Carlo & Stefania (16/100)

They mirror each other except for one aspect :D

Walking around, I spot the tremendously tall Carlo out of the crowd. He really towers over most. A few steps later as he separates from the crowd, Stefania appears out at his side holding his hand. I didn’t even notice her until Carlo stepped apart from the crowd. They were definitely the most styling AND coordinated couple today. How could they not be? They’re Italian :)

Amanda (15/100)

What is it about women that THEY are the ones wearing LOUD, EXPRESSIVE color?

You don’t see too many guys exhibiting the same expressiveness. That’s why these portrait are heavily weighted to the female gender. Maybe color detracts from male masculinity? If that’s the case, I could easily rebut with the argument that it takes a confident man to be loud and expressive……I commend all you women who stray away from the mediocrity of BLACKS, BROWNS, and BLUE JEANS.

Surely, Amanda has been one of the MOST expressive yet. It appears as though she jumped straight out of the wall painting and onto real life :D …… As I walk closer to approach her, I can’t help but think that only an ARTISTIC soul would choose such an AMAZING outfit.

She confirmed my assumptions when asked to write down my Flickr page; she handed me a sketcher’s pencil. It’s the kind of pencil only an artist would carry around, the kind that deliberately lacked an eraser :D

Ms. Amanda, I hope you enjoy the Flickr.

Ms. Berlin (14/100)

Sheiße, I’ve grossly neglected this project! It took a trip to Berlin to recharge the motivation to continue with the project. Hell, I’ve even forgot to ask this young lady for her name.

She said she was in her “work clothes,” indicating her sweater, which matches the exhibit flyers she’s passing out.

I assured her she was wearing the PERFECT color palette :D

Karla (13/100)

How could I not?

The haircut.

The shades.

The blazer.

The red tights.

She's workin' it.

....I almost didn't stop her because she exhibited signs of the "Don't bother me" look.

iPod in the ear.

Walking fast.

Looking at the ground.

Serious face.

FORTUNATELY, I didn't care :D That itch overcame, and I approached. She was willingly receptive, and gave me this ELECTRIFYING SMILE.

Thank you, Karla.

Amin (12/100)

“3 US Dead in Afghanistan Blast”
“UN Mission split over Afghan poll”
“Senate struggles with Afghanistan”
“U.S. support for Afghan war at all-time low”

Media is sad. Media is disheartening. All we ever hear are the negative headlines. It makes one think “what the hell are we doing over there that’s positive?” Besides all the security/political activity, what is the world really doing in Afghanistan? This is where Amin interjects. He knows, he's an Afghan-American True to the cabbie-stereotype of “saying what’s on their mind,” my passionate taxi-driver tells me more of the positive initiatives in his motherland.

He tells me about the roads built that cut a nine hour drive to three. It also used to be that some of the more rural population would ride a mule for a whole day to a clinic. For many, this is not the case anymore. Clinics have now been built in their very villages. That one day journey has been cut to nothing. To top it off, qualified local medical personnel run the show.
He goes on to tell me about improvements to his country’s infrastructure. After hearing this I wonder if the media will ever publish:

“Germans provide needed street lights in Kabul”
“Australians connect Afghan families with telephone services”
“Chinese build internet infrastructure”
“US security stabilizes”

Of course this international involvment is overwhelming, but Amin is grateful for all the improvements it provides for his motherland.

*Aesthically, there was nothing that attracted me to a portrait. But, this project is also about the social element, of which Amin had warming thoughts to share. After hearing the passion in his words, I was compelled to photograph him.*

Diana (11/100)

She is simple, but gorgeous. Even with spaghetti straps, she exudes FIERCE attitude.
Look at her colors. So bold.
Look at her vintage style. Ever so classic and sexy.
One word: WOW.

I must confess. I've met her before, but her portrait is one that I cannot miss. In fact, I fell in love at that first meeting with her. Hence the huge sentiment I have for her.

It was the same feeling this time, except amplified. The setting for this chance encounter could not have been anymore ideal. The stars and planets have seemed to aligned this time. It could not have been in anymore a Romantic (literally) and magical place. It was at the perfect time, the "golden hour" as we photographers call it. NOt just that. We so happened to cross paths in the light, away from the looming shadows of the buildings that surround us. Just look how the light presents itself. It was here, in the Eternal City, Rome, that we once again meet face to face.

Instantly, I recognize her. I fall in love again.

How could I not? She help me to see the world through her eyes. She's helped me see the BEAUTIFUL in the MUNDANE. She's showed me that everyday life becomes ART.

SHE STARTED MY OBSESSION WITH STREET PHOTOGRAPHY.

Meet Diana. She's a plastic film camera.

Mr. Venetian (10/100)

"Cool glasses! Can I take your picture?"..."Ya, ookay," and he gives me a nod.

Ok, Ok so I didn't exactly catch this gentleman's name but we didn't really share a common language to communicate with. But who cares!? This guy was too cool to miss. Spotted this Venetian local on the vaporetto on my way to my hotel in Venice. I immediately noticed the kick-ass shades. Turns out it's a local Venetian product by Danilo Carraro. I actually contemplated looking for their shop for a purchase :P

Mr. Venetian also had reading glasses to match.