told him what I like to photograph – people like him. He was happy to cooperate.

David is from Knoxville, TN. Among other things, he was a volunteer fireman. He wanted to move to Florida, but unfortunately made a strategic blunder. He moved 3 ½ months ago on the premise of employment by Sweetbay, a grocery store chain. A month after relocating, Sweetbay was purchased by Winn Dixie, a rival chain, and like magic, David's job evaporated. He has applications in with many businesses within a few blocks of where we spoke. So far, no luck.

So, David is temporarily without a home. I am reluctant to say 'homeless', as that implies a long term situation, which hopefully is not the case. He stayed in a homeless shelter for 30 days, but there is no provision for people to stay longer. Ironically, he said that people with substance abuse problems have programs to house them longer, but with no abuse problem, 30 days is the maximum. David speaks well, and does not sound bitter.

Here is a jazzy forearm tattoo. But notice the wrist band, “Practice Fire Exit Drills.” This was his mantra while a fireman in Knoxville.

Somehow, this just doesn't seem right.

Bob

Sue (#604) 05-29-14

I love coffee shops. And I REALLY love coffee shops with neat names – double entendres. So while at a marina, I was infatuated by the coffee shop called “Run Agrounds.” How appropriate is that? Here's the logo.

One look at Sue, the Barista, and I had to have the portrait. And she was all for it! I was thinking color, but the lighting was mixed fluorescent, incandescent, and natural window light. Forget it, the white balance was way too complicated.

Sue is from Rhode Island, and moved to Cape Coral seven years ago. She loves it, especially the nearby beaches. But Sue doesn't get to the beach too often, she works “Pretty much all the time.” She has one son and Grand kids who keep her busy.

“What do you tell your friends back in Rhode Island?”

“C'mon down!”

They don't.

Bob

Theresa (#603) 05-24-14

I was at the pool area in The Pink Shell Resort, Ft. Myers Beach. The area was packed, and a singer/guitar player had his amplifier in high gear. The edge of the area was undercover, and in one corner was a room for the towel concession.

I could see Theresa collecting used towels from sunburned guests. I liked the quality of light, if not the quantity. So I set the camera's ISO to 800, and met Theresa. She was happy to be photographed. I was a bit taken aback – she was much younger than I thought, but still a high school graduate. Theresa was born and raised in Ft. Myers. She LOVES her job and has held it for three months. She likes the beach but not direct sunlight, so she works at the beach in shade. How good is that? At one point a guest brought some towels – I stepped behind a pillar until he left. I didn't want to risk Theresa getting into trouble for being distracted from her duties.

Theresa is a smiley person, and it took a little coaxing and patience to get the posted image. The one in the comments is 'her'. I got her e-mail address and sent these images.

Bob

Larry (#602) 05-23-14

I spent several hours walking around Bradenton, FL. I was sure that Larry was homeless, I kept seeing him sitting on various benches, always with a large sack at his side. An almost sure sign. When I explained my project, Larry was pleasant and had no objections.

He seems to have lived everywhere, including Ohio, California, and Las Vegas. He used to clean casinos there, and would like to return someday. I asked where he stayed. There is an “open door” shelter, but he doesn't get along with people there. He stays outdoors with other homeless, and the property owner tells the police that they are “Guests.”

I was amused that Larry was wearing an FSU (Florida State University) hat, as my wife and I are from the rival University of Florida. He got the hat from a church, and has no knowledge of the school. I asked if there were any facilities where the homeless could get mail, do laundry, etc. Larry shrugged, and said that he wasn't to interested in doing laundry. He just went to churches every few days and got “new” clothes.

Oh.

It is interesting to see how different homeless people cope, and how much personal responsibility they take.

Bob

Jim (#601) 05-22-14

Jim was sitting on an outdoor bench within an alcove in front of a store. He was under a roof overhang. His snow white hair just jumped out against the dark background, and I told him so. He smiled, and nodded. He knew that his hair was striking and had no reservation in having it photographed.

Jim is from Massachusetts, and recently bought a condo in Naples as a part-time residence. He had just returned from 'up north' and did have a rough winter. His girl friend lives in Marco (10 miles south); hence, the Naples purchase.

