faces of men project

Rapper - Cleveland (October 2009) Technically, I’m not...

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:53:00 -0400

Rapper - Cleveland (October 2009)

Technically, I’m not entirely satisfied with this shot. But I chose to post it because it’s a testament to a man I felt had an incredibly compelling face. I was hired to photograph this urban arts event where I discovered him. Unfortunately, I don’t recall his name (I often forget names if I don’t think to jot them down in my notebook), but he was a local Cleveland-based rapper who was performing at the event. Not wanting to let an opportunity pass, I cornered him in a dimly lit stairwell backstage and asked for a pic. The picture quality turned out grainy because I chose to use a high ISO speed and rely on the lighting of our surroundings as opposed to subjecting him to the harshness of flash photography. Needless to say, I’d welcome a redo with my hard core rapper muse.

Chris - San Francisco (June 2008) Chris was the first man I...

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:39:42 -0400

Chris - San Francisco (June 2008)

Chris was the first man I ever approached in San Francisco for my Faces of Men Project. I was walking around Fisherman’s Wharf snapping shots when I discovered him sitting on a bench all by his lonesome. Curious, I sat down beside him. A few moments of silence passed and although I was uncertain how to ask the question, I knew a portrait of this quiet, kind-faced man would be perfect for my project. I realized that the worst that could happen was he could say “no.” With that in mind, I turned to him and asked if I could take his picture.

“Sure, why not?” I was delighted by his response.

Chris told me he was from Portland and was on his way to Mexico. I didn’t ask him how he planned to get there because it was obvious he was hitching rides and jumping rail cars wherever possible. That day was unusually hot in the city. He told me the sun had zapped his energy and that’s why he was there resting on that bench. He planned on leaving the city soon.

To this day, whenever I find myself in Frisco with a little extra time to spare, I head down Fisherman’s Wharf in search of that bench where I took this portrait. It’s as if I have this odd unrealistic expectation that I’ll find Chris there where I left him. It’s a place I go back to again and again.

I wonder if he ever made it to Mexico.

Habtu - Columbus, OH (May 2008) A few years ago I took a street...

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:00:18 -0400

Habtu - Columbus, OH (May 2008)

A few years ago I took a street photography trip to Columbus. As I was walking around downtown snapping shots with my camera I got a bit turned around. Fortunately, Habtu, a doorman at a swanky hotel, was kind enough to give me directions and pose for a quick portrait.

Ammen - Cleveland, OH (March 2011) Ammen came to me by way of a...

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 12:34:00 -0500

Ammen - Cleveland, OH (March 2011)

Ammen came to me by way of a friend and was in need of a few head shots for his portfolio. Of course I was pleased to shoot this studio session with him. Ammen is of Middle Eastern descent whose distinct features make for a great picture. He sort of puts me in the mind of a young Ramon Novarro or Rudolph Valentino.

Joseph - San Francisco (June 2008) It was the last day of my San...

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:38:26 -0400

Joseph - San Francisco (June 2008)

It was the last day of my San Francisco trip and I had been hitting the pavement all afternoon taking pictures. I was exhausted, my feet hurt, and my face was sun burnt. I was about to call it a day and head back to the hotel. That is, until I spotted Joseph on Market Street.

He had one of those exotic faces that would be burned into my mind forever, and I knew that if I didn’t stop and ask for his portrait it would be an opportunity I would regret for a lifetime.

I offered him $10 for a few moments of his time, and at first he seemed a little embarrassed by the attention. Because of his intense facial features I imagined that Joseph was a popular muse for San Francisco photographers. I asked him if anyone had ever stopped him on the street for a picture before; he told me that “as a matter of fact” he was out with his “baby mama” just the week before and was stopped by a guy working on a photo book. He was paid $10 then, too. With a face like that I think Joseph had better get used to attention from shutterbugs.

Unknown - San Francisco 2008 Unfortunately I don’t recall...

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:56:49 -0400

Unknown - San Francisco 2008

Unfortunately I don’t recall his name, but I do remember taking a stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf and snapping shots of the street performers. Before I knew it, or could object, he and his buddy charmingly conned me into a shoe shine. Of course I gave him a tip and asked him for a snapshot. He gave me a great smile. And that’s San Francisco for you.

Shawn - Cleveland (top: July 2007; bottom: October 2004) Today I...

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:01:33 -0400

Shawn - Cleveland (top: July 2007; bottom: October 2004)

Today I was thinking of Shawn, one of the first guys I invited to sit in front of my lense when I first started shooting back in 2004. I had met Shawn at the gym and over the few short years that I knew him he was someone that I considered a friend and muse. He was one of the most intriguing and mysterious individuals I’d ever photographed.

