Robert P Baxter
38/100 - Gary
As I was walking down one of the main streets off campus, Gary interrupted my usual trance which overtakes me as I wander about in search of a good photo. He was asking passerby's for change, and given the massive amounts of students wandering the street during the Little 500 (the largest event on campus), it seemed like the ideal time to do so. I gave him what change I had in my pocket, but realizing that I had not yet found anyone of poverty for the project, I took a moment to ask him if I could take his photo. He said that it was fine, but I noted a fair bit of indifference in his voice.
Gary strikes me as a man with much more on his mind than the whims of a passing photographer. Upon asking about his present state, he grumbled about how the local restaurants wouldn't allow him to do a task as simple as working a register at a local Burger King or McDonald's. In the present economy and in a city where a never ending supply of college youth are looking for work to stem the costs of tuition, there was just little place for him. He commented on how he was able to earn great money in wildlife pest removal from time to time, removing animals such as snakes, raccoons and other wildlife from property around town, but finding work was very hit and miss. I commented on how such a task would merit the income, especially with the risk of diseases from animals and such. Upon that comment, Gary looked at me with disdain, as if I couldn't possibly understand his status. Unfortunately, I don't know if I would ever be able to. I am just sorry that I was unable to relate with him on any level. I tried to get a little more information about him, but he began to ask for change from passerby's again, saying "I'm sorry man, but I gotta do this." Understanding the urgency of this task to him, I thanked him for the conversation, and set up to take a photo. Fortunately, Gary had the decency to pose for my photo. I sincerely hope things look up for him in the future.
This picture is #38 in my 100 strangers project, started on February 14th, 2009. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
38/100 - Gary
As I was walking down one of the main streets off campus, Gary interrupted my usual trance which overtakes me as I wander about in search of a good photo. He was asking passerby's for change, and given the massive amounts of students wandering the street during the Little 500 (the largest event on campus), it seemed like the ideal time to do so. I gave him what change I had in my pocket, but realizing that I had not yet found anyone of poverty for the project, I took a moment to ask him if I could take his photo. He said that it was fine, but I noted a fair bit of indifference in his voice.
Gary strikes me as a man with much more on his mind than the whims of a passing photographer. Upon asking about his present state, he grumbled about how the local restaurants wouldn't allow him to do a task as simple as working a register at a local Burger King or McDonald's. In the present economy and in a city where a never ending supply of college youth are looking for work to stem the costs of tuition, there was just little place for him. He commented on how he was able to earn great money in wildlife pest removal from time to time, removing animals such as snakes, raccoons and other wildlife from property around town, but finding work was very hit and miss. I commented on how such a task would merit the income, especially with the risk of diseases from animals and such. Upon that comment, Gary looked at me with disdain, as if I couldn't possibly understand his status. Unfortunately, I don't know if I would ever be able to. I am just sorry that I was unable to relate with him on any level. I tried to get a little more information about him, but he began to ask for change from passerby's again, saying "I'm sorry man, but I gotta do this." Understanding the urgency of this task to him, I thanked him for the conversation, and set up to take a photo. Fortunately, Gary had the decency to pose for my photo. I sincerely hope things look up for him in the future.
This picture is #38 in my 100 strangers project, started on February 14th, 2009. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com