Frederick
Recently I blogged about a new project that I am starting called $2 portraits. The idea is that I will offer $2 to anyone who asks me for money from now on in exchange for their portrait.
I met Frederick earlier this morning at about 1:30 a.m. around the Pike Place Market area. I was wearing my headphones while shooting and he got in front of me and starting waving his hands to get my attention.
When I took my headphones off Frederick asked me if I had seen him dancing. I told him that I hadn't and so he asked me if I wanted to see him dance.
I told Frederick about my $2 portrait project and he agreed to pose. At first he asked me for $4.75 instead of the $2. He said he wanted to get a hot dog. Then when I told him that the project was for $2 he asked me for $3. When I said no to that he said ok but added that he got to pick the pose.
I asked Frederick if he had family and he said no. I asked him how long he'd been in Seattle and he said he didn't know.
As I took my wallet out to pay Frederick he said, "don't worry, I'm not going to rob you." I told him that I wasn't worried about him robbing me and smiled at him.
As we parted ways Frederick saw these three younger college age looking kids walking by us and said, you all, this guy's paying $2 for portraits, but the kids did not seem interested.
I thanked Frederick and went on my way.
Update: Some people have asked me if it would be ok if they start
their own version of this project as well. I think that is great and
believe that frequently the best projects become collaborative. With that in mind I've created a new $2 Portraits group on Flickr. If you'd to, feel free to join the group and post your own $2
portraits there.
Comments and faves
willia4, Alex Korting, bcwood, Martin Gommel, and 120 other people added this photo to their favorites.
[PG] [deleted] (59 months ago | reply)
Great portrait!!!!!!!!!!
Episode Phive (59 months ago | reply)
Awesome Thomas!! Thanks for sharing.
IceColdFever (59 months ago | reply)
Excellent! This is my favorite $2 portrait so far!
matuko amini (59 months ago | reply)
these are just the most fascinating stories and portraits.
Skooly DK (59 months ago | reply)
great one !
Lauren Barkume (59 months ago | reply)
I saw this wonderful photo and story and then read your blog... I was really moved by the interaction you described here thomashawk.com/2008/04/story-behind-photograp h.html, and I think its wonderful that you've come up with a real way to confront this in yourself. That takes a lot of personal honesty and humility.. thank you for sharing that with everyone. I think this is a wonderful idea and I hope it catches on and we are all able to take this lesson of common humanity to heart.
espressoDOM (59 months ago | reply)
nice idea.... interested to see where it goes
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flopper (59 months ago | reply)
interesting idea! Although I usually don't see many people asking for money. But if someone does and I have my camera, it maybe a good solution. I hope this does not draw many people follow you every day.
www.ERINWATSONPHOTOGRAPHY.com (59 months ago | reply)
beautiful!
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Mazda6 (Tor) (59 months ago | reply)
what an excellent idea. I need to start doing this!
Extra Super Cutie (59 months ago | reply)
this is definitely my fav. of the $2.00 project so far! i couldn't help but smile looking at that smile.
countrydan (59 months ago | reply)
Really nice shot, great use of DOF to capture his mood, and the story really adds a dimension - great project as well Thomas!
MattPenning (59 months ago | reply)
Love the light and crop. My fave of the $2 set yet.
TomOwen (59 months ago | reply)
TH: Great project and portrait.. really cool. Question: Was this the pose he chose or a capture while goofing out of pose type of deal?
Thx! TO
Culinary Fool (59 months ago | reply)
While we were waiting for you at 6, I mentioned your project to some of the people in the group. It's a wonderful idea and you've really captured some nice portraits and nice stories.
Thomas Hawk (59 months ago | reply)
Tom, he was kind of doing a lot of different poses. I think this was his expression between one of his poses.
Miguel Pires da Rosa (59 months ago | reply)
Has the style of a music cd cover, nice photo, nice project:)
BenYorke (59 months ago | reply)
My favorite in the series. Great work!
Macstash (59 months ago | reply)
Agree with mpires, you would never guess that this guy is a man of the streets. Well done.
ralialuna (59 months ago | reply)
beuteful, greate work!!!
allysdad (59 months ago | reply)
you got a great expression
Bob M. Montgomery Images (58 months ago | reply)
Thank you for telling the human stories with the pictures. While it would be fine to let the image tell the tale, providing a backstory reveals them not just as lens subjects but as human beings and humans being.
This is a great shot, capturing a wonderful, genuine smile.