The bottom photograph is from our first session in 2004. The image at the top is from our last photo shoot in 2007 which also turned out to be the last time I saw him. What I learned from Shawn is that we all evolve over time. We grow, we change, we progress, and at times even digress to an extent. All this only to gain a deeper understanding of our inner being. No matter how wise or mature we become, it’s what we experience in life that shapes who we are and how we see the world.

The last time I saw Shawn his face had changed.

Brown - Chicago (August 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas I...

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 12:16:33 -0400

Brown - Chicago (August 2008)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

I didn’t get spend much time with Brown that day, maybe five or ten minutes at the most, but it was interesting what I learned about his life in that brief encounter. His story is typical, but nonetheless compelling. I happened upon him as I was walking by the United Center (home of the Chicago Bulls), he was talking to a couple of Japanese college students. They were visiting the U.S. on break and were looking to snap a shot of Michael Jordan’s jersey. Unfortunately, the display had been moved and was no longer visible from the street level.

Brown emitted such a friendly persona that I felt comfortable jumping in on the conversation. As it turns out, Brown, a war veteran (I’m guessing Vietnam), used to work at the United Center. He was one of the guys who layed out the basketball court on game days. He told me it was killer on the shoulder. And like so many war veteran’s he’s now unemployed and carries a bottle of Crown Royal in his back pocket. As I was about to ask my next question, a bus came along and Brown rode right out of my life.

San Francisco (June 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas I met Richard...

Sun, 13 May 2012 13:05:59 -0400

San Francisco (June 2008)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

I met Richard in San Francisco a few years ago. This particular day I chose to stake out the Powell Street BART station to people watch with my camera. This is the busiest public transit station in the city, so I was bound to encounter some interesting people.

I must have spent about 10 minutes watching Richard wander among the crowd of eclectic city dwellers and mesmerized tourists. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but there was something powerfully captivating about him. Perhaps it was his unique vagabond couture, or the distinguishing hint of gray hairs that peered out from under his bandana. He moved with such an unassuming presence and I was inspired to get closer.

When I approached Richard to ask for permission to photograph him, he studied me for a moment, and with neither a smile nor a look of disapproval he said “sure.” He told me his name and that he was from L.A. He told me how he preferred the milder climate of San Francisco over his home town. And those were the only pieces of his life he was willing to share. It was unclear whether he planned on staying in the city, or he was just passing through. And I got the sense that Richard was uncertain about his journey too. So, I spent a few moments snapping pictures as he remained silent, staring past me into the droves of swirling people. My other questions were met with nothing more than a slight nod of his head. I think he was as unsure of me as I was of him.

For me, these images depict the vulnerability I experienced with Richard that day. When I look at them I’m reminded of the responsibility that comes with holding a camera in my hands. It’s the responsibility of treating my subjects with the sensitivity of compassion.

Cleveland, OH (October 2007) copyright: Aaron Douglas These...

Sat, 05 May 2012 20:21:00 -0400

Cleveland, OH (October 2007)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

These images are probably some of my favorite portraits I’ve ever shot. So much so that I’m considering having them framed for my personal collection. A few years ago a young man by the name of Will contacted me online to inquire about shooting with me. He was a friend of one of my other models and was somewhat familiar with my work.

After a few brief email exchanges I invited Will over to my studio to discuss the possibilities of a shoot. Though he wasn’t prepared to be photographed that day, I was so compelled by his incredibly beautiful face that I couldn’t resist asking him for a few head shots. I remember him being a little hesitant at first, because he felt he needed a shave and his cornrows weren’t fresh and tight. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In this case I was the beholder and when I’m moved to behold beauty, I don’t get too caught up in tiny details.

Cleveland, OH (September 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas As you...

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:05:00 -0400

Cleveland, OH (September 2008)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

As you know by now, I just love having people in front of my lens. When a complete stranger allows me to snap a picture of him a rush of adrenaline shoots through my body, and I am overcome with a euphoric sensation. That’s how I felt when Charles, a Cleveland public transit operator, allowed me to take this picture of him. I was taking a walk on a Sunday afternoon when I spotted him sitting at a bus stop. His bus route was on layover and he was on his break. The time of day was right, the sun was hitting his face just so, and he was a willing subject. It couldn’t have been a more perfect scenario. What captivated me about him was the certain sensitivity I detected in his eyes.

These portraits were taken in 2008. Interestingly, I spotted Charles just recently on the train where he is still an RTA operator. I regret that I didn’t say hi.

Oakland, CA (August 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas My encounter...

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 17:10:00 -0400

Oakland, CA (August 2008)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

My encounter with Menhuam seemed to be one of happenstance. Not to say that all of the men who have been so generous to stop and pose for one of my street portraits hasn’t left a unique impression in their own right. It’s just that I discovered an incredible wealth of wisdom to be gleaned from Menhuam, and I left this interaction with the sense that I gained a friend, perhaps even a brother.

