endless faces with endless opportunities

                                                        I went up to strangers

Dressed nicely.

                                                         I asked them

"Can I take your picture for a portrait project?"

                                                        A lot of people said no.

Many said yes and I told them how grateful I was.

                                                        I spoke to adults as equals,

but gave them much respect.

                                                       In return I was rewarded an easy and comfortable photo shoot.

Some  characters

                                                       were inspiring.

Some I wanted to take their picture because they looked cool

                                                        and unique.

                                                        I would tell people my name

And they usually told me theirs.

I enjoyed it,

                                                        And I think they really enjoyed it too.

My faith in humanity was restored

and they reminded me what community means.

They allowed me to see what I like about myself,

and what I like about meeting strangers.

For those that walked away,

It reminded me of what I really dislike about myself.

But for now, meeting a hundred people and quickly getting comfortable enough that they trusted me with their picture; it was inspiring. People inspire me and I think that is why we take portraits. It is our ability to understand and relate to people that we need to get to know them without speaking.