This funky looking guy was hanging out in front an SRO (Single Room Occupancy)...like a Welfare Hotel smoking and drinking his Starbucks. I was searching for a Diner where I was going to meet some people and after passing him three times I finally decided to take a shot. He looked mellow, relaxed ...just watching the world pass by but I was most struck by how ornate he was and how very, slowly he moved. He smoked and sipped at a pace that was in total contrast to the fast bustle on the sidewalk in front of him. He had on a lot of gaudy jewelry (some you can't see in the shot) which also set him a world apart from the other residents milling around.
What's neat is he looks so perfectly placed there despite the fact he looks out of place, if that makes any sense at all. He projects a kind of confidence. He's different, he's comfortable with that. Very good tonal range in the darks - quite impressive.
I thought this was a boxcar at first, but the fact that it's an SRO makes it even more interesting. What an interesting character you found here. Did he know/care that you were taking a picture?
Brilliant candid - very good capture of the moment. Gives you alot to think about - the facial expression, the raggedy clothes, rings, coffee, rubbish in the street.
Oh wow, ehat a FINE candid you got here. This really strikes me because I have a similar hat hahahahahaha...
Seriously, amazing shot I cannot see this in colour. Was shot to be black ans white. I lolve his pose and his choice of where to sit! Well done pawdrix and 1st fave =]
Very interesting subject and quite the character. I do find in peculiar that he drinks expensive coffee but stays at a welfare motel, adds to the visual contradiction. Great eye and nice capture!
Wow, Steve! What a very cool story! Told beautifully by the photograph. I love it. I was actually looking for something like this this week for the harsh environment challenge, but couldn't quite find anything that measured up. I think this would have been strong in that challenge, but I'm glad you shared it with us. The emotive factor in this is powerful. And like you say, the contrasts of his $4.00 a cup coffee, and the jewelry -- to his harsh environment. So interesting!
B&W is perfect for this - the grittiness matches the sense of street life well. The fact that there is a dark background for the subject helps him stand out that much more.
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