I was walking down Broadway in downtown Oakland (California) when Menhuam seemed to pop up out of nowhere. He was carrying a large canvas bag full of books and he asked me if I would like to hear about the book he had written and self-published, I Can Do Anything I Put My Mind to Black People: A Manual for Renewal.

As an artist, there’s something to be said about those of us who take a grass roots approach to spread the word about our work. Of course, this gave me cause to want to stop and learn a little more about this intriguingly striking man with the innocent freckles and curly salt-and-pepper hair. Throughout the course of our 45-minute conversation I learned quite a bit about Menhuam’s thoughts on the correlation between the distribution of wealth in America and the current state of the African American community.

Not only did I learn his ideals and opinions on black culture, but I also found out some interesting things about his life. Menhuam is 31 years old and is bi-racial. His biological mother was white and his biological father was black. However, when he was four years old he was adopted into a family where the mother was black and the father was white. I found it interesting that a white father-figure could raise such a strong black-identified man.

When he’s not writing books or making waves as a leader in his community, Menhuam makes a living as a certified Journeyman carpenter and is also a student of environmental architecture. He resides in his native city of Oakland with his wife and their three children.

He told me his first name is pronounced “men-who-aim.” …fitting, isn’t it?

Cleveland, OH (August 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas Like many,...

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:18:46 -0500

Cleveland, OH (August 2008)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

Like many, I tend to be fascinatingly attracted to the “bad boy”. He’s the type of guy with the hot temper who looks like he could take a hit. And when it comes to having these guys in front of my camera this attraction couldn’t be any stronger.

I met Indian at a bus stop on West 25th Street and Clark in the heart of Cleveland’s Latino neighborhood. I studied him precariously as he bumped fists and exchanged head nods with all the dudes that walked by. It was obvious that he was a well-known fixture with a reputation in his community. His hyper-masculine stance intimidated me, but I eventually worked up the nerve to ask him for a picture.

Clearly I was a misfit in this neighborhood and he told me he didn’t want any of his buddies to see him posing for a picture. So he led me to a condemned, boarded-up house behind a porn shop. I followed him with apprehension but was too intrigued by the thrill of capturing his portrait to have second thoughts about my surroundings. We squeezed through a hole in the wooden fence surrounding the property and shot away!

He told me he got the scratches and bruises from a fight, and he worked in a bar. And that was all I got to learn about Indian on my street photography adventure that day.

Cleveland, OH (September 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas I...

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:26:00 -0500

Cleveland, OH (September 2008)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

I spotted Jose near the West Side Market one day back in September of 2008. He was working for an an organization called Acorn that went into low income and minority neighborhoods and registered voters. Unfortunately, Acorn came under a lot of heat by the Republican party when President Obama was elected into office. But, hell, we all know the Repubs weren’t interested making sure these folks had a voice… I digress… Anyways, I remember Jose coming across as a bit shy and embarrassed by the attention of being stopped for a portrait, but he obliged anyways. I’m glad he allowed me a few moments of his time. He was doing a good thing and I enjoyed talking to him.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:50:00 -0500

Chicago, IL (August 2009)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

His was another wonderfully intense face I shot on that trip to Chicago in 2009. What I remember about him is that he was a French man traveling across the U.S. with his French rock band. They were so kind to stop and talk to me and my creative partner for the (now defunct) project. I simply stood in the background and snapped away as my creative partner engaged him and his band mates in conversation;hence the candid nature of these shots. He was totally aware that I was taking pictures but didn’t seem to mind. The shot where he’s taking a drag on the cigarette was nearly “James Dean” perfect had my partner not been in the way with his point and shoot.

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:11:00 -0500

Chicago, IL (August 2009)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

A few years ago I embarked upon a documentary project with a fellow creative that led us to Chicago. Although the project never got off the ground I did capture some great images from that trip. Today I went rummaging through my hard drive and came across these shots of this college student that we stopped on the street and interviewed for the project. Unfortunately, I don’t remember his name despite the fact that I’ve been turning over every notebook in the house looking for my scribblings on this image set. What I do remember about him was that he was Filipino-American, in his early 20s, had just broke up with his girlfriend at the time, had great tattoos, and was studying philosophy at one of the local colleges. He had a great look and an incredibly magnetic personality. Would love to know where he is now, and perhaps have him in front of my camera again. So if he looks familiar to any of you in cyberspace drop me a line.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:19:00 -0400

Miguelito del Fenix - Cleveland, OH (June 2009)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

I don’t know if words or image can express how intriguing I find Miguelito. He’s a poet, free thinker, and one of the most compelling individuals I’ve met in Cleveland. I met him when he worked at a bookstore near my apartment, and at first sight I knew I would have him in front of my camera one day. So, upon that first meeting I handed him my card. On one of my sequential trips to his bookstore I was disappointed to learn that his envious girlfriend (at the time) ripped up my card. So I gave him another. One day back in 2009 he called me up and asked to hang out. Not one to turn away a beautiful latin man, I invited him over and he spent the afternoon reading me his poetry and musing in front of the camera. In this portrait (top) we were just fooling around in the studio, but I find it incredibly intense. As it turns out Miguelito is quite camera shy which I find ironic for someone so photogenic. Visit his poetry blog here.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:07:00 -0400