Bob

Joe and Bailey (#600) 21-05-14

I was walking down Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, on Easter Sunday. Joe and Bailey were sitting in a good spot, in front of a very dark window, with reflected light hitting their faces. They were speaking softly and sitting fairly close, but not THAT close, if you get my drift.

Both were a bit reticent when approached. Joe was born in St. Pete and graduated from St. Petersburg Catholic High School. Bailey was born in Tampa, but now lives in Mt. Dora, FL. That name is a bit of a joke. There are bumper stickers that say, “I climbed Mt. Dora.”; the elevation is about 50 feet.

Neither had an interest in getting a copy of their image. In fact, Joe wasn't even going to look at his until Bailey convinced them. After I downloaded them, I was surprised to see that the reflected light gave Joe a rim-light effect on his hair. Bailey, with the darker hair didn't have that, and her hair blended into the background. I had to really 'lean' on the hair in Photoshop to get any separation at all.

Bob

Judy (#599) 05-20-14

The story of today's stranger has a common thread with yesterday's stranger, Kelso. It was two days later in a different town, Bradenton where there was a Thursday afternoon tradition; two blocks of a main street were blocked off and a street concert ensued at 6PM. A stage was erected at the end of the street, two rows of folding chairs were set up in a semicircle around the stage, and a couple of hundred people walked around several kiosks selling trinkets, beer, and artery-clogging foods.

As I watched the goings on, I turned around as a woman, Judy, passed, very closely. So close that I could not quickly gather my wits and approach her. She reminded me of someone I used to see on TV. Later, I realized that it was the actress Rue McClanahan whom she resembled (to me). But she was quickly by me, and she held several small bags of potato chips. She walked up to the front row of seats and passed the chips to listeners, slowly speaking to each recipient. Looking more closely I realized that they all had Downs Syndrome, or some other developmental disability. Then I was REALLY sorry that I had not approached her.

So I just took in the music for several minutes. There was no way that I could break into the group to meet Judy, and the music (which I liked) was too loud anyway. Finally the band took a 10 minute break, and Judy walked into an adjacent bar. I immediately positioned myself between the bar and the stage, and waited. As she emerged with a well deserved umbrella drink, I asked her for a favor, and went into my spiel. Judy looked incredulous, like she was going to laugh into my face until I said “I saw the people that you are helping over there. That's very nice.” She looked down with a more serious expression, “Thank you.” The ice was broken.

Judy and her husband retired in Salt Lake City nearly 20 years ago; her children are still there. Judy and her husband moved to Bradenton to live out their golden years, but he promptly died. Nearly 16 years ago, Judy began to volunteer for an organization that helps people with Downs Syndrome and other developmental disorders. I said that she must have the patience of Job. She looked up and rolled her eyes. Then I told her about yesterday's stranger, Kelso, who teaches glass blowing to children with Down's Syndrome. Judy looked down and shook her head. Clearly, and not surprisingly, this work has an emotional effect on her.

After a few clicks of the shutter, I showed Judy her image on the LCD. She said, “Oh God, that's awful.” So I got a few more images, but she didn't like any of them. She wished me good luck when we parted, but she didn't want any of the photos.

Truthfully, Judy wore quite a bit of make-up. So many women feel compelled to hide the years. Her make-up made shiny areas on her cheeks. The B&W processing that I usually do made these areas very prominent, so I “knocked them down” a bit in Photoshop. I tried to get the highlights in the image to match my impression in person.

Bob

Kelso (#598) 05-19-14

Tuesday is Farmer's Market day in Gulfport, FL. But like so many Farmer's Markets, it is more about arts & crafts, and a public meeting place. And so it was this day.

We turned into a small, permanent establishment, ProjectFree Gallery and Studio. It allows local artists a chance to display. The Facebook page is HERE.  Plus, there is an active pottery and glass blowing studio in the back of the building. As we perused some small charms and jewelry with a squirrel motif, a middle aged lady said, “Kelso makes all of that art.” A young Kelso appeared and theatrically showed her squirrel art. All of the squirrels had whimsical expressions.

Kelso received a B.A. In art from Ohio State University, and a masters degree from Arizona State. She is extremely outgoing. She took us (almost by the hand) to the studio in the rear of the building, where she teaches glass blowing. Kelso showed us a few individual pieces, explaining the various stages of completion. Having no knowledge of glass blowing, I could not appreciate all of the nuances.

