Mystic Muffin

52 Frames - Week 28 - In The Style Of...

I had a different photo in the style of a different photographer all picked out. However, while traveling on a photography trip with a couple of friends, we visited The Image Center at Toronto Metropolitan University where I was introduced to the work of Clara Gutsche. (https://theimagecentre.ca/exhibition/scotiabank-photography-award-clara-gutsche/)

I love her photography and was determined to create an image while in Toronto that pays homage to her style of photographing the urban fabric. I photographed this scene within a few hours of leaving the gallery.

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/125 | 35mm | ISO 250

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/12/25

Lynn

52Frames - Week 25 - Portrait

EC: Portrait of a Stranger

Out photographing with a friend in downtown Grayslake, I saw her sitting at a street corner with a walker and bags of stuff around her. She was not panhandling but asked if she gave me money, would I go across the street and buy her a hamburger and fries. I didn't take her money but returned with her meal.

It has been awhile since I've done a $2 Portrait and Lynn was friendly but not that talkative. I did learn she is 67 years old, is from Wildwood, IL. and used to work for a mortgage company. The rest of her story was unclear, but her biggest concern seemed to be how to handle all the things passersby have given her.

Lynn thanked me for the meal as she dug in. I asked if I could take her picture and she readily obliged.

Sony A7IV @ 11 | 1/125 | 135mm | ISO 100

Canon FL 135mm f3.5 (adapted)

Photographed 6/23/24

Deacon Robert

52Frames-Week 45-Street Photography and $2 Portraits

Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL

When I first walked by, he was hawking for change. I was running late for an appointment and didn't stop. Returning an hour later, he was still at it so I approached and asked if he'd heard of $2 Portraits. He hadn't and after I explained, he said that $5 for a story and photo would be better.

"I'm Deacon Robert, a man of G-d..." and then proceeded to recite New Testament scripture. I told him I'm an Old Testament guy to which he replied, "That's okay, G-d will tell you the right thing to do...". At that point, I agreed to $5 and we continued our chat.

Robert is 74 years old, was born in Chicago and grew up in Hyde Park. He now lives in Maywood and has been a Pastor there for nine years. When I commented he didn't look like 74, he said G-d made him look younger...he didn't look this good when he was 65. We talked for a few more minutes and said our farewells.

I have my doubts about Deacon Robert's story, but I don't feel bad about the $5 portrait, given inflation since the group began over 12 years ago.

Photographed 11/10/22

Submitted for 52Frames

Sony A7 IV @ f5.6 1/125 55mm ISO 200

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Submitted for $2 Portraits

Sony A7 IV @ f5.6 1/125 75mm ISO 250

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Station Stop

52Frames - Week 22 - Everything In Focus

Metra Station

Northbrook, IL

My grandson loves trains. Today we took him on a short train excursion traveling 5 stations each way with lunch in between. Eyes wide open the whole time, sharing his observations with excitement and asking tons of questions made for an awesome day.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f16 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 800

Photographed 6/1/22

Gene

As I was walking up Madison Street toward the train station, our eyes met and we exchanged a couple of pleasantries. He seemed eager for a conversation so I asked him if he had heard about $2 Portraits. He had not, but readily agreed to participate.

Gene is 67 years old and has lived in a homeless encampment at 41st & Halsted for the past seven years. He described it as an old construction site that had been abandoned and has since become a place for those homeless who cannot, or who choose not to, go to a shelter. Gene told me about someone who gifted him a Coleman tent and when it broke, Coleman replaced it for him for free. I asked him if he had any family in the area and he told me about his younger brother (65) who also lives at 41st & Halsted. Gene said he worked for the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times (newspapers) for about 35 years; I didn’t catch what he did for them. But now, he has some side hustles selling candy & novelties to supplement his income. He’s been struggling since Covid, as the streets have been very empty and he’s been unable to make the connections he was used to, however feels fortunate because he’s not had Covid.