Tahbepet (57 months ago | reply)
This is a great shot!
rebecca lopez (55 months ago | reply)
He has a beautiful and contagious smile. You've captured some beautiful people. Thank you for portraying life as it really is.
marlysmand (51 months ago | reply)
This guy has a beautiful smile. :)
Erick Claytor Photography (51 months ago | reply)
Great shot and a wonderful smile. God bless him!
Ivan Makarov (51 months ago | reply)
Typically wouldn't save if the eyes are not in focus but this works here.
-Voted 'save' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
rafiq s (51 months ago | reply)
love the depth of field
-Voted 'save2' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
uʌ (51 months ago | reply)
yes
-Voted "save3" (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group)
Ryan Opaz (51 months ago | reply)
Great shot, engaging, and seems to be part of a story
-Voted 'save4' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
Roger in AZ (51 months ago | reply)
Hate the depth of field. Lower beard and right eye seem to be focus points. Maybe another stop down would have done it.
-Voted "delete" (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group)
Mark Hulbert (51 months ago | reply)
Sorry, but I am in the dislike the DOF and focus point camp. Also that light border on the top of the head and hat look artificial -- not saying they are - I know they are not -- they just look nasty to me. I am happy to admit this is probably a film over digital for B&W bias. Guilty as charged. Still, it is a nice shot and mood.
-Voted "delete2" (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group)
Armando Maynez (51 months ago | reply)
The DOF looks artificial...
delete3
[Iggy] [deleted] (51 months ago | reply)
even using the voting app i can tell this is TH's work, i love this homeless portraits
-Voted 'save5' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
tuxcomputers (51 months ago | reply)
Nice character but the eyes are not in focus, try a bigger DOF next time.
-Voted 'delete4' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
Mike Wiacek (51 months ago | reply)
the DoF is off too much. but great capture.
-Voted 'delete6' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
leesure (51 months ago | reply)
I've been on the fence about this one all day. I'm really put off by the DoF, but the mod is so powerful. I'm gonna soft save.
-Voted 'save6' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
grokjohn ( john ) .popping in and out. (51 months ago | reply)
Iike that only his smile is in focus.
-Voted 'save7' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
countrydan (51 months ago | reply)
great stuff, commented on it months ago already
-Voted "save8" (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group)
iam.cynical (51 months ago | reply)
Engage your subject... Nice teeth, but the eyes...
-Voted 'delete7' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
teh resa (51 months ago | reply)
Just too slick somehow. Without eye contact its as if his smooth skin or his teeth are somehow the main thing that is supposed to draw our attention.
delete 8
adameros (51 months ago | reply)
The right (out right) of his hace is out of focus. A slightly wider depth of field would have been better.
-Voted 'delete9' (by the Delete Me Uncensored Group) using photoratr
DLH65 (51 months ago | reply)
Sorry, not one of your better $2 dollar portraits. It's just a bit too soft for my liking.
delete10
Aysia Stieb (51 months ago | reply)
This is awesome,
& great idea!
eastbayphotographer (48 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Best of Street Photography, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
nataliiiiiiia (47 months ago | reply)
im in love with this picture :]
the world definitely looks better in black and white.
ralialuna (45 months ago | reply)
wowowowo evry day i look in ......for this one,is really the best!!
4Fecta (41 months ago | reply)
Great picture!
luvisswhatt (38 months ago | reply)
I love your photos and the stories you tell with them.... Frederick has beautiful teeth!
Videobikerdude (38 months ago | reply)
I haven't read all the posts so excuse me if this is a repeat.
You really should do a book of these portraits and stories. Profits could go to a homeless shelter. What a great idea you've come up with here. Bravo!
manu rinaldi (36 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called smile from the world, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
rSanPhotography [deleted] (32 months ago | reply)
I really love the expression in Frederick's face. Great picture!
BiggShaad (23 months ago | reply)
Great Photo, but to clear it up. This guys name is Tony. After bouncing in Pioneer Square for years I've gotten to know him pretty well. He is a kind hearted guy who is willing to help where he can. Great photo and project.
alisonhill123 (23 months ago | reply)
Wow,this guy is really good looking. What a smile. Sence of humour and good looking, what a rare combination.
Swaranjeet (18 months ago | reply)
I think this is a fabulous idea. It would be great to try it out in my city, Mumbai, in India. There are sop many people in the streets, in slums, on the highway who would be delighted to be paid for a photograph. This is an awesome way to get some nice pictures and do some good to those who are the most needy. Thanks for a great idea . . . now where do I start . . . :-)