97/100 "100 Strangers" Carl

I have been highly disillusioned with my photos for over a year now. I have became so disheartened that I have posted only 4 photos to Flickr in the last 12 months. Recently I finally decided to head out on the streets of Newcastle with my camera and just see what happened. I had almost given up for the day when I saw Carl. My first thought was that I wanted to take his photograph, his face was so powerful. I instantly know when I see someone I really want to photograph. Having taken so few images for such a long time I nearly walked past Carl. I think he sussed me straight away - the camera is a big giveaway and sometimes I think my own face betrays my thoughts. I walked up to Carl and asked him if I could take his photograph. I didn't think he would say yes, his steely eyes looked stern and dangerous. As is often the case - I was wrong. Carl agreed. I knew he was homeless from his clothes and demeanour having photographed many people in the city who are homeless. Carl told me that he once lived in Whitley Bay in a street I recognised. I suspect that some kind of traumatic event has pushed Carl into homelessness but I didn't feel it was correct of me to ask. He told me things were tough and that support was infrequent. I was surprised when he told me where he sleeps at night with most of the homeless people I have encountered being fairly cagey with such information. I try not to judge people and against official advice I gave Carl the change I had in my wallet. We shook hands and I know that when I see him next I will buy him some food. I hope that by talking to Carl and reengaging with the 100 Stranger project I will reconnect with photography again. Time will tell.

 

 

Learn about the 100 Strangers Project here; www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/

 

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© Anthony Dorman

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