Birdman of The Crown City

Pasadena -- He wears a crown of feathers, five of which he said he collected today.

I was stopped at a traffic light on my way home from work when I saw this gentleman walking his dog across the street. I put down the window, and yelled out to the smiling gent, "I love your hat--you've got quite a collection there!"

He stopped in his tracks and walked over to my car. The light was still red as I listened to his story. Then, the light turned green and I quickly asked if I could take his photo.

"Of course," he said without hesitation. "Oh, and my name is Duane; I work as a volunteer three days a week at City Hall and the Police department."

Commuters behind me knew what we were doing and displayed much-appreciated patience despite that the light had turned green some time earlier.

Same To You, Buddy!

I call it a Photo Safari when ever I walk down a street with camera in tow looking for subject to shoot. Sometimes I will "steal" shots but mostly I talk with strangers and at least ask if I can take their photo.

This guy smiled, turned around and bent over for the camera. He actually did not want his photo taken but he did give me permission to keep this masterpiece. We later shook hands and laughed after he saw his photo in the LCD display. All in fun.

Greetings From Chinatown

Los Angeles -- My fiance and I decided to go for a short photo walk in Los Angeles after work. It was just after sunset and not many people were on the streets. When I go out to shoot, I look for people as subjects. Disappointed, we continued to walk, looking for anything interesting or provocative to shoot. Minutes later, an Asian woman saw our cameras slung over our shoulders and asked us to take her picture. While raising her hands, in a strong accent, she shouted, "Take picture! Take picture!"

I wondered why she asked to have her photo taken? Perhaps she had this crazy idea that her photo would be published on the internet for the whole world to see. What was she thinking...?

OK, World, say hello!

Trumped by Volume

Los Angeles, CA --From Alameda Street, the voluminous sound of mariachi filled the air. A small door from the main, LA thoroughfare leads pedestrians to the congested cobblestone street call Olvera where vendors, restaurants and street performers provide their unique goods and services.

Walking out from the hall leading to Olvera Street, was a man with his accordion, sitting on a bench. He is part of a trio that regularly performs for handouts. This time, however, the big boys were out (earlier post), and were drowning out the talented underdogs. The moment the other team finished, my friends began their simple set of tunes.

Faces of Los Angeles

The Fashion District, Los Angeles, CA -- They call this "Santee Alley." I enlarged the photo so that if you click on it, you will see all the interesting expressions of the people of downtown LA.

Although many of the neighboring streets are packed with vendors and shoppers, nothing compares to the crowds that cram the alleyways like Santee. Looking for bargains? They are definitely found here.

More on the Historic Orange

"Bonita" saw me squatting down, taking photos of the giant orange. She asked if I wanted my picture taken but I told her I'd rather have her in the photo. She agreed and she will receive prints in a couple days.

High Fashion Pedestrians

Long Beach, CA -- The light turned red and I was in a hurry. I slammed on my brakes and and let out a few words under my breath.

I glanced to my left to see two smiling seniors standing, waiting for the signal to turn green. I reached back for my camera on the floor of the back seat, rolled down my window and prepared to steal a shot. Then I decided to practice what I preach and I yelled out to the jovial couple and asked if I could take their picture. Both of them smiled, raised their hands and thanked ME for thinking of them!

Fingers

Venice Beach, CA -- Meet "Fingers." He said he got his name because his right hand fingers were chopped off. Each time I asked him what happened, I got a different story. Fingers often dresses in drag for the attention. It got mine.

More Sticks

Continuing on the theme of sticks. America's love affair with junk food, convenience and goofy eateries.

Ladies in Red

Pasadena, CA -- These two women were talking up a storm near Beadles Cafeteria on Colorado Blvd. I thought they were a great subject so I decided to get to know them rather than "steal" a shot. They were funny, witty and told unflattering stories about each other. After a few minutes they noticed my Nikon FE2 suspended from the shoulder strap and asked if I could take their picture. That was 25 years ago.

Happy Friday!

Busted for Crack

The crack violation was so severe, I had to take advantage of the opportunity. Call it exploitation if you like. I call it, "Because it's there."

Happy Faces

Los Angeles, CA -- I passed this couple and asked if I could get their picture. I didn't give them a reason, I just thought they looked good together.

Tattoo