Fred - Cleveland, OH (May 2008)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

In my opinion Fred is an absolutely beautiful man. There’s a sort of wisdom in his dark eyes that I find intrinsically captivating — not to mention that salt and pepper beard, and those cheekbones which are any photographer’s dream. Fred told me a little about himself as well. Not long ago he too was homeless, but drew upon his inner strength to rise out of his situation and build a secure lifestyle for himself. He explained that he often comes downtown to visit with the friends he made while he was living on the streets. Obviously, this was a defining time in his life and these are people he holds very close to his heart. He told me that he is in the process of writing a book about his experiences. I hope I run into Fred again. I’d love to hear more of his story, and I’d really love to get him into the studio to see what I can do with those gorgeous features.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:58:00 -0400

Kenny - Oakland, CA (June 2008)

copyright: Aaron Douglas

Kenny was most certainly one of the most memorable guys I met on my street photography excursions that summer. In June 2008, I was in Oakland, California, on business, and I stayed a few extra days to explore the city with my camera. I was walking down Telegraph Road when I saw Kenny sitting along the side of a brick building. He asked if I had a cigarette. I don’t smoke, so I couldn’t help him out with that. However, I did have a few bucks in my pocket and a camera in my hands, and I wasn’t about to pass up a face with as much character as Kenny’s.

Kenny had a very warm personality and he seemed to be quite happy. When I asked him for a few pictures he immediately gave me his best impressions of Sammy Davis Jr. and the rest of the rat pack. He told me he perfected these impersonations by going to the library and reading about the entertainers.

I made another trip to Oakland later that year and I was hoping to run into Kenny again. It would have been a delight to have him in front of my camera once more. I roamed all around the city, but unfortunately was unable to find him.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:44:00 -0400

Denzel - Chicago, IL (July 2010)

I spent the July 4th weekend in Chicago. And y’all know I wouldn’t leave Chicagoland without finding someone intriguing for my street portrait series. Yesterday I was in the Wicker Park neighborhood where I spotted 19-year old Denzel near the “L” station on Damon. He was panhandling and asked me for some spare change. At first I shrugged my shoulders and told him I had no change on me. Which was the truth as I did not have any coins to put in his cup. It was too bad because, upon first glance, I knew I’d like to photograph him. But, as you know, I have a policy about being able to offer compensation whenever I ask anyone for a street portrait. So I proceeded to walk about half a block when remembered that I did, indeed, have a five dollar bill in my pocket. I quickly returned to where he was sitting outside a deli and asked him for a few shots.

He told me he was originally from Chicago but was living as a squatter and jumping trains from city to city. He had just returned from San Diego and would be leaving in a few days to meet up with his girlfriend in New York. He said it was a lifestyle he enjoyed and I have to admit I was a little jealous. He made it sound as if it was the adventure of a lifetime. Knowing I only had a five to give him, I only took about four shots as not to take up too much of his time. I got his story, he signed a release, and I was on my way.

Again, I only got about a half block when I felt compelled to have just a little more time with him in front of my lens. So I stopped at the ATM and returned to ask him if he’d mind being my muse for a little while. As you can see, we had quite a bit of fun shooting in an alley behind the “L” station.

faces of men project

Rapper - Cleveland (October 2009) Technically, I’m not...

Chris - San Francisco (June 2008) Chris was the first man I...

Habtu - Columbus, OH (May 2008) A few years ago I took a street...

Ammen - Cleveland, OH (March 2011) Ammen came to me by way of a...

Joseph - San Francisco (June 2008) It was the last day of my San...

Unknown - San Francisco 2008 Unfortunately I don’t recall...

Shawn - Cleveland (top: July 2007; bottom: October 2004) Today I...

Brown - Chicago (August 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas I...

San Francisco (June 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas I met Richard...

Cleveland, OH (October 2007) copyright: Aaron Douglas These...

Cleveland, OH (September 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas As you...

Oakland, CA (August 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas My encounter...

Cleveland, OH (August 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas Like many,...

Cleveland, OH (September 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas I...

Chicago, IL (August 2009) copyright: Aaron Douglas His was...

Chicago, IL (August 2009) copyright: Aaron Douglas A few years...

Miguelito del Fenix - Cleveland, OH (June 2009) copyright: Aaron...

Fred - Cleveland, OH (May 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas In my...

Kenny - Oakland, CA (June 2008) copyright: Aaron Douglas Kenny...

Denzel - Chicago, IL (July 2010) copyright: Aaron Douglas I...