In the 10+ years I’ve been making $2 Portraits, Gene is the most entrepreneurial of anyone I’ve spoken with. I was curious about the Venmo strap around his neck so he pulled out a Venmo card with QR code from which he can make sales of his novelties and take donations. He also told me about his gofundme.com campaign and his listing on Homeless Lives Matter. He also rattled off a couple of other websites he’s connected to. I scanned the QR code and sure enough Venmo came up with Gene’s name and novelty business.

I commented on Gene’s beard and he proudly stated he hasn’t shaved it since 2010. Every once in awhile his brother trims it around his neck because it gets caught in zippers. He said it keeps him warm in the winter time.

If I had a chair to pull up, Gene would have kept talking all morning. Having a train to catch, I thanked Gene for his time as I headed out. He thanked me for the $2 and kept on talking. Was a unique encounter, for sure. 

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4.5 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 1250

Photographed 3/17/22

Layers

52Frames - Week 9 - Reflections

Extra Challenge:  Optical Illusion

Totally using this photo as a streak-saver.  This shot was so spontaneous, days later I could not figure out from which direction it was taken until I reviewed the outtakes.  Another instance where having the GRIIIx at hand paid off.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 500

Photographed 3/2/22

Marcus

He saw me speaking with another guy down the street and as I walked towards him, he called out “You gonna talk with me too?”  “Absolutely!”, I heartily replied & told him about $2 Portraits.  Marcus is a 51 year old south-side Chicagoan, now living on Lower Wacker Drive.  He hangs out daily on the corner of Michigan and Erie, and apparently is well known since while we were chatting, several folks passed by, said “Hi, Marcus” and slipped a couple dollars into his cup.  A unique thing about Marcus that he was proud of is that even though a south-sider, he’s been a Chicago Cubs fan all his life.  We then laughed about the Cubs/White Sox fan rivalries.  Marcus also volunteered his vaccination status & said the city came through last year and vaxxed all the homeless living on Lower Wacker and came back 3 weeks later with the second shot.

Marcus told me a little about his work history & family.  From 1989, he worked at Lake Shore Bank and the Walgreens, both on Michigan Avenue.  One from 9am - 5pm and the other from 5pm-11pm.  He stopped working about 10 years ago to care for his mother who passed away 3 years ago.  Marcus took it hard and has had a tough time adjusting.  He has siblings; “They all have their thing going on and I don’t want to place no burden on them;  I’ll do it on my own”.

We spoke for awhile about various topics.  Marcus is a surprisingly proud and optimistic guy, especially given his circumstances.  On a few occasions during our conversation, he pointed to the sky and declared, “I believe!”  I thanked Marcus for his time and he thanked me for stopping to talk.  I slipped some $$ into his cup and wished him luck.  Per his request, I’m going to print these photos and if I see him again next month, will hand them over.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f5.6 1/250 40mm equiv ISO 640

"I Believe!"

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f5.6 1/250 40mm equiv ISO 800

All Photographed 1/18/22

Andre

I met Andre on Davis Street in Evanston as he asked folks for some help with train fare. His destination was downtown Kenosha where there is a spot in a shelter lined up but he needs to get there before it is given away.  Andre was born in Zion, IL and is 47 years old.  He has family in the Chicago area and Wisconsin who are all struggling.  Before the pandemic, Andre was a laborer, unloading trucks for a liquor distributor, but there is no work for him now.  Andre was not the talkative sort so I gave him $2 and wished him well in getting to Kenosha.  He thanked me and turned his attention to others on the street.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 160

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

Kev

I met Kev along Sherman Avenue in downtown Evanston.  He was asking for some change and I asked him if he’d heard of $2 Portraits.  He said he has but didn’t have $2 to give for a portrait.  I explained to him I’d give him $2 if he allowed me to take his picture and told me a bit of his story, to which he readily agreed.

