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

Lilly #848 04-29-15

A music venue was at one end of the Farmer's market. A large tent protected 30 - 40 chairs, half of which were occupied. As I looked in, Lilly was looking at me, and for a second, our eyes met. She immediately looked away, but I went in for the introduction and told her I liked the hat. That was true. At first she was very skeptical, wanting to know where the images went. I explained and showed her pics on my phone. Reluctantly she agreed, but I had to promise that the images would not go on Facebook. She asked if she had to give here name. I explained that I asked for a first name, but that if she lied, I would never know. I feel confident that Lilly is her real name.

Lilly asked if I knew a Judy Sargent, a local amateur photographer. I did not. Judy used to enter local photo contests, but became disillusioned. So many entrants were pros, it did not seem like a level playing field. She asked if I entered contests. Very seldom. She didn't like the first round of pics, without the smile. I took some more with the smiley face and she was happy.

Bob

Andrea (#847) 04-28-15

I spend so much time at the coffee shop, Pastry Art, that I have photographed many of the employees. But there is turnover, and a new crop is ready to be harvested. Andrea usually wears cool hats. On an unusually slow day, I explained the project and she gladly stepped outside for a few shots.

She is from Wisconsin and has been in Florida for six years. She does miss her family, but not the cold. And she admitted that if she went back, she and her family would get on each others nerves. So it goes.

Andrea does quite a bit of photography with her iPhone 4. She doesn't do much street photography, and later she thanked me for showing her how to approach a stranger. She lusts for a Canon 5D MKII. The barista life is not one for accumulating wealth, and just that day she bought a new Apple computer. She has a second job to someday realize her dream.

Andrea has interesting tattoos on her arm. She did not want them photographed, they are personal. She had them applied when she was very young, and a Buddhist. Her family HATES them. There is some remorse. She said that if it were up to her today, she would not have them applied. But she still likes two of them just for the arts sake, not their meaning.

Bob

Felicia and Katy (#846) 04-27-15

I must begin by digressing to my last post. I met Felicia in the atrium by the coffee shop, seen in the first comment. Notice that the coffee shop is in the upper right, and notice the jazzy zebra striping on the wall. Interesting spot. And finally, please notice Felicia sitting in front of these stripes, on the phone. I almost gave up on waiting for her, but finally she got off the phone – or the battery died.

Felicia is originally from Illinois and moved to Sarasota 20 years ago. She has been an insurance executive for 25 years, and the business polish shows, as she is very well spoken and poised. More importantly, when she heard 100 Strangers, she immediately 'got it', and was all for it. So nice.

Her time on the phone was not concerning insurance. She has some pro bono 'fun jobs' on the side, and Felicia was helping a non-profit group put on a running and paddle board event at nearby Nathan Benderson Park. She says that the venue is so good, that arranging the event was easy. Nice to put that outgoing personality and poise to good use.

As we spoke, her friend Katy walked up. After some salutations and hugging, she introduced us. Fortunately I asked Katy how to spell her name, my inclination would have been Katie. Katy moved here two years ago from New Jersey (Joisey). She was even more into 100 Strangers than Felicia. Both ladies took cards and promised to e-mail me so that I'll have their addresses and send the photos.

I like this spot and will use those stripes again.

Bob

David (#845) 04-27-15

I had lunch in Station 400, Sarasota. I looked up and behind the cash register was a glorious mustache with David behind it. He was a waiter, but not assigned to me. As I was about to leave he was there again. I asked if I came back in two minutes with a camera, could I get his portrait. He said fine, with a big smile.

I rushed back and got the shot. I said, "I'll bet if I come back in a few weeks, the mustache will be out to here", ans I motioned about two feet with my hands. He said, "No, if you come back in a few weeks, it will probably be gone.

I'm glad I was there that day.

Bob

Elijah (#844) 04-26-15

I pulled the car into a different high rise parking lot. As the stairs exit the ground floor, it is into an atrium with comfortable seating and a small coffee shop, Buddy Brew Coffee). The light is slightly low in quantity, but high in quality. So I boosted the ISO to 800 and waited.

Along came Elijah. He is about 6'3” tall and thin. The untied tie accentuated the vertical. So as he exited Buddys with java in hand, I introduced myself. He is soft spoken and a little shy, but was happy to participate. He is a Sarasota native, and for the past 1 ½ years has worked at Louie's Modern Restaurant, which forms the right wall of the atrium.

Elijah really liked the images. He gave me his e-mail address, and it is a Yahoo account. I told him that most people his age use Yahoo, people my age use AOL or GMAIL.

“Why did you choose Yahoo?”

