Leon
Taking in beautiful weather on my 27th birthday, I made lunch plans with a friend. As I was walking towards to meet said friend, I stopped at the crosswalk waiting for traffic to clear as to pass safely. When suddenly a voice spoke to me, asking me in I was getting any good photos. A common question, especially given away by the fact that I had the camera around my neck. I smiled, looking over at the man next to me: cane in one hand and paperwork tucked underneath the other.
I expressed that I had only just began the days adventure, hoping to find the usual subject matter (places, things, and most importantly PEOPLE) that represent Madison to me. I introduced myself as Chris, a local photographer of all things Madison. Extending a free hand while keeping all his belongings in order, the man told me his name was Leon. Recently transplanted to Madison from Chicago, he came to the isthmus to better himself and help others. Unfortunately, being homeless upon arrival (as well as when he left Chicago) doesn't help his cause in the search for work. In his younger days he worked as a professional seamster (male seamstress). But as many jobs are taken overseas that line of work folded, and so did his source of income.
After he told me that he was born in Mississippi I became curious, as a man of his age (not 100% sure on it exactly) growing up during the civil rights movements. I asked if he still saw segregation in today's age, as a positive person he informed me that he tries to not pay attention to such things. "Treat others the way you wish to be treated." he told me and obvious we all can get along. After this I asked him I would be so honored to snap his photo for my project of 100 more strangers, at first he was shy asking if I was going to give the photo to the police dept. While I couldn't give a promise that the police may stumble upon his photo, I gave him my word there was nothing to fear to the extent of me giving the photo away.
Still a little hesitant, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and scrolled through at least a dozen images that I've saved to my phone as a real time portfolio. Once he saw the photos, his eyes lit up and he was more then happy to let me take his photo. Quickly adjusting my settings to work with the harsh sun overhead, we moved to the front of a pile of mattresses. While it's not the most fitting background, after I clicked a few shots and shared them with Leon a smile grew on his face. He expressed to me that he felt he looked "distinguished," as in my opinion I agreed kindheartedly. I knew then that I had my photo to include in the 100 Strangers group as well as my strangers project. I gave Leon $2.00 so that he could hop on the bus and head to Fitchburg to hopefully line up work. I wished him the best, and told him not to be a stranger anymore.
058/100
Leon
Taking in beautiful weather on my 27th birthday, I made lunch plans with a friend. As I was walking towards to meet said friend, I stopped at the crosswalk waiting for traffic to clear as to pass safely. When suddenly a voice spoke to me, asking me in I was getting any good photos. A common question, especially given away by the fact that I had the camera around my neck. I smiled, looking over at the man next to me: cane in one hand and paperwork tucked underneath the other.
I expressed that I had only just began the days adventure, hoping to find the usual subject matter (places, things, and most importantly PEOPLE) that represent Madison to me. I introduced myself as Chris, a local photographer of all things Madison. Extending a free hand while keeping all his belongings in order, the man told me his name was Leon. Recently transplanted to Madison from Chicago, he came to the isthmus to better himself and help others. Unfortunately, being homeless upon arrival (as well as when he left Chicago) doesn't help his cause in the search for work. In his younger days he worked as a professional seamster (male seamstress). But as many jobs are taken overseas that line of work folded, and so did his source of income.
After he told me that he was born in Mississippi I became curious, as a man of his age (not 100% sure on it exactly) growing up during the civil rights movements. I asked if he still saw segregation in today's age, as a positive person he informed me that he tries to not pay attention to such things. "Treat others the way you wish to be treated." he told me and obvious we all can get along. After this I asked him I would be so honored to snap his photo for my project of 100 more strangers, at first he was shy asking if I was going to give the photo to the police dept. While I couldn't give a promise that the police may stumble upon his photo, I gave him my word there was nothing to fear to the extent of me giving the photo away.
Still a little hesitant, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and scrolled through at least a dozen images that I've saved to my phone as a real time portfolio. Once he saw the photos, his eyes lit up and he was more then happy to let me take his photo. Quickly adjusting my settings to work with the harsh sun overhead, we moved to the front of a pile of mattresses. While it's not the most fitting background, after I clicked a few shots and shared them with Leon a smile grew on his face. He expressed to me that he felt he looked "distinguished," as in my opinion I agreed kindheartedly. I knew then that I had my photo to include in the 100 Strangers group as well as my strangers project. I gave Leon $2.00 so that he could hop on the bus and head to Fitchburg to hopefully line up work. I wished him the best, and told him not to be a stranger anymore.
058/100