Recently I blogged about a new project that I am starting called $2 portraits. The idea is that I will offer $2 to anyone who asks me for money from now on in exchange for their portrait.
I met Frederick earlier this morning at about 1:30 a.m. around the Pike Place Market area. I was wearing my headphones while shooting and he got in front of me and starting waving his hands to get my attention.
When I took my headphones off Frederick asked me if I had seen him dancing. I told him that I hadn’t and so he asked me if I wanted to see him dance.
I told Frederick about my $2 portrait project and he agreed to pose. At first he asked me for $4.75 instead of the $2. He said he wanted to get a hot dog. Then when I told him that the project was for $2 he asked me for $3. When I said no to that he said ok but added that he got to pick the pose.
I asked Frederick if he had family and he said no. I asked him how long he’d been in Seattle and he said he didn’t know.
As I took my wallet out to pay Frederick he said, "don’t worry, I’m not going to rob you." I told him that I wasn’t worried about him robbing me and smiled at him.
As we parted ways Frederick saw these three younger college age looking kids walking by us and said, you all, this guy’s paying $2 for portraits, but the kids did not seem interested.
I thanked Frederick and went on my way.