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 his intense stare into the lens. This photograph won 3rd Place Best in Show at the Greenville, SC Artisphere Competition and was one of 30 finalists in the 2015 Digital Photo Pro Magazine's "The Face" competition.

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.

Medieval Heat

Old Town Square in Prague doesn't really need help being incredible. Tourists from all over the world flock there throughout the year to photograph her beautiful architecture. That being said, a little fire never hurt anyone. This Polish street performer blows fire more than 20 feet in the air while giving a show at dusk.Selected by jury and exhibited at the Southeast Photography Center's Monochrome Exhibition. Honorable Mention in the 2016 Monochrome Awards International Black and White Photography Competition, which had 8,122 entries from 81 countries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Girl Power

I've always loved rodeos. There's something especially "American" about them. Since the first time I witnessed one in person I've been amazed how serious and committed the cowboys and cowgirls are. I love seeing the incredible focus of both the cowgirl and horse during this barrel racing event. This photo was taken at a rodeo in Ware Shoals, SC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 could photograph them. A serendipitous stop!

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.

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.

Invisible

I noticed this man while riding the tram in Prague. I felt his loneliness deep into my soul when I looked into his eyes. Countless people got on and off the tram, never noticing him. I spoke with him only briefly, asking if I could photograph him. He nodded, and put his head back against the glass. While I will probably never know his story, I felt as though it was written there on his face.

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.

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.

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.