Dana (Explore)
I have had a few nice encounters in the subway system (surprising enough) and this was my second of the day – the first being Issicha. I had just stopped by the Toronto Public Library branch in the west end to check on my photo exhibit and found that all was in order. On my way back to the subway to head downtown I saw this wonderful splash of color at the intersection. She was with a girlfriend and the three of us crossed the street together on our way to the subway station. I introduced myself and my project and asked her if she would be kind enough to participate. She agreed after hearing a few details and looking at my contact card. Meet Dana.
Just inside the doors to the station there was plenty of light and a wall of tiles, some of them plain and a few with colors. I suggested we take the photos against the tiles. Her friend occupied herself on her cell phone while we did the photos and it was clear that Dana enjoyed the experience. When I asked her about the bright red hair she said “I do it myself.” I wondered if she is a hairstylist and she said “No, but I learned from my Auntie and I enjoy doing hair.” I commented that it certainly grabbed my attention. Confirming that I wasn’t making the two of them late for something, Dana said “No, not at all. We were just doing a bit of shopping for the children.”
Dana is 26 and came to Canada from Jamaica at age 12. I told her it was a coincidence that I had photographed another Jamaican in a different subway station earlier today and showed her Issicha’s portrait which was still on my camera. I asked about Dana’s advice to her younger self and she said “Be strong no matter what. Better times will come.” Her biggest challenge in life has been when her six year old son was struck by a bullet in a neighborhood shooting. I’m sure my shock registered on my face. I didn’t push for details but did ask about the outcome and she said he recovered well and is doing great. Her face lit up in talking about his good health now. Her message to the project was “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” It’s interesting that her answers to the three questions I asked all tie together. Without planning it, I spontaneously asked her if she had a dream. She said “I do. It’s to be a flight attendant.” I commented that I’ve always loved airplanes and anything relating to airplanes. “Do you think this dream will ever come true?” I asked. She said “Oh, I’m definitely going to try – but not until my children are older.”
I thanked Dana and her friend for their patience and we exchanged contact information. I told her about my photo exhibit just across the street and she asked me to send the details with her photo and she would look forward to seeing it.
This is my 389th submission to The Human Family Group on Flickr.
You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.
Dana (Explore)
I have had a few nice encounters in the subway system (surprising enough) and this was my second of the day – the first being Issicha. I had just stopped by the Toronto Public Library branch in the west end to check on my photo exhibit and found that all was in order. On my way back to the subway to head downtown I saw this wonderful splash of color at the intersection. She was with a girlfriend and the three of us crossed the street together on our way to the subway station. I introduced myself and my project and asked her if she would be kind enough to participate. She agreed after hearing a few details and looking at my contact card. Meet Dana.
Just inside the doors to the station there was plenty of light and a wall of tiles, some of them plain and a few with colors. I suggested we take the photos against the tiles. Her friend occupied herself on her cell phone while we did the photos and it was clear that Dana enjoyed the experience. When I asked her about the bright red hair she said “I do it myself.” I wondered if she is a hairstylist and she said “No, but I learned from my Auntie and I enjoy doing hair.” I commented that it certainly grabbed my attention. Confirming that I wasn’t making the two of them late for something, Dana said “No, not at all. We were just doing a bit of shopping for the children.”
Dana is 26 and came to Canada from Jamaica at age 12. I told her it was a coincidence that I had photographed another Jamaican in a different subway station earlier today and showed her Issicha’s portrait which was still on my camera. I asked about Dana’s advice to her younger self and she said “Be strong no matter what. Better times will come.” Her biggest challenge in life has been when her six year old son was struck by a bullet in a neighborhood shooting. I’m sure my shock registered on my face. I didn’t push for details but did ask about the outcome and she said he recovered well and is doing great. Her face lit up in talking about his good health now. Her message to the project was “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” It’s interesting that her answers to the three questions I asked all tie together. Without planning it, I spontaneously asked her if she had a dream. She said “I do. It’s to be a flight attendant.” I commented that I’ve always loved airplanes and anything relating to airplanes. “Do you think this dream will ever come true?” I asked. She said “Oh, I’m definitely going to try – but not until my children are older.”
I thanked Dana and her friend for their patience and we exchanged contact information. I told her about my photo exhibit just across the street and she asked me to send the details with her photo and she would look forward to seeing it.
This is my 389th submission to The Human Family Group on Flickr.
You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.