I’m usually shooting video on assignment. Too often, stills are second priority and I never have enough time. However, when I go out in the streets, I have this compelling desire to capture the essence of the street–documentary style–a story in every frame–a thousand stories in a single image. I don’t consider it stealing, although, I try to take the spirit of a place with me. I try to be invisible so that I and my camera don’t interrupt the realness of the moment. I rarely succeed. At least, that’s how it feels. Sometimes I get lucky and freeze the moment I was seeing in my mind. People are my favorite and hardest to shoot. I love to capture the stories that are written in the lines of faces and hands, or, deeply etched on the soul through the eyes–stories I can only invent–stories you will see differently. Perhaps our own stories are written by the ways and means with which we see the world.
Brazil is exciting, vibrant, constantly moving. The scenery is diverse and beautiful. So, too, are the people.
Elbow grease, or just paint, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Relaxin’ at the Sao Paulo Opera House.
Could be their next album cover–On the steps of the Grand Theater, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
So, so weary. Homeless in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Officially watching traffic in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
This man waits for the bus in Curitiba, Brazil.
Speed and motion in Curitiba, Brazil.
There are many ways to stretch in Curitiba, Brazil.
Product placement? Or just an ad for Adidas?
A mother and daughter aren’t pleased in Olinda, Brazil.
Waiting, just waiting on the street in Olinda, Brazil.
Windows without glass, Olinda, Brazil.
Sao Paulo Brazil has a colorful mix of ethnicities.
Sittin’ on the dock of the bay…Recife, Brazil.
Brazilian boys wait for the right moment to jump in to the Beberibe River, in Recife, Brazil.
A family takes a boat ride on the Beberibe river in Recife. Brazil.
Rowing and relaxing on the Capibaribe river, Recife.
The King still lives on the streets of São Paulo.
Music is not just a part of life in Brazil, it is life.
These street singers make up the lyrics to the songs they sing, as they sing them.
Musicians advance the rich heritage of Brazilian music on the streets of Recife.
Colorful murals are a part of the landscape in Brazil.
This indigenous street vendor is happy to make a sale in Olinda, Brazil.
We had just come out of the Pantheon. People were everywhere. As we rounded a corner, the music that was blending with the noisy ambiance suddenly became clear. Two guys, street performers, had set up their gear and drawn a crowd. We had places to go, so much to see. No time to stop. But the music. It was Incredible. We could see it in their faces, the guitarist and the cellist. We could see it in the faces of the crowd, trance-like. Time stopped with us. We listened, a blend of new-age classical with a hint of Italian oregano. The spell broke when the music stopped. A breeze rustled our clothes. Time to go. More to see. As we wandered away, the music resumed. Even now, the siren’s song remains in our ears, calling us back to Rome.
As the sun was setting on the Pantheon, this talented duo drew a crowd to their street concert.
For this couple, an evening street concert near the Pantheon was deeply personal.
On the street near the Pantheon, this talented guitarist entertains with a mix of new-age music and classical covers.
With the sun setting, shades were accessories more than necessities, but the cello was way cool.
The music was good from both angles and the moment was worth listening too, eyes open or closed.
If you want to maximize your time in Rome, a guidebook, good shoes and a place to rest are essential.
There are stories written in her flesh.
Life is Beautiful for a young boy learning to ride a bicycle on the side streets of Rome.
The water tastes sweeter when the drinking fountain is 500 years old.
Ethnic patterns find their way into the cloth of this master weaver.
Nothing better than shooting the breeze on a warm afternoon in the piazza.
A mother and daughter pause before entering a clothing shop with a very old door.
I couldn’t stop at them all, but the ones I did stop at were delicious, and, you can find one on nearly every corner.
In the heart of Catholicism, Nuns typically live under vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Tasked with keeping the steps of the cathedral clean after weddings, this woman has her work cut out for her.
This Roman carries the weight of the world under his argyle sweater.
With a whistle and glove, this motor cycle cop directs traffic from the seat of his sweet Italian ride.
High blood pressure and cholesterol meds inform her religious icons of the specific boon she hopes God will grant, along with a few coins in her dish.
On the street in Rome, in the same position for hours, this woman petitions the Eternal Judge through prostrate perseverance.
They're Calling To Me 