Stranger #40 - Surya

May 10, 2012

I was able to get a few hours in shooting portraits on the streets since the whole week pretty much rained. Aside from that, I've been busy getting scouting locations for a paid shoot I'm doing in a few weeks. I began my adventure wondering up a few blocks from my usual location and found this guy sitting on a bench across from a record shop. I studied him from afar to see if anything caught my eye. Noticed he was wearing a bright yellow-whitish fedora and I was immediately drawn to him. I crossed the street and right away complemented him on his cool hat.

"Thanks! My hat is actually made out of pure paper". He responded when I complemented his fedora.

Everyone, please meet Surya (pronounced SOOR-yuh)!

Surya, which means "Sun God" in Hindu, is currently from India visiting America so he can raise money for his non-profit organization called B'Care. B'Care's main mission is to prevent further transmission of HIV in the global community. He tells me the organization helps individual cope with the AIDS virus my providing information, therapy, and counseling. Surya says he's also trying to get together a bike ride called AIDS Ride 2012 to help spread the message of AIDS.

Aside from his organization, Surya is actually an artist at heart. He loves photography, but painting portraits and landscapes are his expertise. I handed over my business card to him so he could check out some of my artwork online. He happily agreed.

Thanks for the cool encounter Surya and being part of my "100 Strangers" project! I'll certainly e-mail you your photo. Best of luck to you in your cure for AIDS.

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/1,250th
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200

 

-Matt

Triptych of Matt

April 25, 2012

After my encounter with Betty (Stranger #39), this guy approached me wanting to know if I had a lighter. Told him I don't smoke, but didn't want the conversation to end there, so I decided to find a little more him. Now when I first saw Matt, I thought about adding him to my 100 Stranger project, but found out the kid is only 13 years old. I was shocked!

We both talked about skateboarding and how I used to skate few years back, but decided all the injuries wasn't worth it. I took a few photos of him, but wasn't really digging the shots, so I asked him if we could try something different. I put together a triptych (work of art divided into 3 sections) showing off his hobby in downtown Canton.

Enjoy the photo Matt!

-Matt

Stranger #39 - Betty

April 25, 2012

I said it before and I'll say it again, I absolutely love photographing the elderly. Their wrinkles and deep eyes really create a deeper, meaningful portrait. Getting their photo isn't a easy task, since I can't go up and say, "Can I take your photograph? I just love the wrinkles on your face." If that happened, I wouldn't have very much success. But anyways, I heard this sweet old lady ask me if I wanted something to eat while I was parking my ass on a bench.

Everyone, please meet Betty.

Betty was coming from Refuge of Hope, where she just finished eating dinner there. The organization provides an emergency/temporary shelter for men and a food ministry where hot meals are served to all who are hungry. A safe, clean place to sleep, good food and hot showers are provided 365 days a year for up to 36 men per night. All their services provided are free. Since I wasn't in need of a meal, I thought I leave it for the people who really need it. Plus, I think volunteering would make a bigger impact.

When I approached Betty, she just completed reading an excerpt from the bible through a Christian book store they had on display. I immediately asked her for her photo. She was hesitate at first, but once I complimented her hair highlights and told her I'll make it quick, she came around and accepted my offer.

"You like my hair? Well, thank you! I just finished doing my daughters hair not too long ago. I hope I didn't break your camera." Betty explained after I took her photo.

Thanks Betty for letting me snap a few photos of you for my project.

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/640th
Aperture: f/3
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 640

-Matt

Stranger #38 - Jason

April 19, 2012

I began my shooting adventure by getting lost. Yes, lost. I was trying to locate McKinley Monument Park and somehow ended up at my usual shooting spot in the city (thanks TomTom). Needless-to-say, I could of cared less, since I've been having great success at my usual spot.

I was walking towards the courthouse when I saw this gentleman sit down on the bench for a rest. As I passed him, he shouted, "Nice day we having, sir. Don't you think?"

Everyone, I would like to introduce, Jason.

Jason was extremely convivial right off the bat. He instantly greeted me with a hand-shake while introducing himself. "I saw you sitting at the benches over there. I wanted to come over and say hello, but don't know why I didn't." Jason said to me. I told him you should of, I'm always willing to meet someone.

Jason is a religious man. Follows God's message, while trying to spread good fortune to others. He currently helps out the needy at Total Living Center, a organization that provides spiritual healing to others. Asked him what kind of services he accommodates. "I volunteer my time providing meals for the less fortunate and helping young ones cope with tough situations. I try to help out anyway I can, really. I try to surround myself with positive people in my life while trying to keep the negative out. In the process of moving out of my place since my roommates and I aren't on the same page." While chatting with Jason, he always gave me his undivided attention, answering my questions with either "sir, yes sir" or "yes Mr. Matt".

Asked Jason what else does he do to keep himself busy and said he's currently working a factory job, but wants to own his own business someday. "I would like to fix-up lawns, landscaping, or building houses for people in need. It's all about the community and what I can do."

Towards the closure of our chat, Jason wanted to know if he could have my phone number incase he wanted to talk or meet in town to shoot the breeze. I really didn't see a problem with that.

Thanks Jason for your insight and being part of my project! Your positive attitude and cheerfulness is infectious and hope it spreads like a wildfire throughout your life. 

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/125th
Aperture: f/3
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 340

Another shot of Jason with his "tear-drop" tattoo

-Matt

Stranger #37 - Betty

April 18, 2012

As I drove into the city, I found my usual parking space, checked my camera and settings, and shoved off for more street portraits. Not even two minutes from walking out from my car, I hear a voice to my left.

"Hey! I like your camera. I have one like that."

Everyone, please meet Betty.

I turned and engaged into a conversation with here. Asked her what kind of camera she had. She couldn't tell me the brand or anything, but told me she purchased it from Wal-mart and loved taking photos with it. If you know me, I began thinking this would be a good time to ask for a quick portrait.

"Would it be ok if I took a photo of you for a project and post it on my website?" I asked.

She had no problem accepting my offer, but wanted to know about the project in detail and what kind of website I ran. I snapped a photo of her on the side of a building wall, but noticed there was a harsh light hitting one area of her face. Told her if we can go around to the corner of the building and see if the light is more forgiving. I fired off a few frames and got a better result. When I shoot portraits, my camera settings are usually set to over-expose the image by +2/3 EV, but since the sun light was so bright here, bringing it down to +1/3 worked better for this situation.

Before I left and thanked her, asked if she uses the internet so she can follow up and see her photo. Currently uses the popular social networking site, Facebook, so I imagine she'll pop in and have a look.

Thanks Betty for being part of my project!

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/2,000th
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200