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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
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
Urban Cowboy
While wandering down Nashville's Broadway, I searched for a story that might reflect the nights and sounds of the Honky Tonks along the way. Who better than a musician, cowboy, and former Wrangler jeans model! Oh, the great people I get to meet.
BroadwayNashvilleCowboymusician
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
Roman
When I saw the fishing boat pulling up to the dock near Dunvegan, Scotland, I was hoping to find some weathered Scotts to photograph. Initially, Roman and his co-workers seemed a bit stand-offish, but as it turns out, only because they didn't speak English. Finally, I asked what language they did speak, to which Roman replied "Russian." Well, we were off and chatting at that point. Roman and his buddies are from Latvia, and come to fish the plentiful Scottish waters three months out of the year.
LativanFishermanNorth AtlanticScotlandFishWaterOceanfish pots
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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.From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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!
From Mere Humans
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.
From Mere Humans
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 Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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.
rodeocowgirlhorsesouth carolinabarrel racing
From Mere Humans
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!
SantoriniGreecetravelcigarettesmokecoffeeespressobarcafeisland
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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.
portraittramPragueCzech Republicsoullonely
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
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
From Mere Humans
The Stare
One can only imagine the life experiences this street performer in Asheville, NC reflects upon while playing his blues.
MusiciansPortraitstreet performerguitartattoostreet musicianmusicanAshevilleNC
From Mere Humans
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.flamefirefire breatherPragueCzech Republic
From Places They Live
