(Jim Gupta-Carlson/PostGlobe)
Monday, Nov. 16, a day of gusty winds and a lot of rain. When I arrived at Pioneer Square, the first thing I looked for was shelter from the rain and wind. I huddled for a few minutes near the back entrance to the Smith Tower, watching commuters walk with their umbrellas to and from their buses and trains, like soldiers marching to battle: Eyes focused ahead, with straight faces seemingly unaware of anything but their destination and their need to do their jobs.
“You can’t be here – no loitering.” Apparently, the back entrance of Smith Tower was the wrong place for me to be. A security guard at “Seattle’s best old building” told me that my body and my camera were blocking the passage-way. It was six feet wide; I took up perhaps 18 inches. But it didn’t matter. According to the guard, the Smith Tower was private property and I was not allowed. I shot this photo as I left. The building in the background used to be The Campbell Fuller Building dating from 1889 which housed a variety of businesses including The Mocambo, an early Seattle gay bar from 1951 to 1978. It’s condos now.
(Jim Gupta-Carlson/PostGlobe)
I’ve been visiting Pioneer Square for more than a month. Initially, I was going to shoot 30 rolls in 30 days. Due to a lack of money, a shortage of time, and a realization that no one can know a place in 30 days, I’ll be out here much longer. Still, people recognize me now and ask me how the shooting’s going.
(Jim Gupta-Carlson/PostGlobe)
Down the street, Robert is selling “Real Change,” the nationally award-winning newspaper that earns the homeless 60 cents on the dollar. Robert’s out here, rain or shine. I’m not that resilient; one last reason for running late and extending this project is the weather. It’s not fun to shoot when you’re dripping wet and always trying to wipe your lens clean. I have the choice between the project and my house, my coffeepot, my hot baths. Men like Robert do not. A few more soldiers walk by Robert as I photograph him, ignoring Robert.
Later that night, on James the #3 bus pulls to the curb. I put my copy of Real Change under my arm and go home.
