Street Portraiture: Faces of Kissimmee, #35

We moved back to Kissimmee last September after spending nearly 10 years in Salt Lake City. Driving out of our new Kissimmee neighborhood one day, I noticed an individual standing in his front yard. Although I only saw the back of his head, there was a twinge of recognition. I started paying attention as I would pass that house on my trips in and out of the neighborhood, in hopes of seeing him again and getting a look at his face. I saw him a couple more times, but in neither instance did I see his face. Still, I had  a growing sense of certainty that the man I was catching glimpses of had been a favorite coworker during the many years I spent working for Disney in Information Technology. I hadn’t seen nor heard from Tom since I left Disney 15 years ago.

Then finally, as I was heading out one afternoon to work on this project, I got a clear look at him. Pulling the car over to the curb, I got out and called his name. There was a brief look of puzzlement upon his face as he looked at me. That expression turned to disbelief as he spoke, turning my name into a question. It was a fun and somewhat comical reunion; one in which it never occurred to me to grab my camera from the car.

Recently, as I was returning from a downtown photo shoot, I again found Tom in his front yard. This time, he was hard at work on a house painting project I would never want any part of. Thinking it would be merciful to get him away from his miserable chore, I pulled the car over to the curb once again. I didn’t get out this time. Instead, I called him over to the car, raised my D800 and shot him.

“Tom”, Nikon D800, ISO 1250, f/16 at 1/320 sec., 85 mm

Wow. Tom’s the 35th “face” in the on-going Faces of Kissimmee series! Over the time I’ve been dedicating my blog posts to this project, I’ve shot a lot of other photos – some of which I’d like to start sharing. I typically capture 2 or 3 of these street portraits per outing, because there are many days I don’t get the opportunity to go downtown to take photographs. Thus, I’ve been thinking to intersperse the Faces of Kissimmee posts with some other photographs just to break things up a bit and return to more regularly-spaced posting intervals. So, if you are really enjoying following this series as much as I’m enjoying doing it, don’t fret. I’m not abandoning the series; if it were a doughnut, I’d just be adding sprinkles. And you can always filter and view all images in the series using the “Faces of Kissimmee” tag.

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Rith & Nichola

Before leaving Salt Lake City last year, I had the opportunity to photograph my two wonderful friends, Rith and Nichola. The occasion was to document the expected arrival of their first child and daughter, Atticus. I like these two photos because you can look at them and tell these are two happy people who are very much in love, very excitedly awaiting a major change in their lives.

Nikon D300, ISO 200, f/4 at 1/30 sec., 35 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 200, f/6.7 at 1/90 sec., 35 mm

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Constructing an Abstract

Eventually, these lines, shapes, textures and values will be morphed into the new Federal Courthouse building in downtown Salt Lake City. At this point in the construction effort, however, I’m enjoying the abstract art the workers are creating.

Nikon D300, ISO 200, 1/500 sec at f/22, 35 mm

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Street Portrait: Ain’t No Hipster

Today’s post features another photo taken while I walked through Sugar House Park on July 4th. Though his shirt proclaims he “ain’t no hipster”, he was looking pretty hip to me. I asked if I could take his photo but I didn’t get his name; I didn’t want to further interrupt the phone call in progress via his earpiece.

It was about 1:00 PM and the sun and shadows were strong, so conditions weren’t the best. But one of the things about street portraiture is that you typically have to deal with the conditions and surroundings as they are.

Nikon D300, ISO 200, 1/350 sec at f/13, 35 mm

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Swimmers

The essence of competitiveness is liberated when we make people believe that what they think and do is important – and then get out of their way while they do it.
– Jack Welch

“Jack” – Nikon D300, ISO 200, 1/60 sec at f/8, 95 mm

“Ava” – Nikon D300, ISO 200, 1/250 sec at f/8, 135 mm

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Refuge from the Misery of Life

There are two means of refuge from the misery of life –
music and cats.
– Albert Schweitzer

The Humane Society of Utah has some beautiful cats currently available for adoption. Here are just a few of the wonderful animals I photographed yesterday. If you are looking for a feline companion in the Salt Lake City, UT area, these guys would be so grateful if you’d come by and get acquainted.

Don’t shop; adopt!

Sebian, Kennel 108, Animal ID #A055175
This boy loves to love ya, baby! And who can resist those beautiful blue eyes?

Abbie has beautiful coloring, personality, and is waiting for you in Kennel 113. Her animal ID is A054997.

“Loki” must translate to “sweet” in this case, because this little one is more of a lover than a trickster. You can find Loki in kennel 106. Her animal ID is A026666.

Thomas didn’t want his picture taken; he just wanted to lay in my lap and snuggle! He’ll snuggle with you, too, when you stop by kennel 125 to say hello. His animal ID is A054342.

Please forgive me for getting personal for a moment, but I’d like to ask for your prayers for my grandmother, Phyllis, who is 99. While I was taking the photos used in today’s post, I learned she had fallen and broken her hip and shoulder after apparently suffering a heart attack. She is in hospital in critical condition, facing surgery today. Thank you and God bless!

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There Goes The Neighborhood…

Nothing recedes like progress.
– E. E. Cummings

Nikon D300, ISO 200, 1/1250 sec. at f/9, 50 mm

Today I am taking photos of kitties available at the shelter for adoption. Can you guess what tomorrow’s post will feature photos of? Be sure to stop by for a full dose of cuteness!

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Alone With The Moon

The moon is a loyal companion. It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human. Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.
― Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me

Nikon D300, ISO 200, 1/200 sec. at f/5.3, 105 mm

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The Answer to Difference

Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.
– John Hume

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/800 sec. at f/7.1, 90 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/800 sec. at f/7.1, 62 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/320 sec. at f/10, 20 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/320 sec. at f/4.5, 18 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/640 sec. at f/11, 18 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/160 sec. at f/18, 36 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/125 sec. at f/9.0

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/800 sec. at f/7.1, 46 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/125 at f/32, 65 mm

Are you pictured in today’s post?
Please  contact me if you would like a free full-sized
digital copy of your photo.

Earl Harris Photography is proud to serve and photograph Utah’s GLBT community.

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Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for the last
post to feature photos from Utah Pride.

A Sense of Pride

You can’t give people pride, but you can provide the kind of understanding that makes people look to their inner strengths and find their own sense of pride.
– Charleszetta Waddles

Today’s post features a few more photos from this past weekend’s Utah Pride festival and parade. I had a good time stopping perfect strangers and asking if I could take their photos. It was a great opportunity to meet some interesting people, do a bit of networking and capture some fun shots from impromptu models.

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/320 sec. at f/2.2, 85 mm, (Richard designed and made his awesome skeleton outfit)

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/160 sec. at f/18, 120 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/200 sec. at f/7.1, 35 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/160 sec. at f/18, 60 mm

Nikon D300, ISO 320, 1/200 sec. at f/4.5, 32 mm

Are you pictured here? Please
contact me if you would like a copy of your photo.

Earl Harris Photography is proud to serve and photograph Utah’s LGBT community.

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I hope you enjoy today’s photos.
Please leave a comment below and be sure to stop
back by this week more photos are featured from Utah Pride.