Kev is 62 years old and was born and raised on the west side of Chicago where he still resides.  He comes into Evanston because the people are nice and he sees some of them on a regular basis.  He’s able to pick up enough money for transportation and food.  Kev has no family left other than a sister in a nursing home.  When I asked about what kind of work he did, Kev said he’s been disabled for a long time and never had any long-term jobs.

Kev was outgoing, yet soft-spoken and therefore a bit difficult to understand.  We did joke about the sign behind him that said “Warning…”.  When I pointed it out, he smiled and said “Nothin’ to worry about; I’m a friendly guy”.  I gave Kev $2 and wished him luck for which he thanked me.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/250 35mm ISO 640

Samyang AF 35mm F1.8

Photographed 7/7/21

Tara & Tomas

Clondon52w27:  PHOTOGRAPHER HIGHLIGHT:  Diane Arbus

From the C.London website:  “Diane Arbus is known for her captivating portraits wherein she aimed to normalize marginalized groups with the end goal of highlighting the importance of representation of all people. 

For this week, choose a subject which may be ‘othered’ and showcase what makes it special, beautiful unique, interesting, or any other positive adjective that comes to mind. If you are using human subjects, be sure that you are not exploiting the subject. Diane was extremely genuine in her interactions and capturing of the subjects, and we would like to stay true to that spirit.”

I am asking for special dispensation on this week’s challenge since this photograph, made in January 2015, satisfies the prompt in visual quality, story and spirit.  I made an attempt today to shoot a new photo for the prompt and while I could use one if absolutely required, this image for me is too compelling to pass up.

This photo was originally shot for $2 Portraits, a project I began participating in over 10 years ago (https://flic.kr/s/aHsju1ayAB).  Of the 90+ images I’ve made for this project, this is one of the most memorable.  The story behind this photo follows.

San Francisco, CA

January 21, 2015

They were huddled together against the stone wall on the sidewalk along Powell Street, holding a sign but barely making eye contact with the passersby.  The first time I walked by them, I sensed their isolation.  As I circled back, they looked up and our eyes met.  I kneeled down and we began to talk.  I asked them if they’ve heard of $2 Portraits; they had not.  After explaining the project and telling them since they were two, I’d give them $4, they readily agreed to participate.  The ensuing story is one not previously encountered in almost 4 years of doing this project.

Tomas & Tara, 24 and 21 years old respectively, are originally from New York and have been in San Francisco for 6 months.  Tara then told me she just had a baby on the 17th.  I thought she had said August 17th.  She corrected me…she gave birth 4 days ago.  I was floored…but skeptical.  Pictures of them with their baby convinced me otherwise.

Tomas & Tara moved to SF with the understanding that friends of theirs were going to let them share their apartment.  Once they arrived however, their friends recanted and they were left without a place to live.  They usually found shelter but Tara said it was a tough pregnancy roughing it on the street.

Tomas & Tara’s baby is still in the hospital, perfectly healthy except for some jaundice caused by different blood types between mother and child.  The baby will be released on Saturday and fortunately they have found a shelter to live in.  They are alone in San Francisco, no friends…no family…but have an optimism about them that was surprising.  They talked about lots of resources in San Francisco to help folks in their situation get on their feet.  Tomas is looking for a job - he’s a certified auto mechanic.  Tara worked as a dental assistant and has a 2 year Associates business degree.  I asked if they considered moving back to New York to be with family.  Tomas said his mother is working and has his two teenaged siblings at home and they all live below the poverty level; no help there.  They didn’t talk about other family as being options.

Tomas & Tara were grateful for the conversation and very thankful when I gave them $20 instead of $4.  Tears welled up in Tara’s eyes when she said they had to get some clothes for the baby and this would help.  I wished them luck, told them I hoped not to encounter them again on the street and then walked away very sad.

