Portland, OR. March, 2016.
Thousands of images saved, going back years. Rather than go on another camera spree, it’s time to look back with fresh eyes and give “old” images a renewal.
Prints, eBooks, giving a photo its due here, or nothing at all. I’m going to spend my near term viewing and thinking on what I’ve done, before doing a lot more.
A lonely writer with his morning contemplation. There is much to process regarding his life choices.
Holga camera. SFX Ilford film with red filter. Darkroom print.
For when a smart phone just won’t do. Screw the haters, I love my Holga camera. Gorilla tape, quirks, and all. I also love my dad.
Michael, Street Roots newspaper vendor. Portland, Oregon. Photo by Paul Ottaviano. All rights reserved.
Street Roots is local newspaper in Portland, Oregon advocating for community interests. In particular, they’re a strong voice for homeless people and families.
From their website:
“Street Roots creates income opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty by producing a newspaper and other media that are catalysts for individual and social change.”
Homeless people can work as street vendors. Each paper is $1. It’s more than a bargain, in my opinion, because I think it’s one of the best newspapers around here. I wouldn’t mind paying more for it.
During my March 29, 2016 photo walk around Downtown Portland I met Michael S., a Street Roots vendor. I bought a paper from him and he was kind enough to let me shoot his portrait. It’s photography such as this that I’m most proud of.
In this corner we have a super mini-mini-flyweight from Hillsboro, Oregon. He is the dance and prance bruiser, the tiger unleashed, and the next champion of the world!
Actually, he is one of the nicest five year old boys you would ever meet and was a rock star in front of the camera. Mr. Luke, as I call him, likes soccer and football best but was open minded enough to try on my boxing gloves. Mr. Luke is not a boxer, but he really didn’t need any direction from me. Once the gloves were on, he went right into his Rocky and Apollo Creed routine. Once the gloves came off, he posed with stuffed animals and his baby sister. Mr. Luke, for lack of a better word, was awesome.
Little Kick 