Bronson and Merissa (#831) 04-10-15

They were sitting at a table next to the sidewalk at Smokin' Joe's bar. The light is consistently good at this location, so I almost always check it out. As I approached, the first thing that caught my eye was the edge of Merissa's hair. The second thing was the cell phone up to her ear. Arrggg! But it went away quickly. I wouldn't say that they were anxious to be photographed, but they didn't resist. Merissa explained that the previous day (Easter), they had celebrated heartily, and were not feeling 100% at the moment.

Merissa is a water rat. As a child, the family lived in Connecticut, and used boats for a few months a year. They moved to Florida so that they could expand that to 12 months. Merissa remembers the boat brand, Formula, which is very fast and has a nice cabin forward. They sold it to Merissa's dismay. She wants them to get another one, now that she “can drink wine too!”

She used to work for a radiology office in Venice. I worked in a lab a few blocks away, and we knew several of the same people. Now she works in a salon in Sarasota.

Bronson told me his name, and I said “Brandon?” “No, Bronson, like Charles Bronson.” I won't forget that. He liked his pictures and insisted that I send him copies. Then he said, “Let's get this one!”, and gave the flex pose. How could I not?

Bob

Lauren and Laura (#830) 04-08-15

Lauren was in the doorway of a clothing store in Winter Park, FL. Her flower crown, general good looks, and dark background was perfect. As was her personality. She was eager to be photographed and was a great sport. She said, "There is another girl who models better than me."

A minute later, Laura walked by. When I heard her name, I said "Laura and Lauren, are you putting me on?" The assured me that they weren't. And sure enough, Laura assumed this pose with no prompting. Methinks that Laura has seen a camera before.

I passed by the store a little while later, and both of them had shed their flowers. Timing is everything.

Bob

Fatima and Sarena (#829) 04-06-15

Fatima (Fat EE mah) and Sarina were eating outside, in front of Whole Foods. They were joking and laughing, perfect prospects in a perfect mood. Both were eager to help.

Fatima was born in Cornwall, England, and came to the U.S. When she was five or six. She has absolutely no accent. We joked about that for a minute, about how most Brits talk funny. Her curly hair is naturally so, and shook vigorously when she laughed.

Sarina's hair was hard to miss. A black and white image just didn't get it. She was from California, and her parents moved here to get warm. What? California is supposed to be a warm state! “Not in the northern part”, Sarina said. When I commented on her hair, she said that the color changed. It started as turquoise, but changed to green as it faded. I'll keep that in mind for when I dye my hair turquoise.

Bob

Ana and Al (#828) 04-06-15

Al owns three businesses in Massachusetts, including a la firm and real estate company. His e-mail address includes 'law', so I suppose that law is dearest to his heart. He is SO happy to be in Sarasota. “We (in Massachusetts) had a terrible winter. And the highs will not get out of the 50s in April.”

Sitting with Al was Ana. She is from the Ukraine and has a delightful, and heavy, accent. She has lived in Germany, Italy, Texas, and a few other states that I didn't write down. She travels, looking for the best place to live. So far, Sarasota is it. Ana has family in the Ukraine who are in some danger.

I photographed Ana first. They both liked the results. Then I turned to Al and said, “Now let's see if I can make you look as good as Ana.” That brought 20 seconds of laughter and self deprecation.

Bob

Gloria (#827) 04-05-15

A lady was playing an outdoor piano, part of the Sarasota Keys project. Several highly decorated pianos are at busy street corners, anyone can sit down and play. One is in front of the Clasico bar and restaurant. It's great for the owner, it is amazing how many good musicians sit down and entertain the Clasico customers.

Well, this lady, Gloria, also sang. She sang soulful music with great feeling. I left a few dollars on the piano and waited for a break, to speak with her. Gloria is 64 and has been playing since age 10. A Sarasota native, she attended the Ringling College of Art and Design for a couple of years. Her goal is to resume her studies there and get a degree.

I asked where she worked. Gloria indicated the West Coast Center, with which I was unfamiliar. It is an unassuming building that I pass every day. It houses a church and a school, The West Coast School for Human Development. Gloria said that the few dollars that I left would be donated to the school. I immediately scooped it up and replaced it with a 20.

http://www.digifxlive.com/wc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=2

But she wasn't finished. In the late 80s, she found out that she could paint. Found out? She now sells her fine arts portrait paintings in northern Sarasota. A lady of many talents.

Before I left, she played and sang two Gospel songs. Again, her skills are not so much the technical playing, but the soulful feeling that she puts into the pieces.

Bob

Jennifer and Jordan (#826) 04-03-15

I was inside a coffee shop when a man in a wheelchair was about to enter. I jumped up to hold the door open just as a young woman outside helped open it. We made eye contact as the man came in. I went to sit outside and the lady, Jennifer, was with Jordan at the next table. When I approached them for a portrait I was surprised that she was reticent. But after a couple of seconds that seemed like hours, Jordan shrugged and said OK.