Photographed 1/21/15

Panasonic DMC-GX7 @ f1.8 1/320 17mm (34mm equiv) ISO 3200

Olympus M 17mm F1.8

Re-Processed 7/7/21

Robert

I met Robert in front of Union Station.  He was looking for $5 so he could get home.  I told him about $2 Portraits and he agreed by starting to pose for his picture.  But I started talking with him instead. Robert is 65 years old and has spent his whole life on the south side of Chicago.  Home now is the El…he rides the train back and forth without a permanent place to stay.  We started comparing street names when I told him I was originally from the south side and my wife graduated high school there.  Robert used to work shipping/receiving in the aeronautical industry.

After I made a few photos and our conversation wound down, Robert asked if I could give him three more dollars so he could get back to the south side.  Knowing that I didn’t have any more small bills, I gave him a $20 and he began a “happy dance" thanking me profusely.  Then he began chanting “hotel room tonight” and I snapped this photo.

Photographed 5/13/21

Mike

I met Mike standing on a corner underneath the El tracks in the south loop.  Mike asked me for a donation and I told him about $2 Portraits to which he replied “What do I have to lose? Sure.”  Mike is 62 years old and originally from Alabama.  He has no family and lives around the bridge at Adams…”just me and the elements and my arthritis.”  He described the aches & pains in his back, hips, knees and elbows from working masonry construction.  I surmised he’s a regular at this corner because during our conversation one guy walked up and said “Hi Mike” as he placed a bill in Mike’s cup and another drove up to the corner and did the same.  Mike told me I brought him good luck. Admittedly, I was a bit suspicious, but nothing changed hands.

Mike said he hoped people start coming back to work soon as it’s been tough with the city so empty. He thinks it’s going to change. I wished him luck and gave him $2. 

 Photographed 5/13/21

Willie

I haven’t made a $2 Portrait in a long time…largely due to Covid.  While in downtown Chicago today for a doctor appointment, I met Willie along Michigan Avenue.  He was hunkered down, trying to stay warm in the falling temperatures and light snow showers.  He agreed to let me take his picture for $2 Portraits.  Willie’s sign said “PLEASE HELP. I NEED CLOTHES THANK YOU ALSO MONEY FOR A ROOM THANK YOU MAY GOD BLESS”.  It must have worked because he was sporting a fairly new Ralph Lauren (Polo) parka.

Being out of $2 Portrait practice, I didn’t get Willie’s whole story.  I did learn he is 69 years old, was born in Mississippi and has been in Chicago for 50 years.  It sounded as if he doesn’t have a permanent place to live and was hoping to collect enough in order to get a room for the night.  I gave Willie $2; he smiled and reached out to bump elbows.

Taken 12/17/20

Little Holland Wolf

Heard this guy playing on Michigan Avenue a mile from the Chicago Bluesfest.   He was good.  Wondered why he wasn't playing at the festival.  When asked, he said his leg is all messed up but in his day he played with Buddy Guy and Johnny Lee Hooker.  Couldn't find any info on him, so probably fed me a line of BS.  Nonetheless, he was a solid musician and it was worth the $2 I put into his bucket.

Taken 6/8/19

Charles

Relaxing on the hotel plaza the morning of my son’s wedding day, he approached me and asked if I could donate to the homeless.  I asked if he had heard of $2 Portraits.  He had not, however when I explained, he agreed to participate.

Charles is 53 years old and is from Mansfield, Ohio.  He’s been in Columbus for about a year since he suffered a stroke.  The doctors told him he probably would not walk or speak again.  He walks with a cane, speaks pretty clearly and is very happy the doctors were wrong.  Most of Charles’ family is in Alabama and he gets to see them occasionally.  He lives with his wife in Columbus - they are able to rent a bedroom in the basement of a house from what he’s able to collect.  Charles said his wife is in worse shape than he is.

Before his stroke, Charles worked in several different industries. He was in real estate for a while, ran a liquidation business and his real passion was being a cook.  His specialty was cajun food and breakfast.  He’d love to set up a stand or food truck somewhere and be able to get back to cooking.  During this part of the conversation with Charles, I could see the smile break out on his face and his eyes light up.  Engaged in conversation, I wasn’t able to capture that in the photo, but I know he walked away from our chat happier than when we began.