But I could appreciate this; her students are children with Downs Syndrome. I can't imagine the patience and creativity that this must require. Kelso explained how she has to carefully suggest steps to her students along the production path of each piece, so that they can succeed while feeling personal fulfillment. Wow. This summer, she is traveling to Africa to teach art to children with African Blindness. Kelso thinks that the blindness is traumatic, but I suspect that it is infectious, either Trachoma or Onchoceriasis. But that doesn't matter – again, imagine the patience that this would require.

I got the photos as we were leaving. This had Kelso in the doorway with a dark background and looking out into the bright street. I showed her my Flickr Photostream on the cell phone. She LOVED it and went into a bunch of theatrical gestures, ending with a big hug. I consider the images a failure. I photographed Kelso the Thespian, the whimsical Kelso and the flirtatious Kelso. But I did not capture the eyes of the Kelso who teaches art to children with severe developmental and physical challenges. The Posted image comes closest. But not close enough.

Bob

Schuyler (#597) 05-18-14

I saw Schuyler crossing a street in Bradenton, FL. Fortunately he was crossing my way. I approached him and told him that I liked the style that his hat, and ear plugs provided, and went through my spiel. He smiled and said that he loves being photographed. I felt that I added a little spring in his step, which is a nice by-product of this project.

Schuyler was born in New Mexico, but grew up in Bradenton. Schuyler said that his life had not been all easy, and he takes pride in what he has accomplished. This fall, he will begin studying biotechnology at nearby State College of Florida.

A disclosure; I originally is misspelled his name as 'Skyler.' He liked the image on the LCD and later e-mailed me asking for the image, so I saw the correct spelling.

A few minutes later, we met again in a nearby coffee shop. He had been on some kind of a fast for 21 days, and was celebrating with a fancy latte. I picked up the tab and wished him well in college.

Bob

Melissa (#596) 05-17-14

One more color image. We were in a Nike store and my wife made a purchase – shoelaces, a capital investment. Melissa was at the checkout counter. I have had color on my mind, looking for opportunities to have a very few colors in an image, and for each color to define a space. The colors would ideally be complimentary (directly across from each other on the color wheel), or analogous (very close to each other on the color wheel). There was a small swatch of color behind Melissa that was VERY analogous to her skin tones and hair. So I met her and gave it a try.

Melissa spoke with an island twang; she was born in Trinidad and left when she was 18. “I am a VERY independent person, and I just had to get away from my parents. Now, I miss them.” She went to New York (the Bronx) for several years and still owns a home there. She loved the fast lifestyle, but it was no place to raise her two kids. So now she's in Ft. Myers. When the kids are grown, she'll move back to New York.

This was her penultimate day at Nike. Melissa is starting her own business, body-wrapping. That is well off my radar screen. Anyway, the posted image is what I am most comfortable with. The image in the comment section – I can't decide.

Bob

Natalie (#595) 05-16-14

In the previous two stranger write ups, I have mentioned some aspect of color vs b&w. Natalie, and tomorrow's stranger, will wrap this up.

“Times Square” on Ft. Myers Beach is the epicenter of honky tonk, tourist attractions. My wife, Barbara, entered a beach attire store and I noticed Natalie at a tiny jewelry kiosk across the street. The light under her umbrella looked acceptable but the background was marginal at best. It wasn't so busy, but it was bright. I would have to let it blow out. So, I did.

Natalie was familiar with Flickr and was eager to be photographed. Natalie has a delightful accent; she was born in Paris. I told her that her English was very good. She said, “Maybe, but I can't lose the accent.” I said “It's delightful, you shouldn't want to lose it.” Natalie smiled, she knew it. She makes the jewelry and has sold it at that kiosk, at that exact location, for 13 years. Impressive. I asked how she survived in the late summer, when the heat is stifling and so many residents have “gone north.” She said that it was tough, especially when thunderstorms pop up. She closes up for several weeks and goes to trade shows in Europe. Nice!

Natalie was very interested in the project and took my card.

After I got a few shots I looked at a few jewelry pieces. The next day was Mother's Day, and I had a chance to score with Barbara. A necklace turtle charm caught my eye. The carapace was made of abalone, producing a rainbow of reflected colors. I quickly paid, and Natalie wrapped it – I just got it into my pocket just as Barbara emerged from the store. Timing is everything.

