elizabeth
homeless girl
san francisco
december, 2007

she's from the bay area. but things went bad last time. so she's been gone till now. says she lost her cat, her apartment, and her fiance all on the same weekend. so she up and split. went north.

she's sitting with two dogs and a boy. the boy is river; the "great river"; not for phoenix. and he doesn't like cameras. as for her, she's elizabeth; "like the queen." she smiles.

they are selling handmade necklaces and keepsakes. hers are made of twine and cloth; his of twisted metal. they met twisting herb up north.

"you know," says river, "you're taking a picture of the prettiest homeless girl in town!"

she giggles.

disgustipado says: Their eyes are smiling too...Like the portrait and history too -- 08:05AM, December 27, 2007.
Extra Medium says: Wow, wouldn't have guessed she was homeless in a million years. -- 08:12AM, December 27, 2007.
FromHereToFame says: nice contrast -- 08:19AM, December 27, 2007.
doublecappuccino says: it's true, she is quite pretty. beautiful portrait and story, as always. happy holidays. -- 08:22AM, December 27, 2007.
BESTO (Giuseppe Stella) says: nice portrait! ... good smile! -- 08:22AM, December 27, 2007.
beetorstevie. says: Indeed, I'm sure! -- 08:30AM, December 27, 2007.
Trickypicky Pixie says: She has a beautiful shining visage. Thank You for posting it. -- 08:32AM, December 27, 2007.
Rod Monkey says: She's beautiful - what a wonderful smile. Hope she makes it through. -- 08:47AM, December 27, 2007.
La Salsera says: Beautiful. >>>seen on 1-2-3 group -- 08:54AM, December 27, 2007.
IngerBonde says: Lovely girl. -- 09:09AM, December 27, 2007.
justjjoke says: oh! beautiful! -- 09:14AM, December 27, 2007.
malkhalifaa says: beautiful! -- 09:21AM, December 27, 2007.
lewishamdreamer says: He has a point. This is beautiful. Welcome back! ;) -- 09:22AM, December 27, 2007.
Alexandre Aybes says: glad to see you posting on flickr once again! :) -- 09:38AM, December 27, 2007.
Trăndă says: There's still life in those eyes. They still sparkle with joy, and hope, each time somebody stops by to talk to her. After a while, the sparkle goes away... Hopefully she'll make it out of it before it's too late. Lovely work, just like the rest of you photos. -- 09:49AM, December 27, 2007.
RtOaNn says: she just looks so beautiful to be homeless. -- Seen in 1-2-3 -- 09:53AM, December 27, 2007.
Sukanto Debnath says: brilliant as always!!! WINNER Your fantastic portrait picture is my winner! Please add this photo to http://www.flickr.com/groups/portraitaward/ Natural Beauty Please, join Natural Beauty - Portraiture Group... your picture is a perfect fit! !!! THE FACE !!! Please add this exceptional image to: www.flickr.com/groups/theface/ ------------------------------------------------- and please, add " theface" TAG fav You are one of my favourite photographers, please add this image to the Fav-Photographer Group and pass it on. -- 10:06AM, December 27, 2007.
miquelet says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Blanc i Negre, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. your portraits are so great -- 10:28AM, December 27, 2007.
smata2 says: Lovely portrait. -- 10:42AM, December 27, 2007.
Maxwell Edison* says: Excellent !! -- 10:57AM, December 27, 2007.
Sleeper on Earth says: lovely smile! Hope she gets it through. 123 -- 11:02AM, December 27, 2007.
F R E I G E I S T says: Beautiful girl with such of nice smile and a very sad story! :( May God help and bless her. -- 11:05AM, December 27, 2007.
daaynos says: Wonderful eyes !! Great portrait !! -- 11:14AM, December 27, 2007.
.Mohammad Taheri says: your writings are really great - thank you for always sharing them -- 11:19AM, December 27, 2007.
gtvone says: Hey Fella, sweet picture as ever, the shine in her eyes gives hope, great tale... Really lovely... hope you're well! Happy New Year eh... Sime -- 11:25AM, December 27, 2007.
mac218 says: really nice... can always count on some great perspective visiting your stream... see you've moved up to the d300... no doubt it will serve up more incredibly impressive moments, too... -- 11:36AM, December 27, 2007.
