I have been posting to this blog for over 13 years, each year reporting on accomplishments over the prior year and goals for the new year.

2024 is no different. My main photography goal for the year is listed in the January submission of the 2024 C.London 52 Week Photography Challenge. Content this year will work towards that goal in addition to my general shooting. Check out my website "About" page to learn more. The website is at www.jeffmarcowitz.photography 

All content posted here in the blog will also be on the website, however with a subscription to the blog, you'll continue to receive the email notifications.

Thanks to all of you who have followed this photo blog for many years and welcome to any newcomers. My hope is that the images and stories are interesting and thought-provoking as I continue this creative journey. As always, comments, critiques and suggestions (here and the website) are welcome and appreciated as they often lead to new ideas and inspiration.

Thank You.
Jeff

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Robert (and Jeff)

Robert (and Jeff)
I’ve seen Robert regularly over the last 6 years.  I try to stop and chat, sometimes buy him breakfast and always drop a dollar or two into his cup whenever I can.  Here’s a guy who lives day to day, hoping to make enough to cover his shelter and food.  And when he has a good day, he’ll sometimes forego the morning or afternoon street session.

This past year I learned that Robert has two kids living in Kentucky who he hadn’t seen in awhile.  Around the holidays he was trying to collect enough for  a round trip bus ticket.  Along with others, I helped him out and he was able to spend Christmas with his kids.  I’m looking forward to hearing more about the backstory; perhaps when I next take him to breakfast.

As often happens, when leaving my office today, I saw him in his usual spot.  Our conversation went something like this:

“So Robert, do you know what day occurred a couple of weeks ago?”  He looked at me in puzzlement, “No, what was it?”  I replied, “It’s our anniversary - 6 years ago we met in this very spot and I first took your picture.”   “Well then, let’s take another picture!”  And so we did.  Since I had a train to catch, we didn’t have a lot of time to talk.  As I dropped some bills into his cup, we agreed that on Monday morning we’ll have breakfast to start the week.  “And bring me a copy of that picture, will ya?  Thank you and G-d bless.”

I never really know if and/or when I’ll see him again.  Maybe Monday, maybe not.  What started out as photographing a perfect stranger for the $2 Portrait project has turned into a 6 year “relationship” that rarely involves a camera.

Taken 4/13/17