Union Square Cycling

4/30/11 - Week 18
Shot on 4/26/11 in San Francisco and processed for Slider Sunday. HSS!

Kirk

At the corner of Powell & O'Farrell, sitting on a milk crate with a "Homeless & Hungry" sign, I met Kirk.  There was nothing unusual about him that said "STOP" other than his position right in the line of pedestrian traffic.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of "Kirks" along Powell.  I stooped down beside him and told him about the $2 Portrait project - that I'd be happy to give him $2 if I could take his picture and he tell me a little about his story.  Kirk said that's a good deal and we began to talk.

Kirk is 54 years old and originally from El Segundo, CA.  He worked as a truck driver until he became disabled.  He's been in San Francisco for 12 years and did say that it is a lot colder than LA, but it could be worse.  "Like Chicago", I said, "where you'd be freezing your butt off 6 months of the year."  "You got that right", Kirk chuckled.  We continued to talk and I asked if he had any family.  Kirk has a 25 year old daughter living in San Bernadino who he hasn't seen in a long time.  He says his ex turned her against him and didn't allow any contact.  A whole list of questions was passing through my mind on this subject, but I saw that Kirk was getting uncomfortable and I chose not to pursue them.

Physically, Kirk looked okay so I asked about his disability.  "HIV", he replied.  "Couldn't work after I got it."  He went on to tell me he gets a disability check once a month, but usually into the third week, he's out of money and has to take to the street.  He's on medication every day for the HIV - 18 pills - the $2,000/month cost of which is covered by MediCal (a state program I presume).  I asked him if he was clean and he replied that he is and that he's too old to be messin' around with that s__ any more.

I had been shooting the occasional picture during our conversation and I think Kirk became a little wary that he might get stiffed on the $2.  Recognizing this, I stood up and pulled out $2 and thanked him for his time and for sharing his story.  He stood up, shook my hand and offered thanks.  He then packed up his milk crate and signs and walked on down O'Farrell.

Also submitted for Daily Shoot #529: "Make a black and white photograph today."

Taken 4/25/11
Posted Flickr 4/28/11
Posted Project52 4/30/11 - Week 18

Check out my other $2 Portraits at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffm211/sets/72157626211920319/

Week 18 ☞ 04.30.11 - 05.06.11

Theme: Another Week of Anything Goes

Between travel this week to Denver and San Francisco, shooting a theme would be one more requirement I don't need!  So to make it easy on myself, I'll post anything processed and/or shot this week.

Not everything I shoot makes it into the Project52.  If you are interested in checking out additional pictures, please see my Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffm211/ 
 

Criss-Cross Market

4/26/11 - Week 17
Walking down Market Street towards Powell in San Francisco, I took this in-camera double exposure shot to create the architectural abstract and processed the peep-hole view to contrast with the rectilinear forms.

I have also taken some shots for my $2 Portraits project which does not fit with this week's theme.  You can check those out at $2 Portraits

Criss-Cross California

4/25/11 - Week 17
Walking down California Street towards Tadich Grill in San Francisco, I took this in-camera double exposure shot to create the architectural abstract.

Arch

4/23/11 - Week 17
I took this shot a couple of weeks ago in Chicago.  Some colleagues may recognize it.  Processed today to create a more abstract image for this week's Project52 theme "Architectural Abstracts".

Week 17 ☞ 04.23.11 - 04.29.11

Theme: Architectural Abstracts

This week, the theme is about portions of buildings that can be photographed and/or processed such that they become pieces of abstract art.

Not everything I shoot makes it into the Project52.  If you are interested in checking out additional pictures, please see my Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffm211/ 
 

Sam

4/22/11 - Week 16 (Posted)
4/14/11 (Taken)

Sam's main instrument was the flute, but he also was playing sax, tenor sax and clarinet.  See write-up on Sam & Roy in prior shot and at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffm211/5644614451.