[] bichito [] says: your work is always missed great, as always -- 12:05PM, December 27, 2007.
_Veeresh says: Very nice portrait... tonal range is very good. -- 12:23PM, December 27, 2007.
PHOTO/arts Magazine says: nice work Tom! -- 12:55PM, December 27, 2007.
CrazyFast says: beautiful picture and story :) -- 01:11PM, December 27, 2007.
AdamBaronPhoto says: Always poignant. -- 01:20PM, December 27, 2007.
muskva says: thank you Tom for another story. Beautiful portrait. Somehow I cannot see the sadness in her eyes. -- 01:30PM, December 27, 2007.
jimmah_v says: powefful and artful image -- great work 123 -- 01:34PM, December 27, 2007.
Miguel_León says: "you're taking a picture of the prettiest homeless girl in town!" Yes she is -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 01:49PM, December 27, 2007.
.btezra says: perfect. I appreciate not only your social documentary style photography but the commentary that accompanies each face, each persona. -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 01:53PM, December 27, 2007.
desde la ventana says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called When you smile..., and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. -- 02:01PM, December 27, 2007.
Renmarc says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Happy-Face, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Happy-Face
This is an happy face! -- 02:06PM, December 27, 2007.
rumer.cri says: her perfect and pure smile makes me cry:thanx!!!!! ;D -- 02:27PM, December 27, 2007.
Sebastián-Dario says: Very nice portrait !! Happy Holidays!! -- 02:31PM, December 27, 2007.
Luna Soledad says: She is gorgeous... I hope the magic in her eyes never dies out. -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 03:35PM, December 27, 2007.
former.ly says: her eyes are full of none but hope! -- 03:41PM, December 27, 2007.
* Ahmad Kavousian * says: Beautiful portrait, nice to see you after a long time! -- 03:46PM, December 27, 2007.
AGrinberg says: Another beautiful view into one's eyes. -- 03:50PM, December 27, 2007.
!!WaynePhotoGuy says: Your work is very powerful and compelling... Thank you for documenting... -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 04:00PM, December 27, 2007.
sparklingstones says: Fantastic portrait!!! Off course it's not for lack of beauty that people loose homes ("can't believe she's homeless..."); social vulnerability is increasing. Its easy not to fit in; it's easy to feel like not belonging to all this crap that society sometimes is; it's much to easy to fall through the social web... and it can happen to almost everybody, if circumstances turn against you. Solidarity and support for the homeless is a fundamental issue. Great job what you are doing, Tom! Elizabeth, don't loose those smiling eyes and you'll make it! -- 04:14PM, December 27, 2007.
leone. says: there's a glance in her eyes like she's not lost.hopefuly... great story and great portrait. -- 05:20PM, December 27, 2007.
_antoine_ says: Great work as usual ! She's very pretty indeed. -- 05:30PM, December 27, 2007.
Thompson Photography says: Great photograph and story. It is the shame of America that so many are in this position when there is so much wealth. $4,000.00 handbags. Pet cemetaries, etc., etc. What a sick society! -- 05:47PM, December 27, 2007.
vizeer says: Lovely. thanks again. -- 06:36PM, December 27, 2007.
joshunter says: beautiful detail. as usual, a fantastic and touching portrait. -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 07:08PM, December 27, 2007.
katie curran taylor says: nice to see this......reminder taken to heart. -- 08:06PM, December 27, 2007.
SL Levy says: Alive and well in spite of hard times. It is remarkable what a little kindness brings out in people. Welcome back. -- 09:09PM, December 27, 2007.
say.wikki says: So young and innocent. Glad you're back! -- 09:50PM, December 27, 2007.
maria_daniela says: love these stories! amazing. -- 12:51AM, December 28, 2007.
