I saw him sitting on his cardboard boxes, cup in hand, and when I walked by, he called out “whatcha doin’ brother?” I stopped to tell him about the $2 Portrait project and he immediately began a negotiation. “My name's Ken, what's yours? My portrait is worth $5.” I told him my name and we shook hands. Knowing I only had two singles on me and the rest twenties, I told Ken, all I could do was $2. “How about $3; two for the portrait and one for the tip? That’s all I need for a room tonight and I’m tired of sitting out here.” Apologizing, I began to walk away, telling him again all I had was $2.
He called me back after a few steps and agreed to let me take his picture for $2. “You have to be more flexible, man", he told me grumbling a little. I took a few shots and all I learned from Ken is that he’s 56 years old and originally from Brooklyn.
About 20 minutes later, after breaking a twenty, I walked by the same spot where I had met Ken to give him an extra dollar. He was gone, so he must have picked up the extra cash needed for his room that night.
Taken 6/26/14
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