In the spirit of the season...

[jeeperman]

On my way to work this morning I spotted Jim. Jim is a homeless man {Although he doesn't really see it that way. He has a tent and a really big yard that he does not have to mow.} that I photographed about a yr or so ago. You may remember the long black leather coat and cowboy hat.
I talked to Jim for a while and during shooting and after today. He is a pretty nice guy. He has been doing this for 4 yrs now no matter the weather.
Between shots he had to replace some strings on his guitar as a couple broke. He carries spares.

Sorry for the image heavy thread but these were my favorite of the day. All C&C welcome but mostly just sharing these. I am no street photog so I did the best I knew how.

[gregj1763]

What a cool old dude.
Nice images Paul
The last one is my pick.
Cheers, Greg

[jeeperman]

Thanks, Greg. I think that is my top pick as well......I think...

[Trina]

Paul, I really enjoyed all these shots. There is something about the 4th one that really draws me in... I wish he either was cropped tighter losing the guitar or that there was more of the guitar showing....I also very much liked that last one.. Nice shots.. makes you want to meet the ole dad...

[jeeperman]

Thank you Trina, glad you enjoyed them. He is quite an interesting guy.

[jamn4ex]

santa rocks! the last 2 for me.

[ggt]

Only in America!

Santa looks like he --well, crawled out from under a bridge.

Personally, I think he is a scary Santa.

Nice images. Too bad you can't photoshop out the grime.

[jeeperman]

Thanks James.

Gretchen, actually it was a tent in the near by woods. Not a scary guy at all though. Quite friendly and not drunk.

Honestly had the grime not been there he would have been more scary and I would likely not been prompted to make the images.

[Sergio M.]

Great pictures, Paul, and a very apt title. Jim has plenty of spirit.

[djg05478]

Photography gets really fun when you have interesting subject matter. Very nice set. I like the last two. I actually like the second to last one better compositionally regarding the man...er Santa and his guitar. I understand the background is completely out of your control. Luckily I can Photoshop it out in my mind. I love his hand on the neck of the guitar. Cool stuff

[jeeperman]

Thank you, Sergio. he does indeed.

Thank you, Debbi. it was fun to not only talk with him but to shoot in such a challengig place. We were on a sidewalk at a major 4way intersection.