Sam & Roy

4/22/11 - Week 16 (Posted)  4/14/11 (Taken)
There is some awesome music being performed on the streets in San Francisco.  From a block away, I was drawn in by the gripping sounds of saxophone emanating from the corner of Powell & Post.  As I got closer, I also heard the bass guitar and saw two guys fully engrossed in putting out a latin jazz groove.  Standing on the corner, leaning on newspaper stands and moving to the beat were a couple of onlookers whom I was happy to join.  We acknowledged amongst us how great these guys were.  As they moved on, I stuck around to listen longer.  I pointed at my camera, silently asking if I could take some pictures and they both nodded in affirmation.

What I have come to learn is that playing on the street is not always an act of desperation; rather a way to gain exposure and to freely share one's talent.  Sam Austin is a professional.  He has a latin jazz band.  He plays in clubs.  He plays in festivals.  He plays in the studio.  And he plays on the street.  Sam says he usually makes more money playing on the street than playing in a club.  Originally from New York, Sam has played woodwind instruments since age 18.  While he looked to be in his late 40's, Sam is 60 years old and has been in San Francisco for a long time where he raised three kids, now grown.  One of his sons has a recording studio and is producing one of his records.  Sam attributes his youthful looks to being an athlete, evidenced in some of the pictures he shared with me.

As Sam's buddy, Roy, sat on a milk crate and jammed out the bass guitar track, Sam switched up instruments from sax to tenor sax to clarinet to flute, and continued to put out wonderful ear candy.  Roy, who appeared to be older, is only 56.  Roy grinned and said, "Sam has lived a good life, and I haven't."  They appeared to be good friends.

I had dropped a fin into the open case on the sidewalk; very inexpensive for the high quality entertainment.  Sam asked if I would be interested in buying a CD, one just produced the night before where the labels have not yet been printed nor the tracks labeled.  16 tracks representing a variety of his music.  "Absolutely", I said and paid him.  Wow - what a find!  I'm listening to it now as I write this story and am now determined to hear Sam play live somewhere this summer…he's that good.  Will try to make it an outing with my music-listening colleague, Jeff P.  I thanked Sam & Roy and told them I hope to see them again.  As I walked on towards Union Square, those compelling sounds continued to ripple through the street canyon and put a spring in my step.

Shadows

4/20/11 - Week 16
Taken on 4/14/11 in San Francisco and processed in Lightroom and Nik Software for BokehWednesday. HBW!

Wired

4/19/11 - Week 16
Had to pull something out of the archives for TTT this week. Shot in April 2009 at Lorman Iron & Metal Co. in Ft. Atkinson, WI.

Bus Stop

4/19/11 - Week 16
The bus stops along Market Street in San Francisco often provide interesting compositions.  Would have loved to get in closer on the folks waiting for the bus but only had my 35mm lens with me.  

This shot was taken the night of 4/14/11 and converted to b/w using Lightroom, PSE and Nik. Posted for SliderSunday.  HSS!

Evil Eye

4/16/11 - Week 16
Shot last week in San Francisco and processed today in Lightroom and Nik Software. For ClicheSaturday.

Week 16 ☞ 04.16.11 - 04.22.11

Theme: Shoot and/or Process

This week I'm giving myself some flexibility.  Posted pictures to the Project52 will be either shot this week or something previously shot but never processed.

Not everything I shoot makes it into the Project52.  If you are interested in checking out additional pictures, please see my Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffm211/ 
 

JR

4/14/11 - Week 15
Walking along Powell, I met JR in front of the Chagall Gallery.  An outgoing fellow, he was asking for $3 so he would have enough for a room tonight.  Said he had a hotel where he can get a room (with 2 or 3 others) for $17/night and he had $14.  I told him about the $2 Portraits project and he enthusiastically agreed to have me take his picture.  I took a few shots as JR continued to work the crowd.  And then we talked.

