Henry...

When I first started working at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco I wouldn't really pay attention to my surroundings while walking to work. I was so busy trying to make sure I was going to be at work on time or that I had everything I really didn't pay any attention to the people I passed. Then after a week I calmed down a bit and started to notice things. I especially noticed an elderly man who stood outside on the sidewalk. He leaned against a pipe that came out of the ground about 5 feet, and up against the window to a bar. Above his head is an eves that hangs over a small liquor store and written on it is "Cigars."

That first semester I would smile at him and kick myself every morning when I didn't have my camera. I knew his portrait would be an example in the truest form of 'cool' in old age. Though I never exchanged words with this man who I wanted to photograph so badly I thought about him every evening when I went home. I began thinking, as awful as it may seem, that if i didn't ask him if I could photograph him, or at least begin to pursue the idea, one morning he just may not be there. Thats life, its what happens and if we don't take chances they will be taken from us.

The summer went by and Fall semester came around. Within a week I was seeing him again. I began talking to my family about him and decided his name was Jasper. It just fit. Finally one morning I made sure i had my camera with me and was detrmined to ask for his portrait. As I approached Jasper, I had my camera in one hand and my business card in the other. My heart was pounding and I was nervous. What was i going to say? I took the final steps accross the street and came up to him "Hi, I wanted to stop and say hi because i see you every morning and my name is kate, im a professional photographer and i just think you look so awesome in your surroundings, I mean you just look so great in this whole setting" his reply to me was "Oh yeah? i look good with this whole vodka scene behind me?" I back tracked and said "Oh well, no, but the whole scene just looks so awesome, i was wondering if i could take your photograph?" he said "No, i dont think so, thank you." and tried to hand me my business card back, I continued to smile and said, "No, you can keep that...Thank you" and went to work. I was crushed.

I talked to some of the people that i saw everyday and that i trust and they told me not to worry so much, that sometimes it just doesnt happen right away. I had begun to feel like i would never figure out how to approach people for documentary style photography. One friend explained to me that sometimes you need to make a connection with people before you ask for a photo and began telling me to just start talking to him. "Work on a relationship first, make a connection and then ask for the photo, people are more receptive to the Human Aspect."

That all made sense to me, but how do i do that now that i have already spoken to him? How to i make a connection? Every morning after that i smiled at him. Kept my head high when i passed and made sure we made eye contact. After about a month i started to say "good morning" and he would reply. I was making progress and i could feel it. Monday morning 12/8, I went up to him and said "HI, I say good morning every morning but have never really introduced myself, My name is Kate..." he replied "Hi, Well, I'm Henry"

"I know we have spoken before, but i dont think i actually introduced myself, and im always in such a hurry to get to work..."

"I dont think we have spoken before..."

"Yes, i asked if i could take your photograph"

"Oh, thats right"

"Yeah, i always feel so rushed to get to work though i havnt been able to stop and talk again."

"Oh, do you work at the Academy"

"Yes, I'm a technician."

"Oh, Well...thats good, sorry my voice is a bit gruf today."

"Oh well, im sorry, well i should be going, have a nice day, nice to meet you"

"Nice to meet you too."

I felt awesome about that conversation and today, Henry didnt make eye contact with me and i was going to say good morning and keep walking, but instead. Henry said Oh good morning, I havnt seen you in a while. Well...a day! I laughed. He then told me because i had given him my card he wanted to give me his. I asked if he was ready for the weekend. He said "NO, i hate the weekend..." Having no reply i giggled and said "Oh!?" He then said "Im also Crazy" once again having no reply i said "Oh....Well, i think most of us are crazy..." "Yes, you have to be to survive....Well have a good day!" and he squeezed my hand. "Nice chatting with you" " You too, You have a good day too, Henry"

I feel really good about asking him soon for his photograph again. He is such an interesting character.