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.
Yesterday afternoon I ran into Harry on Third Street just in front of the SF MOMA. Harry was in a wheelchair and had a sign that read "United Negro Pizza Fund." As I walked down Third street our eyes caught each other. Harry smiled at me and said, you've got to give me points for humor.
I smiled back at him and he asked me if I could help him out today. I told Harry about my $2 portrait project and before I could even finish explaining it he replied, sure, I'll pose for $2. I need to get myself a Subway sandwich.
Harry told me that he's been in San Francisco for a while but that he was originally from Baltimore. He said that he came out to SF from Baltimore on a bus "chasing a woman," as he put it.
We talked about Baltimore a bit. I asked Harry if he'd ever seen the HBO Show "The Wire." Harry said he had. I asked him if he thought it was a realistic portrayal of Baltimore and Harry replied that he thought that they "kept it real," adding that the show was pretty much spot on.
Harry said that he had three grown children. Two boys and one girl. He said that one of his sons lived with his mother in Germany and that his other two children were still back in Baltimore.
We chatted a bit more and then I gave Harry his $2 and headed on my way.
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Healed By Art [deleted] 36 months ago | reply
:)
aussie aussie aussie1 34 months ago | reply
I love the smile....and the sign!
fototastisch 33 months ago | reply
That is a wonderful project idea! Way to go, Thomas! :)
cmelvindiesel 31 months ago | reply
great idea and great commentary. of course, great photo, too