Taken 5/12/18

Frank

I’ve been shooting $2 Portraits for over 6 years and never has it happened where I’ve run into the same subject in a different city…until now.  Walking through the Palm Desert Flea Market, I encountered a person who looked familiar.  To my surprise, I reconnected with Frank, a gentleman I first photographed in Albuquerque back in May 2016.  It was great to hear that Frank’s second wife took him back and they recently relocated to Palm Springs where he joined on part time with the Forest Service.  After all the California wild fires this year, Frank spends much of his time around local hiking venues promoting fire safety.

We recounted his other stories from 18 months ago.  Frank told me he still has his penchant for Starbucks but after reconnecting with his second wife, his passion for younger women has moved up a decade into the 60’s.  I told Frank we come to Palm Desert twice a year and will search him out next March; perhaps even having a dinner with he and his wife.  We chatted for awhile; then $2 and a Starbucks later, parted ways.  What a coincidence!

Taken 11/5/17

Joaquim

After a great dinner at our hotel in Lisbon, there were leftovers that I did not want to be wasted.  After successfully being able to help a homeless person the night before, I sought out the same result this evening.  Being later at night, I had to venture further from the hotel to find an area with more people around.  Walking down a well lit side street, I came across a gentleman rummaging through some waste bins by a nearby restaurant.

I approached him with outstretched hands holding the boxed remains of a ribeye steak.  His eyes lit up when I offered him the food and he gladly accepted it.  He did not speak English and understood enough Spanish when I asked him his nombre?  He went into his knapsack, pulled out a piece of paper & pen and proceeded to write out his full name, Joaquim Rui Lourenço Farinha.   Handing me the paper, he shook my hand profusely and kept saying “obrigado, obrigado”.  I held up my phone and asked if I could take his photo to which he agreed and smiled widely when I showed him the picture.  I also gave him 2 Euro.  As I departed we shook hands again and he began to open the meal.

Taken 6/30/17 - Lisbon, Portugal

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

Arturo

Holding a little dog in his lap, he was sitting on the corner across from Union Square, with a sign seeking money to buy food for his dog and himself.  He had heard of $2 Portraits when I inquired and agreed to participate.

Arturo was a very friendly guy.  At 53 years old, he’s been in San Francisco for 10 years.  Originally from Mexico, he still has a lot of family there.  I didn’t catch where in Mexico he’s from but he did say it was in a Mexican state south of Arizona.  He has family in Phoenix and in Florida, but no family in San Francisco.  We joked a little bit about his ability to travel back and forth once “the wall” is built and he said it won’t be a problem.

Being on the street is not a full time vocation for Arturo.  He said that construction is what he’s done for many years and always has 2 or 3 customers he’s doing small jobs for…tile, carpentry, etc.  When I asked why he’s on the street, he said it supplements his income and he gets the opportunity to meet some interesting people!  Arturo chuckled when he described being able to pick out people from Spanish-speaking countries and just start a conversation in Spanish.

As we shook hands farewell, I wished Arturo “Feliz Navidad” and gave him $2.

Taken 12/2/16

Ron

He was sitting against the light post as I walked up Mason, sign in hand.  I asked him if he wanted to participate in $2 portraits and he said “why not?”

Originally going by the name of “Shameless”, he told me his real name was Ron after I told him about a lead character in the TV show bearing his name.  Ron is a native New Yorker but has been in San Francisco since before the BART tunnel under the Bay.  He said he is older than 50 pointing to his gray beard, “Can’tcha tell?”, but couldn’t seem to remember his precise age.  In his working days, Ron “did everything” which included construction and cooking.  Said he opened the Sizzler’s on 11th Street back in the day.

It was tough having a conversation with Ron as he could barely keep his eyes open.  I gave him $2 and wished him luck.

Taken 8/18/16