The next morning when Barbara saw the charm, she surmised it's source. Later we walked by Natalie again and Barbara pointed to the necklace. Natalie pointed and raised her eyebrows, “I forgot to do something yesterday, get your picture.” So she got an iPad shot. As she shot low to high, the image will do nicely in her Rooster neck collection. Natalie had already checked my Flickr Photostream. So nice when someone shows interest.

So I chose color, and let the background mostly blow out. I tried black and white – terrible! To make a b&w face 'pop”, I make it contrasty. In Nik Silver Efex Pro II, the 'structure' command is an amalgam of contrast and sharpness. Natalie has smooth features, and very faint skin pigment irregularity. You hardly notice it, but in high contrast b&w, it is greatly accentuated and unacceptable. Color has to be the separating quality, not contrast.

Bob

Theresa (#594)

I saw Theresa at the edge of Vinoy park in St. Petersburg. The light on her hair caught my eye. The park has a permanent arbor, so it is perfect for outdoor weddings. And Theresa was about to watch one. She knew none of the participants, she just likes weddings.

When I approached her, she was soft spoken and friendly, but wary. She asked if I had a card – I gave her one. Then she asked if I had a Linkedin or Facebook account. I gave her my Facebook name and within seconds, she was looking at my Facebook timeline on her cellphone. Impressive. Then she softly said that you can never be too careful with Ted Bundys around. This amazed me, Ted Bundy was executed for committing the Chi Omega murders of three young ladies at Florida State University. With that on her mind, I am amazed that she even spoke to me, much less allowed a portrait.

But she did. Theresa moved to St. Pete three months ago and immediately got a job in IT. Nice. She had lived in Cincinnati for 25 years, and before that in Michigan, with her father. She had had enough of gloomy weather and made the move. The cold did not bother her so much, it was the prolonged lack of sunshine that forced her hand.

These two images are a follow-up from yesterday's color vs B&W discussion. Looking at many of Steve McCurry's color portraits, two characteristics stand out.

1. There are very few colors, often only two. Almost never more than four. The colors are either a) complimentary, or b) analogous.

2. Each color defines a space. There is very seldom more than one color in a space that is defined by lines.

Now, Theresa's images illustrates my frustration with color. The colors are analogous, and work well together (IMHO). But the space to out right in the image has several color areas. Basically, the background is too busy in this (small) area. I find it much easier to deal with an imperfect background in B&W.

Bob

Mike (#593) 05-14-14

This image poses the ever-present dilemma for me, color vs black and white.

I was attracted to Mike because of the luxurious red beard. I told him so, and he smiled and said “OK.” This was in Clearwater, and he works in a bike shop a couple of blocks from where we met. “I live and breath bicycles.” I asked what kind if biking he likes. The answer was all of it, road bikes, BMX, mountain biking, anything.

I told Mike that my son (now 40) used to be big into BMX racing. Mike and I knew some of the same people associated with the sport. In fact, Mike used to work for J&R Bicycles in St. Petersburg. I remember the family that owns it, the Morrisons quite well. We recounted the individual family members, it was a trip down Memory Lane for me. Small world.

I first prepared the image for color, demonstrating the beard. But just for the heck of it, I made a B&W version too. Wow, what a difference. For me, Mike's personality just comes forward in B&W. The image is about HIM, not his beard. It just more accurately portrays what I want to see in strangers. It's like Steve McCurry says – a little piece of the soul.

Bob

Mary (#592) 05-13-14

The Mainsail Art Festival in St. Petersburg had over 250 art booths. One that caught my eye was “The Hairy Potter” - cute. I went inside and met Mary.

Mary's fiancee is John Moore, THE Hairy Potter. He makes pottery from horse hair. Why not? The website is HERE.

Mary (Hayman) is an artist too, and she and John collaborate. Their collaborations include “crackpots.” A visible crack in the piece is laced with leather strips. There is no shortage of creative ideas in the art world.

Mary lamented that although the art festival is juried, being noticed among 250 artists is difficult. The charge for a booth is $250, which seems reasonable enough. But there is an additional $100 fee for a trailer, and an ADDITIONAL $100 fee for a car. She had better sell some hairy art.

To me, Mary just has the 'artsy' look. When I asked for a portrait, there was no hesitation. I find that artists are usually sympathetic to what we stranger-hunters are doing.

Bob