mere humanity

  • Mere Humans
  • Places They Live
  • Touches of Color
  • Blog
  • Bio

Mere Humans

Read More
  • Romanian Stare

    Romanian Stare

    I met this Romanian Gypsy while wandering the streets of Glasgow, Scotland. After communicating through broken English and Russian, he told me I could take his photograph. I love the intense stare into the lens.

    This photograph won 3rd Place Best in Show at the Greenville, SC Artisphere Competition.

    This photograph was one of 30 finalists in the 2015 Digital Photo Pro Magazine's "The Face" competition.

  • Triple Drag

    Triple Drag

    I met these three amigos while wandering the streets of Lisbon. I'd seen them asking passers by for a cigarettes earlier in the day, so I figured they might appreciate an entire pack from me. After a bear hug of thanks, they sat and struck this pose for me. Each time I saw them after that, they would yell and wave as I passed. It always amazes me what a little good will can do for others.

    LisbonPortugalstreetportraitcigarettethreefriends

  • Rush Hour

    Rush Hour

    I visited Santorini in January, and had the island virtually to myself. Soon after arriving I learned that local craftsmen use donkeys to move renovation supplies up and down the cliffs while performing the off-season facelift of the tourist areas. This worker was getting a free lift back to re-load with bricks and sand before heading back down to the work site.

    donkeymuleSantoriniGreeceislandworkerlabor

  • Louis' Crew

    Louis' Crew

    While wandering through the streets of Vienna, Austria, I glanced over and saw these four brothers waiting outside a shop for their parents. Their smiles immediately captured me, so I motioned "can I take your photo?" They struck this pose for me which perfectly captured their happiness and spirit.

    viennaaustriastreetboyskidsblack and whiteportrait

  • Weathered

    Weathered

    I met this woman in a market in Kazakhstan. The temperature that day was below -30 F, but she walked around like it was almost warm out, just doing her errands and shopping. She was so sweet to talk to, but her expression never changed.

    marketcoldfurwomanportrait

  • Modern Nomad

    Modern Nomad

    A Kazakh rancher waits patiently to lead his small herd safely across the snow covered road. At the time this photo was taken, he and his mount braved -35 degree cold as they stoically awaited the rest of the horses.

    AstanaKazakhstanhorserancherladssnowcoldherdscarfKazakhnomad

  • Venetian Intesity

    Venetian Intesity

    On my most recent trip to Venice, I knew I wanted to capture a gondolier in a unique light. I finally found a spot, lying down under a bridge along the watery alley where a sliver of light lit the passing boat masters. When this man passed, I snapped the frame and happened to capture him in this intense stare as he guided the happy couple through the city.

    VeniceItalyItaliagondolagondolierwateralleystareintense

  • Riverside Stare

    Riverside Stare

    On my maiden wander with my "new" old Mamiya 645 medium format film camera, this gentleman watched as I fumbled my way through a re-load of film. After a moment, I asked if I could take his photograph. He leaned against the railing and struck this pose, seeming as though it wasn't his first time in front of the lens. I love all the great characters I meet wandering around Prague.

    GypsyRomaPraguePraahaPrahaCzech RepublicMamiyafilmmedium formatVltavaRiverblack and white

  • Old Town Observer

    Old Town Observer

    After walking through Old Town Prague one morning, looking for amazing architectural and landscape shots to no avail, I glanced over and saw this kind soul. He was sitting near the famous astronomical clock, just watching the crowds of tourists walk by. I don't know if a single one noticed him, but he certainly saw all of them. He is originally from Ostrava, Czech Republic, but now spends his time in Prague. Observing.

    This photograph was one of 30 finalists in the 2016 Digital Photo Pro Magazine's "The Face" competition.

    portraitOld TownPragueblack and white

  • Morning Light

    Morning Light

    While searching for early morning photo subjects in Santorini, Greece, I stopped in for a quick cup of coffee to go. These two locals were enjoying their morning coffee and smoke, and I couldn't resist asking if I can photograph them. A serendipitous stop!

    SantoriniGreecetravelcigarettesmokecoffeeespressobarcafeisland

  • Sleepy Hollow?

    Sleepy Hollow?

    There's something magical about the sidewalks surrounding the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. The sidewalk kiosks represent Paris more than any other location, in my opinion. The scenes and characters present there seem endless. This photograph shot with my Leica M2 film camera.

    ParissidewalkNotre Damekiosksheadlesssell

  • Modern Knight

    Modern Knight

    I met this modern day knight at the flea market in Prague. He has been an extra in multiple movies and TV shows filmed in Prague, most often playing the role of a medieval knight.

