THE RESULTS

THE RESULTS, originally uploaded by joewig.

Made me really ponder their conversation,

STREET TALK

STREET TALK, originally uploaded by joewig.

I find that there's a special dynamic in this moment that I've seen countless times before because it usually involved me.

There's a connection and mutual respect between this seemingly oddball combination; at first glance you might not see that these two share something in common. But upon further examination, they do--it's the "people connection"; truth of the matter is: it really doesn't matter what we look like to the world or even to each other, but as long as we can make a connection with each other, nothing else really matters. Not economic background, not culture, not beliefs, not even color, race or ethnicity.

That's the nature of REAL contact with another human being. Wonderful thing to behold

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS, originally uploaded by joewig.

It just figures...
just when you get a break
just when you get a moment to yourself
just when you realize you need to tend to your own needs
it just never fails...
somebody's gonna want something from you.

But then who DOESN'T want to help if it's within their power. Seems no matter where we are in NYC, if we know the answer to the question, or if it's within our power to solve a problem, we don't hesitate to share it with anyone who asks.

Why would you withhold good from anyone who deserves it, when it's within your power to deliver? (Proverbs 3:27)

THE RUBBERBAND MAN

THE RUBBERBAND MAN, originally uploaded by joewig.

This is one of my favorite shots because it's so common in NYC but so difficult to capture. During the usual hustle and bustle, some people are invariably rude and obnoxious, while others are kind and forgiving; fortunately opposites tend to run into each other. News is made when two of the first order run into each other

This man has graciously moved aside--bending like a willow tree in the rain--to let this harried woman get by who--mind you--has her bag strapped over her shoulder clutched tightly to her side out of fear that someone might snatch it (God forbid). You can tell she's not really as mean as her actions make her seem by her two-step.

While the dance is caught here for all to see, they never even took the time to find out each other's name.

"I'm in a New York state of mind"....

PUSHING MY BAG OF BOTTLES

PUSHING MY BAG OF BOTTLES, originally uploaded by joewig.

Almost a year ago I shot this gentleman while he was in line to collect some cash for his trash (bottles and can--my how time flies) and looking at it again is still heart wrenching. Not that I look to take shots like this--I don't--but this is the reality of living in NYC--for some people, this is a way of life and my street photography would be remiss if I deleted scenes like this. They are part of the reality around us, has been and will probably continue to be for some time considering no one really cares enough to make a difference for people like him.

His eyes are empty because he's been living on automatic pilot. This is the way he is living his life and he hasn't found another way to survive. I won't make conjectures on his lifestyle or what preceded him doing this, but where he is isn't a good place to be. Pushing his bag of bottles to get loose change is--for the moment--the most honest way he's found he can acquire the money to support himself.

God bless him and equip him to step out from under his bag of bottles and find a better way because there is a better way.

TAKE US TO THE PARTY!

TAKE US TO THE PARTY!, originally uploaded by joewig.

Or rather to the partay!!! They were on their way somewhere in a hurry. Couldn't see where they headed because I saw the moment and wanted to make sure I caught. They weren't loud, just a little raucous and in the mood for some fun. Where would they be going at lunch time to have a partay, I wonder? Maybe they just "enjoy their jobs". LOL

JOKING AROUND

JOKING AROUND, originally uploaded by joewig.

This takes me way way back to my college days. I guess I would have been the skinny on the right with the some of the hair of the one on the left. (What a combo).

I'm not saying my college days were a breeze--who's were?--but I found time to enjoy just hanging out with my friends between classes or during breaks. Fortunately I never lost my desire to laugh. My wife says that it's one of the reasons she was drawn into my life. There's so much drama in most of our lives, it takes someone special to be able to enjoy a good laugh in the midst of it. (I never looked at it that way. Although I am a serious, I learned not to take myself too seriously or it would weigh down my very spirit.

Can't have that can we?