Larry on New Year's Eve

[jeezopeezo]

This is Larry. I met him on New Year’s Eve on the 16th street mall in Denver. He was checking out all the people during the celebration and has been living on the streets of Denver for the last 23 years. I never discovered why he was living on the street although he stated that he loves life on the street. I talked with Larry and his Alaskan malamute for about 1.5 hours just talking about people and life. He was the nicest person I think I have ever talked to and a pleasure to spend time with.

Let me know what you think...

[Steve Paxton]

Great shot!

[jeezopeezo]

Thanks Steve!

[Steve Paxton]

Did you covert the image to a regular attachement?

[JohnB]

I like his expression and the guitar in the photo tells a lot about the guy. Was he playing it when you approached him? If so, how did he sound? I suppose if I was homeless, I'd want something like a guitar to pass my time.

[JohnB]

Also, I think it's great that there are folks like you and Steve out there talking with and photographing the homeless. I've learned a lot just by watching Steve's blog. I look forward to seeing more of these. Perhaps I'll have the courage to talk to and photograph them in the city I work in.

[jeezopeezo]

John,

I can honestly say that Steve has been a mentor to me. He is the one who sparked that style. I love getting out and talking to people, homeless or not. I live in Downtown Denver and walk about 10 blocks to work each day avoiding public transportation just to interact with people. It is great and I approach it to learn something from everyone I meet.

As for the photo, I was heading out to meet another guy who played the guitar that I have talked to before. However, I ran into Larry and just kind of hung out with him. I spent the better part of an hour before I ever took out my camera. That evening was an eye opener.

As for his playing, yes he was. I am a big fan of acoustic guitar and he is skilled at his craft.

[RBrightman]

This is a really nice picture, I like its especially because I'm a musician myself

[mirmilant]

A wonderfully emotive image Rob, well done!

[jeezopeezo]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

[jeezopeezo]

Here is another detail shot of Larry. I love the little details in photography that you can discover through photos. For me, I think this photo says so much about life on the streets.

[JohnB]

I like that one a lot Rob. Is it safe to assume that that was all natural lighting?

It came out great... If you did anything in post to get that look, any chance you'd share with us?

[Steve Paxton]

Wonderful shot Rob! I love how this one turned out!

[jeezopeezo]

Thanks everyone. I really enjoy this style of photography.
This one was taken around 9:30pm just before the New Year's party began. The lighting was a single flash bounced up and behind me off of an overhead awning which happened to be white. I lucked out on that one.

Once again I used the high pass option and added some noise to fit the photo.