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brother_mark | all galleries >> photo some days >> Photo A Day 2004 >> July > July 7, 2004
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07-JUL-2004

July 7, 2004

Harold of no fixed address, Union Station

I was wandering about the front of Union Station looking for a fresh photo after work. I looked like a lost tourist and Harold offered to help me. We chatted. He pointed out his "bed" by the Columbus Fountain and let me know that he preferred it to the shelters. I acknowledged that all the homeless people I know agree with him. We talked about where I work, what's up with the homeless (crazy, alcoholics and drug adddicts). Eventually we came to his desire to help me and my need for an interesting and fresh (at least for me) photo and he suggested something that a woman had taken earlier--reflections, flags, the Capitol. I've done enough of those for now. Then he proposed a crazy looking homeless woman. She scared me. So I proposed his portrait and we walked over to the edge of one of the smaller archways. This was my first shot. The second was a mistake on the shutter button and the third an overexposure mistake. I've cropped this a little tighter because I couldn't get closer without changing the perspective I wanted.

Nikon D70 ,Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AF
1/60s f/1.8 at 50.0mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Guest 23-Nov-2006 06:46
Check out my homeless pbase page

http://www.pbase.com/stevehuff/the_homeless
Guest 22-Jul-2004 17:25
I see Ann and I agree...he has a wonderfully handsome face. You've caputured his image very well.
Chris Brooker11-Jul-2004 23:05
Very well done.
David Mingay09-Jul-2004 15:16
Great shot. Looks more about hope than despair.
Lara S09-Jul-2004 04:06
Awsome Mark. He's got such a great face.
Sher Hogue09-Jul-2004 01:45
simply awesome portrait! you've managed to capture such a wonderful expression in his eyes...pride touched with a bit of sadness. just amazing!
Jill08-Jul-2004 16:33
The experience in capturing a photograph of him is priceless.
Guest 08-Jul-2004 14:36
Wonderful portrait, Mark. I agree with Pete -- he reminds me of a younger Morgan Freeman, especially in his role in "The Shawshank Redemption".
Guest 08-Jul-2004 09:31
A handsome man... an excellent portrait.
Michael Cempa08-Jul-2004 02:55
excellent portrait...you captured his humanity, but not his homelessness. he looks a little like Louis Gosset, Jr. to me.
Jude Marion08-Jul-2004 02:27
This is wonderful, Mark. Harrolds face is so expresive ... so evocative. Wouldn't you just love to know his story ... Beautiful!
Carmen08-Jul-2004 01:40
His face says so much. Excellent portrait.
Rick Lewis08-Jul-2004 01:37
Sad eyes but a dignified man. You did right by Harold. Well done.
Guest 08-Jul-2004 01:18
WOW Mark. This is a great, dignified portrait. There's sometime alot to learn/gain from speaking to people like Harold! AWesome job, bro!
jude08-Jul-2004 01:16
Morgan Freeman
virginiacoastline08-Jul-2004 01:13
btw . . he reminds me of a movie or TV star . . I just can't think of who . . .
virginiacoastline08-Jul-2004 01:12
I like this ALOT! And if you see Harold again, thank him for me, too. He looks like he has quite a story . .it was nice of him to offer his services . . .after all you could have been David Berkowitz (*_*)
jude08-Jul-2004 01:11
Mark, this is an excellent portrait! I like the composition on it, and you've captured the dignity this man has. One of my favorites of yours, Mark.. truly