JR is 56 years old and from Chicago.  His 90 year old mother still lives there in a nursing home.  She is his only living relative, that he knows of.  He was once married to a woman from Michigan, an interracial marriage.  They had one child.  JR said his wife's dad hated him which made it tough on their family and finally his wife and child left him and went back to Michigan.  He has not seen them since and it's been many years.  He also hasn't seen his mother in a 1-1/2 years since he's been in San Francisco.  Came out to San Francisco because it was too hard living on the streets in cold Chicago.

JR graduated from Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois with a degree in religious studies.  Well spoken and articulate, JR told me about the various jobs he's had throughout his life.  He's a religious man and believes in the goodness of people.  He pointed to his feet and said last Christmas a kind man gave him the pair of (expensive) Gucci shoes he was wearing; the only pair of shoes he owns.  He laughed and said sometimes people look at his shoes and then don't think he really needs their help.  JR said he usually hangs out in the same spot; the local merchants know him and give him food.  He also knows the local beat cops who help him out now and then.  He said that he'd love to be working, but can't because of a heart condition.  He's got a lawyer working on getting him some supplemental security income (SSI) disability benefits.

I liked JR; he seemed like a genuine guy who has fallen upon hard times.  Despite that, his chin was up and his eyes were bright.  I gave JR the $3 he needed and wished him a good night.  Told him I might see him again sometime since I'm in San Francisco often.  He smiled and said, "Thank you and I'll see you next time."

Harold

4/12/11 - Week 15
There he was, sitting against a BART stairway wall on Market Street with a "Smile" sign.  I obeyed and we began talking.  I asked his name and told him about the $2 Portraits project.  He'd heard about it.  He said, "I'm Harold.  You haven't seen me?  I'm all over the internet!"  I told him I hadn't seen him but I'd give him $2 if he let me take his picture and put it on the internet.  He responded, "Hell yeah!"

Harold is 52 years old and is from a small town in Oregon.  He's pretty happy right now because he's off drugs; been clean for 5 years.  He likes living on the streets and likes playing characters and making people smile.  This summer he's going down to Fisherman's Wharf dressed as Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean and make people smile.  I chuckled and said, "So you're an actor."  He replied, "Isn't everybody?"  Harold said he usually hangs out by Fisherman's Wharf during the day and sleeps by the Virgin Records on Market Street at night.  I asked him how he ended up on the streets.  "Drugs, plain and simple," was his reply.  "I don't hang out with those people anymore…oh no."

I asked him if he had any family.  Harold said he has a son, 22 who just got out of the army.  He occasionally talks to his son but hasn't seen him since his son was 7 years old.  Harold told me he had a long time girl friend who recently died of cancer.  He also keeps in contact with a brother and sister who recently found him after 40 years.  I asked him how that came about and he launched into a detailed story about his family tree that was impossible to follow.

In addition to his "Smile" sign, he had two others, "Be Happy" and "Why Lie, I Need Beer."  I told him that I met a guy down the street two weeks ago that had the same "Why Lie.." sign.  Harold said, "Oh, you must have met Brian.  I gave him that sign.  I'm worried about him since I haven't seen him in a while and he's an alcoholic."  Yep, same Brian.

Harold was definitely in good spirits.  After taking a few pictures, I wished him good luck, told him to stay clean and gave him $2.  As I stood up to leave, he told me "thanks" and "have a good life."

Ron

4/12/11 - Week 15
Walking back to my hotel from dinner, I met Ron outside of a McDonalds on Market Street.  I told him about the $2 Portraits project and he agreed to let me take his picture. I took a few shots, none of which were entirely in focus.

Ron is 55 years old and was born and raised in Oakland. He was hoping to get enough money to get something to eat and BART fare back to Oakland where his family lives. He said something about wanting to get things straightened out with his brother-in-law.

I didn't want to hang around long to fiddle with the camera for a better shot so I gave Ron $2 and wished him luck. He said thank you and walked toward the BART station.

General Conditions

4/12/11 - Week 15
So I invite a couple of colleagues/friends out to dinner in San Francisco tonight and they pick up the tab.  In the construction industry, it's called General Conditions. Thanks David & Sara.

