Friday, December 8th, 2006
Florida, 2004. Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
This guy actually told me what he wanted the title of his photo to be: "The Poet in Decline."
It's a long story, but the short version is that he stopped me taking photos outside of a grocery store. He came on all strong at first... "Hey! What are you taking photos of!?"
I said, "Just taking photos of the sunlight on the buildings... I think it's beautiful."
He said, "You an artist?"
I said, "I think so... I'm not really sure... I like to take photos."
Then he says, "Oh yeah? I used to be an artist, before I started working for The Corporation."
So... after about an hour of talking, I find out he's an ex-hippie... used to take acid all the time... eventually cut his hair and got a steady job. Now he's a security guard. He said that he used to be a poet and that he just recently sold his memoirs to Random House for a million dollars, "I'm just waiting for them to send me the check, so I can quit my job."
dawn said:
710 days ago
Was he believable? I wonder if he is still there or if he got his million. I'd like to believe he got the million.
Régis said:
710 days ago
This story is great. I actually never took a single picture of a cop or security guy. I try to avoid them most of the time :)
This is an excellent shot.
Solaria said:
710 days ago
Interesting shot. Nice tones and contrast.
Maybe he can comission you to do his "book cover art"?
lorissa said:
710 days ago
i am hoping he gets his million soon. love the story behind this. a great capture as well - really nice perspective.
ndiginiz said:
710 days ago
Tena koe ehoa
Very nice working portrait Brandon. His non-chalant persona is impressed well in his casual appearance which contrasts the nature of his uniform and his eventual authority.
A full circle and a full life, and perhaps, he might be full of it, as well? So many odd numbers and none equate visually to an even answer.
Did you yourself believe him?
I think we are all essentially waiting for the "mail" too come!
I would have though public domains including streets and sidewalks are non-policable environments?
miles said:
709 days ago
My million dollar cheque is in mail too... Great portrait Brandon, even without the story you can see that the guy is much more than just a uniform goon.
Brandon Stone said:
709 days ago
I have my own opinion as to whether or not he's got an actual million dollar check in the mail... but I'd rather leave it up to the viewers to come to their own conclusions.
It's more fun that way, I think.
Doug said:
709 days ago
Great story to go along with a great portrait. Whether or not there is a check in the mail, this image shows that there are two (or more) sides to every person. That is what keeps life interesting.
Mike Dougan said:
709 days ago
I think he may have taken one trip too many!
An excellent portrait made even better with the story.
Ann Martinez said:
709 days ago
Isn't it the humanity that really makes it art. The fact that you see more than what appears to be there. It keeps you aware that behind every BODY there is a story.
chantal said:
708 days ago
i can only echo what everyone else already said....great portrait to go along with a fantastic story. well done, Brandon
shiv said:
701 days ago
wow...! nice shot,
and thats quite a story eh,
just stumbled upon here, have bookmarked it already,love it....some shots are really amazing...!memorable....
Andy said:
589 days ago
I'm finally checking out your site. Just uploaded my new photoblog at Photoblogs.org and saw your name on the hot list. Sorry I've never been here before. I love this shot, and it's even better with the story. Interesting to compare your hour long conversation here with your failed attempt at the barber shop. Looking forward to stopping by more often now.
Ben said:
562 days ago
Good story. He's got a First Air Cavalry pin on his name badge. I bet he's got a story for that, too. I really like this one.
Turfdigger said:
711 days ago
Great story paired with a fine portrait - love the choice of low perspective here, looking up at your subject.