They are both from Akron, OH. Jennifer lives here now and works for Charles Schwab. Jordan still lives in Akron and was visiting the area. He is a teacher and hates finance. Jennifer started to apply lip gloss, but I told her that the image would be in black and white. She assured me that moisture was necessary anyway. After I got a few shots she was pleased. Jordan didn't pass judgment. After photographing Jordan, Jennifer really liked the results, but again, Jordan was noncommittal. Jennifer was expressive, Jordan, stoic.

Suddenly she jumped up and stepped into harsh sunlight. She wanted me to photograph her is sunlight, as that “makes my eyes bluer.” I assured her that the shade was better. Jordan got behind her and she said (giggling) that it was like a pre-nup picture. I said, “Oh, you've met before.” She giggled, “Yeah, somewhere”. After getting a few shots, I said, “Let's have some fun.”

I asked Jennifer to keep her eyes on me, and Jordan to get behind Jennifer's ear. Then I said, “Whisper something personal, that I should not be allowed to hear.” Immediately I depressed the shutter button (in continuous shooting mode) and held it for several seconds.

Bob

Debbie (#825) 04-01-15

Sarasota seems blessed with a never ending parade of arts and crafts shows. Last Saturday I just bumped into one that I didn't know existed. A very colorful booth on one end caught my eye, as did the friendly looking vendor. This was the second day of the show. At the end of day one, Debbie inexplicably removed price stickers from the art. Now she had the unenviable task of re-matching prices to art pieces. Whew!

Deborah Hagstrom Designs makes art from glass and clay. Most pieces are whimsical, and very colorful. She used to have a studio on nearby Ana maria Island, but the traffic was too much; she moved to (inland) Ocala. She loves it, "I can drive to the dump with no delays." We talked about increasing traffic and the difficulty of negotiating the 'Circle' at St. Armand's Key. We had each 'orbited the Circle, unable to get to an exit. No thanks.

One small piece caught my attention. A flower and peaceful looking dog were under the word, "Namaste'". I bought it, and she was so appreciative. She swiped my VISA card with one of those iPhone thingies, a true bood to the traveling salesperson.

Her main mantra was, "I love color."

Bob

Bob (824) 03-31-15

Inside Starbuck's, Bob asked me about the camera. I cannot overstate how much the Olympus OM-D E-M5 has raised interest among strangers, and led to a portrait. He said that he uses a Panasonic camera with a Leica lens. We stepped outside for mutual portraits. Bob's camera was a small pocket sized Panasonic that looked like it had been through World War III. He bought the Leica lens for $7 at a garage sale; it didn't work. But he fiddled with it and got it going. What a bargain!

His main interest is event photography, as seen in his Flickr Photostream: https://www.flickr.com/photos/33470632@N04/

When back inside, Bob was working on a laptop. He waved me to come over and he was checking my Flickr stream. Specifically, he was eyeing stranger #576, Heather. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobdeinphoto/16838295695/in/photostream/

She reminded him of Steve McCurry's Afghan Girl. I should live so long! But I do see a superficial resemblance in the composition.

Bob said that he usually widens the pupils in Photoshop. Girls like it. He explained that the pupil normally widens when something pleasing is seen. Sunglasses were first used in Istanbul by buyers checking rugs in a store. They didn't want the vendor to see their pupils widen when they saw a carpet that they wanted.

Who knew?

Bob

Caroll (#823) 03-30-15

I was blessed by finding a small arts and crafts show in downtown Sarasota. The weather could not have been nicer. A young lady was 'manning' a booth for Watson Creations. http://www.thewatsonshop.com/

They manufacture and sell unique through pillows. All are hand made in Gibsonton, FL, about 40 miles to the north.

Caroll is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to Tampa 3 ½ years ago. Some family followed her to the U.S., but her parents remain in P.R. She does get to visit them. She has no preference for Florida over P.R., the climate is similar. Caroll was shy, but glad to be photographed.

Bob

Frankie (#822) 03-29-15

I saw Frankie across the street. He was Photographing an old car with a camera that looked somewhat like my Olympus OM-D E-M5. I quickly crossed the street and asked about the camera. He said, “Yeah, I saw you across the street and wondered about the camera.” But his is a Canon.

A Canon FILM camera. He lives in nearby Winter Garden and gets his film developed there. But the store doesn't stock cameras. It seems no one does anymore. Sigh... Frankie is not a professional photographer, he works for Coca-Cola.

Bob

Pierre (#821) 03-28-15

Walking through Winter Park, Pierre was sitting on a bench on park Ave. He was on the cell phone. Suddenly he laughed, exposing gold teeth – all of them that I could see. I had to get a shot, so I waited about 50 feet away. Of course, he seemed to stay on the phone forever, so I looked for a spot with good light and a decent background. Holy smokes, about 20 feet away was the perfect sign!