Unbound

4/12/11 - Week 15
Someone's gotta be carrying around a lot of loose paper since these rubberbands were strewn about the train station parking lot.

Shot for TrashTalkTuesday

Heart Warming

4/9/11 - Week 15
Shot with my 35mm f1.8 for my P52 theme and posted for Cliche Saturday.

Week 15 ☞ 04.09.11 - 04.15.11

Theme: Nikon 35mm f1.8

This week I am making a lens selection and will post only shots taken with my 35mm f1.8.  This is a nice small lens and I can easily travel with my D90.

Since I may take shots using my point & shoot also, if you are interested in checking those out, please see my Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffm211/ 
 

Glass Block

4/8/11 - Week 14
Captured along Southport in Lincoln Park.  Processed for Daily Shoot assignment #509: "Make a photograph that features a grid of some sort today."

Three Days Old

4/7/11 - Week 14
Lin and I went to visit our new niece this evening. I've got the magic touch...she slept in my arms for an hour.
Also processed for Daily Shoot assignment #508: "Make a low contrast photograph today."

Upper Deck

4/6/11 - Week 14
Took this shot today getting off the train after work. Discovered tonight that it works for Daily Shoot #507: "Make a photograph of something shiny today."

Airport Lights

4/6/11 - Week 14
I took this shot at O'Hare airport last year. After a long flight from San Francisco, we encountered severe thunder/lightning storms taxiing to the gate. Since the ramp workers are not allowed outside during lightening strikes, we spent 30 minutes on the plane sitting 25 feet from the gate. That was the bad news. The good news was I had my camera with me and was able to get some great bokeh shots. You can check out this Flickr set for others.

Tossin' Back a 12-Pack

4/5/11 - Week 14
Went for a 25 mile bike ride last Saturday and could not believe the amount of trash I saw along the road. After getting home, I jumped into the car with camera and trash bag in hand and drove part of the route photographing and picking up cans I had seen. Since the single beer can photos have been common on TTT, I wanted to do something different. This image is composited of a dozen cans, some single shots and some in-camera multiple exposure shots. I brought a lot more than these home to deposit in the recycle bin. HTTT!

Cedric

4/5/11 - Week 14
Every afternoon he is outside across from my office selling the local paper.  Always smiling, always chatting up the commuters passing by.  I stopped this time, asked his name, shook his hand, and told him about the $2 Portraits project.  Cedric agreed to let me take his picture but asked, "this isn't going to be in the newspaper is it?"  I told him no, just on my website along with other $2 portraits; and he approved.  I then took a few shots and continued our conversation.  We just talked briefly because he wanted to get back to selling his papers.  Seems like he has regular customers.

Cedric was born and raised in Chicago.  He told me he only sells papers part-time.  Other times, he's the organist for his church.  He had long fingers and a strong grip, so I surmise he slides across the keyboard with ease.  Sensing his desire to turn attention to his customers, I gave him $2 and shook his hand.  He asked my name and said "stop by again sometime."  I replied that I would.  I also wanted to make sure I spelled his name correctly and began spelling C-E-D…  He stopped me, and with a big smile, said "C-E-D-R-I-C, just like the entertainer.  I've got more jokes but not as much money."  We both laughed and waved as I turned toward the train station for the commute home.

Jonathan

4/3/11 - Week 14

Walking up Market Street the evening of 3/31/11, I was drawn toward him by the sweet sounds of a saxophone solo.  There was Jonathan jamming' away on his sax, swaying with the beat and thoroughly enjoying himself.  On the street before him was an open saxophone case, within it a few dollars scattered around and some CDs for sale.  People cast him a glance, but no one else was standing around to listen.  Jonathan was not the typical street musician trying to eek out a tune; he sounded professional.  When he finished his song and came up for air, I took the opportunity to approach him for some conversation.

Turns out, Jonathan is from my home town of Chicago.  He started playing the flute at age 7 and has been playing ever since; some 50 years.  He grew up in the Rogers Park neighborhood on the north side.  After I told him I was from Chicago and spent my early youth on the south side, we had quite a chat about the old Chicago neighborhoods.  Jonathan told me that one of his band members back in the Chicago days used to play with BB King.

