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If you see local photog of note Troy Holden (formerly Plug1) walking around the streets of San Francisco with his camera, you might be $2 richer. He's started something called The $2 Portrait Project. In his words, he explains just what it is:
This portrait is part of a project called "$2 Portraits." The idea is that anyone who asks me for change, I will give them $2 in exchange for a portrait. While shooting, I will ask them a few questions in hopes of getting to know them better.Last month I met photographers Greenkozi and Stuart Dixon for a Friday photowalk up Market Street. We met at Schroeder's German Pub, and after a liter or two -- headed out to make some photos.
As we neared the intersection of Market/Post/Montgomery, I noticed Willie from the corner of my eye. Willie had two tables set up and was selling items ranging from the King James edition of The Bible to pro/anti Obama buttons.
Willie asked me if I wanted to buy a button for $2. I told him I wasn't really into collecting buttons and instead told him of my $2 Portrait Project. Willie told me he would both agree to a portrait as well as give me a button, so I paid him $2 and began shooting.57 year old Willie moved to San Francisco in 1975 via the Greyhound Bus. It took about 4 days, but it was one of his best memories to date. Willie moved to San Francisco in because he had heard the weather was nice, the girls were nice, the weed was nice, and the Muni was free (?!?). To this remark we both laughed.
I asked Willie why he had so many Barack Obama buttons for sale, and he told me how much he hated Obama and figured "reverse psychology" was a good way to bring about change.
I didn't understand what that meant, and decided to talk about music. Like myself, Willie's favorite bands were Guns N Roses and Tom Petty.
Soon thereafter, another customer approached Willie's tables. I took the chance to shake his hand and thanked him for the conversation. Willie wished me a good weekend as I headed up Market Street.
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this is a great project and I've enjoyed the photos I've seen on flicker and facebook!
you buried the lede! troy is the sfist house photographer that used to be known as plug1.
i wonder what the button looked like.
"Willie moved to San Francisco in because he had heard the weather was nice, the girls were nice, the weed was nice, and the Muni was free (?!?)."
I do consider myself metaphorically a bit poorer in that I never changed geographies other than for "New job". Of course, those jobs were in Boston, Boulder, and Bay Area, so my whine is a little flat...
So basically Willie moved to SF 30 years ago in order to be a bum. Mission Accomplished Willie!
just out of curiosity - wasn't it sir thomas hawk that started the project?
http://www.flickr.com/groups/2dollarportraits/
Yeah I've been doing this for years as well - paying people with $2 bills. I guess this is too popular and now I'll have to move on to some other obscure monentary item... :)