Monica - through my lens.

Every town has their familiar faces. In the 10 years I have lived in Bend Oregon there has been one person who always catches my eye on the streets of Bend.
Frank was his name and has many stories to share - who knows what is true or not. He is known for his beaten up convertible, his dogs and cat, his performing on the streets with his guitar and his willingness to chat with you.
Some would say why did you photograph him, how could you....

Well it so happened I recently walked out of a coffee shop and there was Frank - well actually no longer Frank dressed in baggy mens discolored clothes but now Monica dressed in a bright seductive outfit. Of course I had to ask him what happened.. He gave me his story which I shall not dive into.

While chatting with him I started to imagine what I could capture with my camera. It wasn't until last week that I did actually capture Monica early on a sunny morning outside the same coffee shop. It was not the easiest photo shoot but you do get a good sense of his soul.
Monica is certainly turning heads in Bend Oregon and she truly is one of a kind.
Fortunately Bend is a pretty safe town for such a character to be on the streets.
I look at her/he as being a lost soul in many ways, I could truly feel this through my lens.
One might say he is looking for attention.  I am sure he is doing just that but the question is why is he?
What I love about photography is through my camera I get to see different individuals who are having their own experience here on this earth. Everyones experience is unique and perfect for that person. I choose not to judge others because they are different or do things differently.
Capturing Monica through my lens reminded me the importance of that.

Jill