Capturing images of people - portraits - is perhaps the oldest and continues to be among the most popular applications of photography. Initially, the use of the camera to capture people’s images reduced the time required from hours, even days, to a matter of minutes. Correspondingly, the out-of-pocket expenses were also reduced considerably. Now, even the most common of men and women, could have their images "captured for eternity." Indeed, images could be captured repeatedly, enabling over-time comparisons demonstrating growth, maturation and aging.

The paparazzi swarm over celebreties. Fashion photographers are in high demand. But, I prefer the folks who pass on the street. Each is a wonderful, sometimes tragic, oftentimes heroic story of seeking to stand tall in the face of adversity. Each is unique and not at all common.