“Yahoo was already my home page, and signing up was easy.”

Maybe this is not as significant as I had thought.

Bob

Anastasia (#843) 04-25-15

Well, I am trying to get into the artsy world. Last week I met, but did not photograph, Mike Solomon. He has a local show of his large paintings and acrylic sculptures called, Sea of Light. Here is about Mike http://sarasotavisualart.com/2013/01/interview-with-mike-solomon-artist-and-curator-of-syd-solomons-along-the-shore/

And here is the Alfstad& Gallery and Mikes exhibit. https://www.facebook.com/Alfstad.and?fref=ts

When I entered, I met Anastasia, the curator on duty. No other viewers were there. Anastasia gave me the full tour and explained how Mike constructs his art. I cannot say paints, of sculpts. Various media are involved, and the processes are complicated.

Anastasia was born and raised in Sarasota. She attended Booker High School, known for its programs in the visual and performing arts. Other than that, she is self taught. Anastasia does some painting. Also, for seven years she has worked for Andrea Dasha Reich, who makes amazing art. http://www.andreadashareich.com/commission-prints-1/ Some is displayed in Sarasota; I have to see it. But the work in the art field is not lucrative, and Anastasia is not amassing wealth. Interestingly, as a child she was known as Ann. Only at age 12 did she learn that her full name was Anastasia. Nice that someone clued her in.

As we talked, I felt a portrait coming on. I explained the project and she seemed interested. Until it dawned on her that I wanted her face. She politely declined. I told her that I was surprised when an artist declines. Other artists must realize how difficult making art is, and should be supportive. She capitulated, but insisted on adding lipstick. Sigh...

Anastasia was very happy with the result, as if she had never had a nice photo before. Hard to believe.

Bob

Liz and Hope (#842) 04-24-15

They came out of the coffee shop with goodies in hand. And they sat at the perfect (light) table and faced the correct direction. It's better to be lucky than good. I was halfway through explaining my intentions when Liz and Hope smiled and began to giggle. They immediately 'got it' and were happy to participate.

Liz said that she had a common name, Elizabeth Ann. I said that Elizabeth is a name that is popular in all generations. The most enduring male name is Michael. She said, “Oh, my brother is Michael.” Like I said...

Liz

Hope

Hope said that they worked at Owens Fish Camp, which immediately interested me. This is a restaurant. It looks like a fish camp even though is is several blocks from the water. The statue in front is almost famous; it does look real. Liz said that occasionally someone substitutes a real beer, or some other rearrangement. This is sort of like a fraternity house mascot being defaced by rivals.

Owens also interested me because of its reputation for shrimp and grits. My wife loves that. Hope said that they open at 4PM, and by 4:30 there is a line. Liz said that the fried catfish is to die for. When I think of catfish, it's to die from, not for. But Hope said that it is done in a cornmeal batter, and is excellent.

After showing them the images, Liz was clearly disappointed. She didn't want the image so close, she wanted the dress to show more.

OK.

Bob

Bob (#841) 04-22-15

Actually his name is Bulat, with a Russian accent.

“Is Bulat a common name in Russia?”

“Sort of, but not like Ivan or Igor! (laugh)”

Bulat has been in the U.S. For 10 years. Most of that time he lived near Detroit. Twice someone asked him if he was Bob from Mackinac. He must look like Bob from Mackinac. So he has adopted the name Bob. Bob moved to Siesta Key, a tony area near Sarasota, a few months ago. He says that he spent the first half of his life in cold, and will spend the second half in warm. His parents, in their 80s, are visiting him now from the mother country; he thinks that they need to move here.

Bob was on his laptop, looking up careers. He hasn't been working for a while, says that he's retired. Hmmm... He liked my Olympus camera. Like so many, he was duped into thinking that it was an old film camera. Olympus did a good job with the trickery. Bob has a Samsung something-or-other camera. With a tripod, he has gotten shots of the moon showing its craters.

Bob

Carrie and Craig (#840) 04-21-15

Of course they were having a bite outside Pastry Art. I need to patent this spot. Both were pleasant, and glad to be a part of the project. When asking names, Craig talked funny – obviously a Brit.

Carrie has been here for 10 years, having come from St. Louis. She likes the places equally and says that St. Louis gets a bad rap. The trouble in nearby Ferguson has tainted the impressions of the area. It isn't true, St. Louis is a great city. I told Carrie that my Granddaughter studies broadcast journalism at the University of Missouri In Columbia. Carrie studied Finance at the University of Missouri in St. Louis.

