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 a little different. I’ve decided that this Blog will be my main photography communication vehicle. Content will be varied and in the spirit of my approach to photography as described on the "About" page of my website at www.jeffmarcowitz.photography 

Unlike the past, all content posted here in the blog will NOT also be on the website Project W pages. I intend to make the Project W pages more of a curated collection of work representing the “Best Of” images posted here on the Blog. With a subscription, you'll continue to receive an email (with content) whenever I post to the Project W Blog.

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, August 30, 2012

Svetlio

Svetlio Via Flickr:
I had planned on a decent dinner in downtown San Francisco but got distracted by some great street entertainment in Union Square. Then before going to eat, I decided to take one quick walk down Powell Street. It was there that I heard this amazing operatic voice. I stopped to listen and could hardly believe my ears. When he took a break, I walked up to him and we began to talk.

Svetlio (goes by Steve in the U.S.) is from Bulgaria and has been in San Francisco on and off for a couple of years. He's 35 years old and has been singing for about 15 years, but only opera for a year. I told him with his voice, he should be singing professionally. Steve said he is homeless in San Francisco but is going to New York next Tuesday for an audition with Disney, where they have an opening in Tokyo. He may decide to stay in New York for a while since he has some friends there. I suggested he check out Ellen's Stardust Diner where all the wait staff are aspiring Broadway performers. I told him he was as good as any of the performers we've heard there and many of them have successfully ended up on Broadway.

Steve told me he has sung quite a bit in Bulgaria and directed me to a YouTube video of him on X-Factor. Check this out. www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKC-U2F3Wvk.  Also, check out this documentary on Svetlio - apparently he had some notariety in Bulgaria as reported in San Francisco.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYXugYeBSRo.

We continued to talk and I told him about the $2 Portrait project. He'd never heard about it; referred to it as must being some crazy American thing. Nonetheless he allowed me to take his picture as we bantered about a whole myriad of subjects ranging from energy prices to politics. After a while, I felt bad monopolizing his time and placed some money in his backpack, telling him I'll step back and listen for a while longer. He thanked me and we shook hands. As I backed away and he began to sing, a small crowd gathered. The looks on their faces mirrored my initial amazement and contributions began to slowly flow for Svetlio. He caught my eye and smiled.

Taken 8/29/12
Posted by Jeff M at 1:09 AM
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