It was well after midnight when I ran into Michael, dressed this time
as Shelley. The last time we spoke it was before he had changed and
was still simply Michael.
The police were out in large numbers, vans rounding up prostitutes,
addicts, and dealers. Shelley told me it was not surprising as it was
the "first of the month. They want to make quota." He
himself was not arrested, although he has been "156 times, and I
am counting." Prostitution makes up the bulk of his arrests,
although he has also been in for drugs, possession of paraphernalia,
and credit card fraud.
If he can clear thirty bucks in a night then he gets himself a room; more than that, a room and some heroin. One shot for the morning, two for the night. Otherwise he will stay out all night and sleep wherever he can.
I post people's stories as they tell them to me. I am not a journalist. I don't try to verify, just listen.
More on Addiction: Faces of Addiction
J A Mortram, mike fuerst, and 30 other people added this photo to their favorites.
D.OliveroS 16 months ago | reply
heartbreaking...
bobdeinphoto 16 months ago | reply
What a series!
AH in Pgh 16 months ago | reply
another sad story and fine photo.
proof_by_contradiction 16 months ago | reply
Excellent photography and storytelling.
cgullz 16 months ago | reply
Shelly looks great made up. sad about bein homeless and the lifestyle traps.
KittyKaht 16 months ago | reply
Lovely shot - love the bokeh
< Nick Friend > 16 months ago | reply
What a tale ... but so well told
Далеко 16 months ago | reply
mad respect for you for capturing these portraits and sharing their stories with us!
christine@planeteventsdirect 16 months ago | reply
He looks so different, but at the same time the same......if that makes sense.
So captivating....
lefiligree 16 months ago | reply
$30?! putting a price on it is sadder to me than anything else.
Michelangel_o 16 months ago | reply
I love seeing your pictures and read the stories that are behind those images. Michelangelo De Leo - Italy
bruno gori 16 months ago | reply
Bravissimo
Vic Riedemann 16 months ago | reply
wonderful , absolutely touching, love this serie, and your work at all
Sandra Saquero 14 months ago | reply
sad eyes.... good picture tho.
polecat19 4 months ago | reply
I wonder where she'd be today if her parents had accepted her.
taranoel 3 months ago | reply
Michael
Shelley
do you want to see more of the world?
taranoel 3 months ago | reply
beautiful photograph
beautiful person