This was one of my favorite photography/human experiences to this day. I was out in Portland with my friend and I had decided that I was going to take photos of people. People are genuinely what I am most interested in photographing but it is so nerve wracking. Do I ask? Do I just take a quick one and risk embarrassment and looking like an asshole? Well here I was lingering at the waterfront and this fellow played his harmonica in a slow sad, beautiful rhythm. He played for himself, and perhaps whoever else was listening.  As I strolled past, his eyes moved up and met mine, I pointed to my camera and he nodded gently as he continued to play. I took his gesture as permission and captured a few images of him playing. It was a small moment but I felt so accomplished and so connected. I communicated with this stranger in such a small, human way. It’s still one of my favorite moments and I cherish him and his position in my memory.

This is a digital shot.