When Pierre finally was free, I approached him. He was receptive, although shy. He liked my idea of the sign and kneeled down without reservation. Pierre works at the nearby Pairs Bistro. Although from Polk County (about 30 miles away) he is able to stay with friends close to work.

The million dollar smile.

Bob

Swami (#820) 03-25-15

As I walked past an indoor-outdoor eatery in Winter Park, Swami was sitting just inside, perfect for light. Swami?? That's what he said! It's his real name. He teaches math at the Ampersand School in nearby Longwood. http://www.ampersandschool.com/ Looking at the faculty, sure enough: Swami Howard. Clearly this an alternative school for the gifted. Swami is no ordinary teacher, and his students call him, Mr. Swami.

Many years ago he did computer graphics. Swami went into the history of mathematics, about how mathematicians look for patterns. He says that it's much more interesting than crunching formulas. Many patterns in biology can be expressed, and predicted by math. He then spoke about a new DNA base pair being synthesized and inserted into the E. Coli genome. This greatly increases the number of base pair possibilities in defining genes. Like I said, no ordinary teacher. His students are lucky, and had better keep up!

What caught my eye originally was the logo on his shirt.

Of course, the reverse side had nerd stuff too.

Bob

Trudy (#819) 03-24-15

I was having a snack with Al, in front of Pastry Art. I first met Al as one of my strangers from the Flickr group, 100 Strangers. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobdeinphoto/14073219862/

His German Shepard, Kash, is a service dog who is unbelievably well trained. The local merchants all recognize Al and Kash, and Kash draws the attention.

Trudy and her daughter were about to walk by, but Trudy stopped to pet Kash. She marveled at his beauty and training.

Trudy: “I once had a friend who had a yellow lab. He lived to 16!”

Al: “Kash is 9, and he will live a long life. If a dog is penned up in a yard, they live a short life. If they get love and freedom, they live long.” Kash is not on a leash.

Trudy is from Winnipeg, Ont. She is in Sarasota visiting her daughter.

“That's backwards. Young people are supposed to visit their parents, or grandparents, in Florida.”

“I know. I'm not stupid.”

The daughter came back to pet Kash. She refused to be photographed. Too bad, she would have looked great.

Bob

Abe (#818) 03-23-15

In Winter Park, Abe was quickly walking toward me. His sartorial splendor caught my eye, so I managed to get him to stop.

He was formal and very cordial, even though he clearly had somewhere to go. Abe is a limousine chauffeur and had just delivered a gaggle of bankers to a meeting.

Abe is from Ethiopia, and has been in the U.S. For 20 years.

“Do you like it here better?”

Oh yeah...”

Abe spoke with a slight British accent, very aristocratic sounding. Each time he leaned to move on, I said something and he stopped. Very polite.

Bob

Sam and Rachel (#817) 03-22-15

On Saturday mornings, the downtown area is packed to the gills. I stood across the street from my coffee hangout, Pastry Art, and there was absolutely no place to sit. Rachel and Sam had to sit on the curb while Sam ate.

So to reduce their pain and brighten their day, I met them and asked for a portrait. By herself, Rachel would have declined, but Sam affirmed for both of them, between bites.

Rachel graduated from a local high school, and said that she is “only a cashier” at a golf driving range. I corrected her; You're not “only” a cashier, you are a CASHIER! “That is honorable work, and you are contributing to society. I'm not sure that she bought into that.

Sam went to a local school for the gifted and now attends Florida State University. For full disclosure, I admitted that I was an alumnus of the rival University of Florida. He smiled, shrugged, and never stopped chewing. They were in a hurry, waiting for a ride. I stood in the road to get my shots, and a blue Toyota Prius honked the horn right in my ear. I jumped, but it was Sam and Rachel's ride announcing his arrival. I said that he'd be lucky to find a parking place within 1/2mile.

All of Sam's images showed him chewing. He thought that it was a hoot. After shaking hands and leaving, I sat on a window ledge filling out my journal. An older man came for them. I could hear him asking in an accusing tone, “Who was that? Why was he taking pictures?” I quickly jumped up and showed hi my Flickr stream and explained the project. After a few seconds he gave a weak smile and asked when they would receive their check. I told him that I was a Florida Gator and Sam wouldn't believe me anyway. We all had a laugh, and I felt that I had diffused a situation.

Bob

Randy (#816) 03-21-15

About 8:30AM, Randy was struggling to walk down the sidewalk. His left foot was in a cast, and the right foot bandaged. Finally he sat on the curb where I met, and photographed, him.

Randy Is originally from Illinois. He was working on a construction site north of Tampa. He went with a few friends to party in Tampa at night. He woke up in an emergency room, something had run over his foot while he was sleeping, six weeks ago.

