Photography Thinks
Before parading up the main drag, guys will just throw something on, hoping it passes the styling test. Men don’t usually make up, though looking good means something. Women. Just the opposite. It is so cool when they let me see a little bit of them when I make their photo.
One day I have to look at some of the older photos of my people. I recognize the people whom I have seen before, weather beaten and aged. Some like Coyote lift my spirits, connecting me to other old friends from the street, here and departed. I remember photographing him, but not his wife, a woman whom he said befriended Paul. He told me Paul was going to stay with them the night he died in the street, but never made it. Lots of people from the street look out for one another.
Serious character who cooks street food. What he sees, who knows. But he is as much of the scene as a street person as anyone.
Went to Turkey. People lovely, friendly and current (err, real and informed). Food an important part of the lifestyle. Don’t forget the history; Istanbul (yup, Skyfall) stands in the center of the world.
My friend Paul Berch was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives. An image shot by me appeared on his campaign literature. He insists I own a small part of the victory, but I think that his smile, ability to listen and progressive/inclusive view of government earned him the seat far more than my image. Go democracy!
They care about where they live, so they participate in the process. All are very serious about representative government. We have to trust them, because there isn’t a way to keep informed. So we vote, hoping they will do the right thing.
Larry has retired. Tired of the town. Tired of the street.
Mark constructs and creates.
Matt spends some time on the outside. Works now and then. Carries around Leaves of Grass.
Me. I marvel at their courage and their ability to not need creature comforts.
Looks healthy. Lost his apartment. Too many dropins and too much drinking. Went to jail for two months for a dis con. Said he’s happy to be alive.
Karl writes poetry and reads it on a local cable station. He has MS and vision problems. A sled helps him with moving around, because the sticks can only steady him so much. But, if he cannot see, he cannot drive the cart. Who knows how much damage he could do if he hit someone or something? But, if he cannot get around, he will lose his entire social network.
So, I walked down to the waterfront with him. We watched the light change. We watched the clouds speed up their movement across the sky. Then we separated to beat the storm.
Some people live in their cars when they have no other place to live. When the police remove their cars, for presumably lawful reasons, the inhabitants lose their place of residence. So, she and her boyfriend of 18 months live outside. Not a comfortable place to be as the tropical storm approaches.
Not sure how she can manage a positive look. Wouldn’t call it a smile. But its a lot better than I could do if it were me.
Ray came from the Bronx, scarred and torn. Been here for three months or so. Knows how to survive. Went down to the water to roust his friends. Right now, his most important endeavor is supporting his street family.