 Jonathan said he's been in San Francisco for 25 years and plays in various clubs & lounges and sometimes on the street.  He recorded his own music on a Dell computer with software that simulates the other instrument tracks.  I bought his first CD and asked if I could take some photographs and post them on my website; perhaps that would even provide  some promotion.  He happily agreed and gave me his business card which has his web address.

I paid him for the CD + $2, listened a while longer and then turned to cross Market Street near Powell feeling more upbeat than after my earlier encounters that evening.

Powell Street

4/3/11 - Week 14
Took this in SF last week thinking all the colors will make for some good sliding. They did. HSS!

Floor Show

4/2/11 - Week 14
Not sure who stands around watching TV this way, but thought this shot works well for ClicheSaturday. HCS!

Week 14 ☞ 04.02.11 - 04.08.11

Theme: Flickr Groups

I am discovering more groups on Flickr that provide opportunity for various themes & challenges, such as my recent entry into the $2 Portraits project.  Therefore, as in Week 11, whatever shots find their way into a Flickr group posting will do double duty as a Project52 shot.

Since I may take shots outside of the weekly theme, if you are interested in checking those out, please see my Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffm211/ 
 

Brian

3/31/11 - Week 13
Continued my walk up Market Street on 3/31/11 and met Brian.  Brian's sign is what caught my eye; "WHY LIE! I NEED BEER".  I admired his honesty (or marketing approach) and engaged him in conversation.  When I told him about the $2 Portraits project and asked if I could take his picture and post it on my website, he gave me a roaring double thumbs-up!  I took a few pictures while Brian posed and then continued our conversation.

Brian was a talkative, friendly guy.  Only problem was I couldn't understand much of what he said.  I was able to get that he is 48 years old and grew up in Missouri.  He's been in San Francisco since age 11 and for many years of his adult life worked odd jobs such as sheetmetal worker and security guard.  I couldn't quite get why Brian finds himself in his present condition, but he obviously suffers from some physical maladies.  I asked about his family back in Missouri and he said he gave them up 20 years ago - "I'm through with them; they are evil and I am a messenger of Jesus."  That sounding odd, I asked him if he was on something and he said that he used to mess around with drugs but no more.  "I'm clean now, but I do like my beer."

He asked my name and where I was from.  After a few more moments of conversation, I gave him $2 and told him to enjoy his "cold one".  He smiled and said thank you.  And I walked on.

Unnamed

3/31/11 - Week 13

I am in the Bay Area on business and went into SF tonight to shoot some pictures.  It is very unfortunate, but there is no lack of subjects for the $2 Portraits project.

 

Walking down Market Street, I met her.  She caught my eye because one does not expect a young, attractive woman to be begging on the street.  I told her about the $2 Portraits project and asked if I could take her picture and post it on the website.  She readily agreed.

 

She was born and raised in Eastern Europe and moved to the US with her mother when she was 11, went to school there and learned English.   She lost her apartment and was homeless so came out to San Francisco in November to escape the cold weather.  She plans to move back home in May, look for a job and try to get her apartment back.  

 

I asked her about her family and she said they are all still in Eastern Europe except for her mom, who lives in the US.  I wondered out loud why she was homeless back home and she said her mom has a new family and "has her own thing going on."  I have come to learn that her mom misses her terribly.  She says she likes people and liked her job as a server at a diner, but couldn't make ends meet.  She would like to work at restaurant that serves alcohol because the tips are better…but she's only 19 and will have to wait a couple of years.  I asked where she lived; she said on the streets.  She doesn't like shelters and sometimes has a hard time now sleeping indoors.

 

I gave her $2 and told her to be safe.  She smiled and said thank you.  I walked away with a heavy heart.

 

There are so many sad parts to this story.  As a parent, thinking of someone's kid living on the streets was the saddest part for me.