Juan

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I’m taking $1 portraits as long as money permits. (See Thomas Hawk with his $2 portrait project and Justin Korn with his $1 portrait project.)

What’s the premise? I’ll offer $1 to anyone who asks me for money in exchange for their portrait. I’m a shy person, but I’ll do my best to find out a little about the person. You never know if it’ll make someone’s day for at least talking to them a little bit.

Juan meekly asked me for fifty cents (in Spanish) as I was walking towards the entrance to Pershing Square station. I asked him if he spoke English, then told him about my project.

He basically agreed. I pointed him towards this spot with better light. When I held up my camera to take the photo, he was turned to the side. I guess he didn’t want a straight on portrait or something.

I snapped a couple, then thanked him. I took out my wallet, but found that I only had five dollar bills. Gah! I told him I’d be back with change. I walked to Taco House nearby, ordered a burrito, then came back to him to give him the dollar I promised. He thanked me and walked off.

As for me, I sat on the corner to eat the carne asada burrito I had just bought before going to the subway. (It was delicious!)

View more $1 portraits here or at Flickr