“While you were sleeping? Didn't you wake up?”

“Well, I had a few drinks.”

I guess!

“Actually it was about half a quart of vodka. Something ran over my foot and took my boots. My boots were gone.”

Orthopedic pins and a plate were used to repair his left foot. I have to admit, the foot looks pretty ugly.

While in Sarasota, someone stole his wheelchair. He wants to get to a hospital today to get another wheelchair. I'm not sure how that will work.

Bob

Karen (#815) 03-20-15

During the Farmer's Market, all neighboring streets are crowded with pedestrians. Parker's used books is ½ block away, and a table was set up pn the sidewalk; Karen Ross was selling her first novel. She was excited. I explained the 100 Strangers concept and the W. B. Yeats quote: “There are no strangers here; only friends that you haven't yet met.” Karen loved it.

The book is entitled “Chianti Souls.”

http://www.amazon.com/Chianti-Souls-Italian-Love-Story/dp/1491050756/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426814946&sr=1-1&keywords=chianti+souls

Karen loves all things Italy, and this theme came naturally. I bought a copy for a cool $8. It is a romance novel, not my usual thing, but this just hit the spot. And I like Italy too, particularly Venice. People watching is fantastic. Karen had two quotes about Venice, both of which appear in the book.

“Where the past lives in the present.”

“Elegant decay.”

So true. Karen and her husband honeymooned in Italy. The men were so handsome that her husband said that he was afraid that she'd run off with one. Her response: “Me too!” This theme is woven through “Chianti Souls.”

She liked the concept and her pics. I've e-mailed them too her.

Bob

Damian (#814) 19-03-15

I made a stop at the Selby Library (Sarasota), and saw Damian peacefully sitting on a bench, outside. He was shy, but friendly, and had no reservations about being photographed.

Damian was born and raised in Sarasota. He attended Booker High, but graduated from rival Southeast High in Bradenton. When I told him that I spent most of my adult life in Venice, he said that he had just moved from there. He worked at the Boys and Girls club in Venice and loved it. Ironically, I had visited that club just a few weeks earlier. It is an enormous building, and the programs are very impressive. Unfortunately Damian became very ill, resulting in a two week hospitalization. He was not able to continue with that job.

Today was his first day working at the Longboat Key Club. I asked if he could get a job at the Sarasota Boys and Girls club. Damian said that he probably could, but it just wouldn't be the same. He had really bonded with the kids in Venice.

He really liked the picture and gave me his e-mail address. I will send it right now!

Bob

Suzanne (#813) 03-18-15

I have settled on the square format, contrasty black and white. To my own personal taste, it seems to be the best way to attempt to show the essence of a person's personality. That's just me. But I'd like to expand some of the stories just a bit and another image or two may be required. Recently I have switched to a zoom lens (Gasp!) to allow occasional wider views. Time will tell.

When visiting downtown Sarasota (like 5 times per week) I often park on the second floor of the Whole Foods parking garage. Before descending the stairs, I have the opportunity to scan folks eating in front of the store. I am facing east, so in the mornings the store shades the sidewalk, allowing decent light. In the afternoons the harsh light is hopeless.

Occasionally, someone catches my eye and I immediately go to work. That's how I saw Suzanne, although she is not in that shot. Her light hair and the dark background were compelling.

For six months each year, Suzanne and her husband live on a ski lake in the northeast corner of Indiana. For the other six months, they reside on Longboat Key, an exclusive and desirable location.

“Are you going back to Indiana soon?”

“Oh no, not until May 1 when we can put the boat in.”

“Are your neighbors jealous?”

“Oh yeah...”

She was originally wary and reticent. But as soon as the camera came up, twice, she assumed this look with the alluring head tilt.

Suzanne knew what she was doing.

Bob

Bob and Heather (#812) 03-17-15

This was kind of an offbeat encounter, and they kept me a bit off balance. They were having a snack outdoors. When I introduced myself, The young man said, “I'm Bob.”

“Oh, your Bob Too?”

“Yep, I'm Bob.”

“Most people your age remain 'Robert'. Folks my age are 'Bob'”

“Well, my father was Robert, so I'm Bob.”

Bob (that Bob) is a Sarasota native. He works at Whole Foods, a couple of blocks away.

The lady stuck out her hand and said, “Hi. I'm Bob.”

“You're Bob too?”

“Yeah. Bob is short for Heather.”

“I guess your father was Heather too.”

“Yep, Heather.”

HeatherBob said that she's from Sarasota-ish, “I'm from 'Around.'” She was wearing sunglasses and had a hard time not squinting when they came off.

They seemed to like the images, but they were so offbeat that it was hard to tell. Bob (the guy) gave me his e-mail address, which was an unusual combination of letters. He said that it meant “He who speaks the truth” in Surinam. I could not confirm that.

Bob (THIS Bob)