    Pragueportraitknightmedievalflea marketCzech RepublicCzechia

  • Reflected Milan

    Reflected Milan

    Rainy weather in Milan, Italy presented the perfect opportunity to set up by a puddle and wait for interesting people to pass. This dapper gent couldn't resist looking down to see who was crouched beside the puddle.

    MilanItalystreetrainpuddle

  • Park Opinions

    Park Opinions

    While wandering through Prague, I saw these two friends pontificating on the park bench. I loved watching the two make point and counterpoint, over and over. At the moment I took this shot, I'm pretty sure they were at an impasse, both having crossed their arms in defiance. Then they laughed and moved on to what I'm sure was another critically important point to ponder.

    streetparkmenconversationblack and white

  • Morning News

    Morning News

    I met this man outside the train station in Bratislava, Slovakia. He had been down on his luck, but still took the time to read the paper each morning.

    newspaperBratislavaSlovakiaportraitreflection

  • The Conspiracy

    The Conspiracy

    I met this man in the alleys deep inside one of Paris' oldest and largest flea markets. I love wandering through markets meeting people. I loved the grain of the film and his expression in this photo taken with my Leica M2.

    ParisFrancemarketflea marketportraitfilmLeicaM2

  • In Thought

    In Thought

    I met this kind gentleman at the flea market in Prague. At first glance, I figured he was not someone who would care to talk or have his photograph taken. As is the case most often, his personality was actually the opposite. We chatted for quite some time, then he offered me his portrait.

    PragueCzechiaCzech Republicportraitflea market

  • Irish Coffee

    Irish Coffee

    While driving through Connemara in Western Ireland not far from where The Quiet Man with John Wayne was filmed, I noticed a weekend farmers market of sorts. The gentleman in the photograph was almost what I expected the real Sean Thornton was like. He was instantly engaging and was most interested in what the Yanks thought about "his" part of Ireland, which he said Americans rarely visited.

    IrishPortraitmarketchickensQuiet Man

  • Cliffside Grin

    Cliffside Grin

    I met this gentleman one morning while traveling the off-season, seemingly deserted island of Santorini. He was so gracious and patient while he smiled for his portrait.

    GreeceSantoriniportraitislandsmiletoothcliff

  • Selling Memories

    Selling Memories

    I met this friendly gentleman at the Kolbenova Flea Market in Prague. It was the last day of the flea market in that location, and one could feel a sense of disappointment among the sellers. It felt like an era coming to its end, the approach of what some knew was inevitable, but had chosen to ignore.

    PragueFlea MarketCzech RepublicBlack and White

  • Athens Exhale

    Athens Exhale

    While wandering through the old flea market in Athens, I came across this friendly fellow enjoying a little vape. He was a natural while posing for me during mid-exhale.

    smokesmokingvapevapingGreeceAthensshopkeeper

  • Oleg the Poet

    Oleg the Poet

    I met Oleg while he was atop an old building in -20 F temperatures, disassembling the roof for scrap. After I'd been invited into their warm-up shed, another of my new friends informed me that Oleg was a poet. Oleg then started reciting Pushkin and Lermentov poems for us. After the others urged him on, he started reciting some of his own original poetry. It was an incredible experience to see both sides of such a man. The poster on the wall is of the President of Kazakhstan, of whom all present were extremely proud to call their leader.

  • Watchful Eye

    Watchful Eye

    A sweet neighbor from another generation keeps a watchful eye on one of the neighborhood children as kids play in the streets of Sibiu, Romania. Sibiu is located high in the mountains of Transylvania and sometimes felt as though it had been frozen in time.

    SibiuRomaniaTransylvaniababushkachildplaystreet

  • Santa

    Santa

    I met this intriguing gentleman, whose nickname really is "Santa," while riding my bike on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. His eyes reveal a hard life lived, but he was as gracious and caring as the real Santa.

    SantabeardhomelessFloridaFt Lauderdale

  • Sweet Soul

    Sweet Soul

    I met this sweet soul on the streets of Milan, Italy. The depth of her sincerity was immediately obvious when I approached her and she squeezed my hand. When I look at her, I wonder what her earlier life may have been like.

    portraitMilanItalyStreet

  • The Performance

    The Performance

    While wandering along the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, I happened upon this group of young skateboarders trying new tricks. I loved the photo which is as much about his buddies watching as it is about his successful attempt at the new trick.

    skateboardbeachonlookerFortLauderdaleFlorida

  • Real Street

    Real Street

    As I was about to enter my favorite camera store in New York City, for some reason I glanced back. This man was standing there on the street, offering to take people's photographs. I loved his old camera and the sweet way he spoke to me. While street photography has re-emerged as a popular genre recently, he has been doing "real" street photography for decades. Shot with Leica M2.

    camerastreetNew Yorkphotographer

    From Film

  • Hidden Strength

    Hidden Strength

    I noticed this woman and her grandson filling up water containers at a well outside Astana, Kazakhstan. The tap on the well ran constantly, and it literally sat on top of a mound of ice. As I approached to talk to her, I had a hard time climbing up the slick slope. She reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me up to her with the strength of a bodybuilder. She looked frail, but had the strength of a 25 year old man!