Craig works in information technology. “I wish I were in finance.” He left England five years ago. Craig has been back twice, and said that he and Carrie would go there this summer. The dollar has improved significantly against the pound (big smile).

Bob

Clarence (#839) 20-04-15

I was sitting with two other photographers, discussing portraits of Strangers. Jacqueline is a seasoned veteran, but Kyra wants to get started. I explained that when I approach a stranger, I always ask a 'favor'. Most people like to do favors for others. But while we were talking, I kept eying Clarence, at the next table.

He had a commanding appearance, to me. So I told Kyra that I'd give a quick demonstration. As I spoke to Clarence, he was a bit reticent. I showed him my Photostream on the phone, and he asked if he had to give his name. I said that I always asked for first names, but if that was a problem, just lie. I'd never know. That seemed to break the ice and all was well. I explained that Kyra was watching, 'taking notes.'

Clarence is retired, and from Silver Springs, MD. Kyra piped up and said that she was born in Dundalk, a neighborhood of Baltimore. I said that my wife was from Dundalk. Within a few seconds, a common bond was formed. It amazes me how often that happens. For a while, Clarence worked at Floyd Bennett Field, in Brooklyn. I told him that as a kid, my parents took me to Floyd Bennett Field to watch midget cars race. We all have so much in common.

When I pulled up the camera, I started to ask him not to 'say cheese', but instead I said, “Perfect, just stay like that”, as he assumed this gesture. I like it. After I sat down, the three of us and Clarence continued talking about the 100 Strangers project. Another nice day.

Bob

Rick (#838) 04-18-15

Continuing my walk with Kyra, I looked for possible subjects to approach – to let her see 'how it's done.' I always do better while showing another photographer the ropes. I don't know why.

Rick was standing in an alcove in front of the Blue Owl Tavern on Main. Previous experience has taught me that the light is almost always good, as are the characters. Rick did not disappoint. Lacking tattoos and metal piercings, he looked relatively conservative. As I began 'asking for a favor', I realized that he had tiny ear buds and black wires. He looked kinda cross as he removed them and I continued my spiel. After a few seconds he said, “Sure, of course.” A pleasant surprise. Twice he asked why I was doing this. I showed him my photostream on the phone, and explained that it was a way to meet people and make new friends. He said “Good for you, that's great.

Rick spent many years in professional photography, mostly commercial, in the Philadelphia area. I asked if he knew Cliff Mountner, a wedding photographer who contributes to the Kelby one site. He did not, and asked if he was in Sarasota. No. We realized that he was confusing that Cliff with Cliff Roles, a local professional photographer.

Having confused the 'Cliffs', Rick gave me the quote of the week. “If I sound confused, it's because I am f***ing inebriated.” I have to disagree, noting the oxymoron here. In my book, anyone who can articulate the five syllable word 'inebriated', isn't. Had he said “f***ing drunk”, I would have no qualms. In any event, he was well on his way.

Bob

Arton (#837) 04-17-15

I was walking the streets with Kyra, a photographer who wants to try her hand at Street Portraiture. Approaching a Starbucks, we saw Anton sitting on a wing wall in front of the door. The light is a little harsh at that location: still this has become one of my secondary spots. Kyra had met , and photographed, one stranger - a woman. She was not ready for Arton, so I made the ask.

I was immediately taken back by his thick accent. It took a little work to understand that he is from Kosovo, and he had a hard time understanding what I wanted. But he did agree (obviously) and was a pleasant chap. He works at a nearby Italian restaurant; he gestured down the street, but no Italian restaurant was in sight. Sure enough, the light was harsh and I had to work on the 'racoon' look in processing.

Kyra was just as pleased not to have made the original move. She said that she felt better approaching women. Interesting.

Bob

Cameron and Paris (#836) 04-16-15

Cameron and Paris were having a bite in front of Whole Foods. I tend to check this location in the mornings, when the building shades the outdoor tables. In the afternoon, the tables are in bright sunlight, and the area is unusable (for me).

Cameron is from Michigan. Half of Sarasota County is from Michigan. He works at Tommy Bahamas on St. Armands Key. It's a beautiful location, but 'in season' (like now) the drive to get there can be beastly. He lives off Fruitville Rd., probably 6-7 miles from work. But at times it has taken him an hour to get home. We shared bad 'St. Armand's Circle' stories. We each have had the experience of getting onto the circle and not being able to get off. I cannot imagine negotiating the circle around the Arch of Triumph in Paris.

And speaking of Paris, that's actually her middle name; She was not anxious to share her first name. Amazingly she is not from Michigan, but Lakeland, FL. The tattoo on her forearm caught my eye. It is in honor of her two little sisters: one's middle name is Love, and the other is Moon. Very creative.

