Saturday, September 7, 2013

Ken



While I parked my car in downtown New Britain, Ken picked up some nearby trash and put it in the trash can.  We started talking.

Ken is philosophical and talkative.  He has many stories.  He told me stories about playing baseball at UConn.  And football.  And running track.  And setting track records.

I didn't hire a fact checker.  But, I have my doubts.



20 comments:

Mersad said...

You really have an eye for good portraits. Love how they are snapped out of life without any "filters".

Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

Karl said...

Beautiful portraits, Jack, especially the 3rd portrait, it is fantastic, he looks so hopeful.

Cezar and Léia said...

These are interesting portraits, I like the sequence of your images!He looks very positive!
Léia

Kate said...

Highly expressive photos. Wasn't there to hear the tales with you but I wonder if he's just down and out. Perhaps there's a kernel of truth to his stories?

Birdman said...

GRIN.

VP said...

I guess your fact checker would have some problems finding the truth, but who cares? The portrait of Ken are very good anyway and he seems happy telling tales... Like half of the people I know. Make it three-quarter!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

The expression in the first shot tells it all I think Jack, methinks life may have been/is not so easy for Ken. Excellent portrait shots.

William Kendall said...

Strong character portrait, Jack. That's a man that's seen a lot of struggle.

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

Maybe his stories are his way of seeking some respect despite whatever direction his life has taken in the intervening years.

I have a partner, and for years we had offices right next door. He is in his 70's, had open heart surgery, and moves a little slow. I had no idea until our law firm had a dinner honoring his 50th anniversary of practicing law that he was a star quarterback at the University of Arizona in the 1950's. Another partner brought an old copy of Sports Illustrated that talked about him leading the nation in passing at the time.

You would guess today that he has a distinguished athletic past. Another lawyer in our firm had a nice career as a Major League Baseball pitcher, which you would not know from looking at him today, as he explains "That was 20 years and 60 pounds ago."

Sharon said...

He looks like quite a character and you've captured him brilliantly.

Kay said...

A few wrong turns and bad choices can turn out the lights in a bright and promising life. I'm taken with how bright and animated Ken's face became when he discovered he had a listener. Simple magic.

cieldequimper said...

Whatever the case may be, his eyes are a beautiful colour (matching his tee, too!)

jennyfreckles said...

Brilliant series of portraits again. Anyone who picks up trash and bins it, gets my vote!

Luis Gomez said...

These are so good Jack! Wonderful images.

Gunn said...

Great images! A man to remember. Look at those beautiful BLUE eyes.

You are good at taking portraits (too)

Happy weekend!


PS. You should print out the pictures, put them in the car and give it to Ken, if you see him again.

Randy said...

Excellent portraits.

Unknown said...

Doubts apart, :-), what a great face!

CaT said...

i usually dont have patience... haha

LONDONLULU said...

What a terrific portrait series, a bit haunting and also touching. I think he may be interested in any portrait prints too.

Taken For Granted said...

The fact is that you found an interesting character who has entertaining stories to tell. Don't let the truth get in the way while you shoot great portraits. Top work here.