    CandidPortraitwell

  • Sergey Stretch

    Sergey Stretch

    My friend Sergey, who is a talented artist selling his work on Charles Bridge in Prague, takes a break on a sunny day.

    portraitCharles Bridgestreet artistartistblack and whitePragueCzechiaCzech Republic

  • Gypsa

    Gypsa

    I met Gypsa walking down Broadway in Asheville, NC. She explained that she was a photographer in a previous life, and felt more comfortable behind the camera than in front. I finally convinced her to let me take her photo, and she struck this pensive, shy pose.

    MusiciansPortraitstreet performerguitargypsaliahgmail.comtattoostreet musicianmusicanAshevilleNC

    From Sounds

  • True Kazakh

    True Kazakh

    I met this gentle soul in an old Soviet park in Astana, Kazakhstan. We talked for the longest time, sharing stories of our lives and families. He was wandering around the park while his wife and grown daughter did their thing, much like a husband in an American shopping mall while his wife shops! Approaching him, then finding the common bonds that all humans deeply share accentuated the intense value in the simplest parts of life. He epitomized the life, look and soul of the Kazakh people.

    CandidPortraitKazakhblack and whiteshadowsfaceAstana

  • Simple Song

    Simple Song

    I met these men and their co-workers while they dismantled a small building in -20 F temperatures. After introducing myself and asking if I could take their photograph, they insisted I go inside with them to share snacks and the intensely warming, clear liquid that USED to fill the bottle on the table. After sharing a bottle and the accompanying stories, this new friend who had just been on a roof in sub-zero, windy conditions, pulled out his battered guitar and began singing old Soviet folk songs. It was one of the many times I've been blessed to experience when vodka and song revealed the common humanity in us all and led to enduring friendships.

    Portraitguitarsingingworkersvodkafolk music

  • Park Philosopher

    Park Philosopher

    While wandering through a city park in Budapest, Hungary, I noticed this man and two friends discussing something in Hungarian. I approached, and we began speaking Russian with each other. As he allowed me to take his picture, the park philosopher explained to me two of his passions in life were reading great literature and drinking wine! I think both have had their desired effect on my new friend.

    wineparkBudapestHungaryportrait

  • Hidden

    Hidden

    An Uzbek girl shields herself from the bitter cold while tending to her family's outdoor stall in a public market in Astana, Kazakhstan. When I returned to talk to her and take her photo, she immediately pulled the sweater down so she could be a good employee. After I explained to her how exotic she looked with her fur and turtleneck, she smiled and pulled it back up for me.

    Portraitmarketblack and whitefurturtleneckUzbekeyesAstanaKazakhstan

  • Alley Cartographer

    Alley Cartographer

    I came across this gentleman in the market area of Athens, Greece. He was sitting far away from the hustle and bustle of the market, earnestly studying an atlas of the world. We must all share a little wanderlust.

    AthensGreecemarketatlasbookstudystudent

  • Winter Warmth

    Winter Warmth

    I saw this delightful woman walking home along a dirt road outside Astana, Kazakhstan. After we'd talked for some time, she told me I was the first American she had ever met. We stood talking within view of Astana's shiny, oil-funded sky-scrapers, but she had never even left her village. Her personality was even warmer than her outfit.

    furblack and whiteportraitladyscarfKazakhstan

  • Afternoon Drag

    Afternoon Drag

    After seeing this man every now and then along one of the main pedestrian streets in Prague, I finally approached him for a brief conversation. As we talked, he lit his cigarette and listened to me explaining my love of photographing people.

    PortraitPragueCzech Republic

  • The Lada

    The Lada

    I met this auto mechanic outside his shop in Astana, Kazakhstan one day when the temperature was about -20 F. We talked about the old Lada he was working on, which he assured me would be back up and running in no time.

    LadaAstanaKazakhstanmechanic

  • Truly Strong

    Truly Strong

    This inspirational photograph was taken during a series on cancer survivors in Greenville, SC for their amazing Cancer Survivor's Park. See more at #cancersurvivorspark.

  • Shining Spirit

    Shining Spirit

    While in San Diego, I strolled through the city looking for interesting things to photograph. I saw this gentleman standing with some of his taxi driver friends, but was hesitant to approach. As always, my initial reticence was misplaced. I walked up to the group and explained I would love to take his photo in well lit portion of the shaded wall. He gladly agreed, then had great laughs with his buddies as they ribbed him for being famous model.

    portraitsan diegocaliforniashadow

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2021 SmugMug, Inc.