They liked the images, and I have sent them along.

Bob

Harry and Brendon (#835) 04-15-15

One end of the Farmer's Market was blocked by a kiosk with the sign, “Urbanite Theatre.” Sarasota is proud of its artsy tradition, with numerous theaters, galleries, music venues, etc. I had not heard of the Urbanite Theatre. I guess that's because it's brand new. The first performance was the night before.

Urbanite Theatre is Harry's brainchild. It is minute, seating between 50 and 60, depending on the performance and stage arrangement. Brendon explained that the cast is professional, all are paid. The plays selected are intimate and cover controversial topics – this may not be for everyone. But with that tiny seating, it doesn't have to be for everyone. Tickets are $20. Harry said that about half the expenses will (hopefully) be covered by tickets, and the other half by donations.

The physical facility has a funky look – which I did not think to photograph :-(. Brendon is the director of the second play.

The first play is Chicken Soup, and I will see it tomorrow evening. Good luck, Harry and Brendon, this looks interesting!

As an aside, I added Brendon to my Flickr Photostream a couple of days ago. Two viewers noticed that his eyes were different tones. This was partly due to some side lighting, but my processing accentuated it. I have corrected it (I hope) in this image.

Bob

Free (#834) 04-14-15

“Your name is Free?”

“Yeah”.

“F-R-E-E?”

“Yeah, like 'buy one, get one'.”

I recently photographed a lady named Five, so why not a young man named Free?

sat at an outdoor table, sipping my coffee. Free was walking by and noticed the camera. He pointed and said, “Are you a photographer?” Impressed by the astute observation, I suppressed the urge to come back with a smart alack answer. “Yes, I'm an amateur street portrait photographer.”

Free was looking for a photographer to record musicians performing. He does Hip Hop, without foul language. Immediately he had his phone to my ear, playing his music. Sure enough, it sounded like Hip Hop, and sure enough, I heard no naughty words. I asked if he knew of Dylan Cox (Stranger #178 https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobdeinphoto/9201707349/in/set-72157627425474507 ) He did not. I explained that Dylan did work for Sarasota Music Now and might be perfect for the project. Dylan has a Facebook page, but Free has an account and doesn't use it. Free found Dylan and “Friended” him.

Free wants to cut a CD and needs about $8,000 for the project. I suggested that a vigorous social media presence would be good. He was not familiar with Kickstarter, a platform for crowdsourcing – raising money from fans. He wants to raise the 8k locally, and then work on social media. Hmmm...

Free is a Sarasota native. He hasn't attended school since the 10th grade, and is now raising himself: hence the name Free. He smiled constantly and looked, well, free.

Bob

Laura (#833) 13-04-15

Laura was sipping a cup in front of my spot: Pastry Art. Her hair caught my eye, and I told her so. A bit reluctant at first, she was reassured when Nick, the cop, walked by and said, “Hi, Bob.” Laura said that apparently I wasn't a mass murderer, and agreed to be photographed. Actually, she was very agreeable and interesting. She is from 'all over', including North Carolina, Tennessee, Oregon, and a few other choice spots.

She moved to Sarasota three years ago and set up an outpatient practice; Laura is a psychiatrist. When I told her that I was a reformed (retired) pathologist, we had quite a bit to talk about. Laura invited me to the weekly meeting of the “Do Nothing Club” at another coffee shop. I plan to give it a try.

As often, I shot two quick bursts of 3-5 images. Blinking, therefore, is a non-issue. And sometimes (like here) there are micro gestures that change over a second or two. These were all shot within two seconds. The first is my favorite.

Bob

Tara and Michael (#832) 04-11-15

They were sitting near the road, a spot usually too bright for portraiture. But as I approached them, Michael was in perfect light, and Tara even had a little rim lighting as a bonus. Tara was all for being photographed. Michael was reticent at first, but after talking for a minute, he opened up and became quite friendly.

They are visiting from Westchester County, NY. It is a 30 minute restful train ride into Manhattan, where they go to school. Living in Westchester County is MUCH cheaper than Manhattan. Tara attends Fordham University, and is unsure of her future career path. Michael goes to the Cardozo School of Law. He has a background in the sciences and plans to practice patent law.

Tara's father was a professional photographer, photographing ballet performances in the 80s. In the early 70s, he was taking some practice shots in Central Park. He got numerous images of a mime doing his thing. A few years later the Mork and Mindy show aired. He recognized Robin Williams as the mime. After Robin Williams died, he resurrected the images that now had value. One was printed in Rolling Stone magazine. How about that?

Bob