figment says: i love your photos and the stories that go along with them. you really capture them in a way that is very moving. -- 12:59AM, December 28, 2007.
TiffanyLynn Photog says: I love the b/w of this shot. Very nice composition as well! -- 02:45AM, December 28, 2007.
~BranchDesign says: I love your work. The photography is excellent, but the words are the icing on the cake. Bravo -- 05:59AM, December 28, 2007.
About a Majordomo says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Art of the Black and White - Emotions [NEW ICON - POST!!!], and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. wonderful portrait... very strong... i'm not words.... -- 05:37PM, December 28, 2007.
Kim The Star Princess says: Wow, what a shitty weekend. She is absolutely beautiful, and it seems that you always manage to capture that in people. -- 07:10PM, December 28, 2007.
paladinsf says: woderful smile all the best your flickr friend bob -- 07:56PM, December 28, 2007.
mpgarascia says: She IS beautiful...there seems to be hope in her eyes.. -- 09:13PM, December 28, 2007.
Izabella~ says: hope within her eyes~ -- 03:34AM, December 29, 2007.
mr. peer says: I - hope -she -will- finde -a- new- home !!! beautiful portriat ! :-)) -- 01:06PM, December 30, 2007.
Marty Hogan says: there is something very wonderful about the expression captured!! -- 02:28PM, December 30, 2007.
Sue, Toronto says: Your words are compliments to your images, and i now see her as twine and cloth, and him as twisted metal, despite his absence in the photo. Brilliant -- 03:49PM, December 30, 2007.
joskraaijeveld.nl says: she looks happy -- 04:05PM, December 30, 2007.
foxfjord says: Everyone wants someone to think they're beautiful. You see the beauty in those others ignore. -- 05:06AM, December 31, 2007.
gewaarwordings says: She looks newly homeless. When it's still a bit of an adventure. I hope she can hang on to that light in her eyes. -- 12:17PM, December 31, 2007.
jasohill says: Wow. This is a very powerful picture. -- Seen next to a fellow photo of 1-2-3. (?) -- 05:23AM, January 07, 2008.
John MacDermid says: Nice story to accompany the photograph. -- 11:21PM, January 09, 2008.
iamnona says: it's possible i believe him... -- 02:49PM, January 30, 2008.
Sarah Campbell - Bris. says: Ohh.. I love this. you make photography such an art. You cover everything we want to know. I cant get enough of these pictures. I ENVY YOUR TALENT!!! ......The light, yes, it is the light, that sparkle of hope, of a life not destroyed, just on a journey.... I hope she finds her home somewhere. I feel such... kinship with her somehow. What an endearing girl. -- 02:23PM, January 31, 2008.
Sarah Campbell - Bris. says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called I Love Your Cheese Face!, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. Such a fantastic shot. -- 02:23PM, January 31, 2008.
rdmsf says: beautiful smile and so innocent adn young...sometimes you just wonder what happened... -- 05:27AM, February 05, 2008.
paladinsf says: a warm smile in a cold world -- 02:08PM, February 21, 2008.
misnixalot says: She is incredibly beautiful and her smile is genuine. -- 11:00PM, February 29, 2008.
Diane.Reichert says: She seems like she is enjoying life. Thanks for bringing her to us. -- 01:43AM, March 01, 2008.
Chrissie64 says: Great story & beautiful portrait -- 07:24PM, March 05, 2008.
MeekoMommy says: She's beautiful... My nephews name is River... River Travertine, actually. Great name.... -- 10:56PM, March 07, 2008.
Harpersbizarre says: She is stunning! So often homelessness is equated with sorrow. I'm glad you captured a rare moment of happiness. -- 03:20AM, March 18, 2008.
LetoCarvalho says: Lovely girl!! -- 04:19AM, March 19, 2008.
SarahKM says: beautiful and amazingly happy for her circumstances You are invited to display your image. Who You Lookin' At? Better Than Good Invitation Only If you accept this Invitation, please give awards to other images. Invited with SOS -- 02:57AM, April 13, 2008.
Liamfm . says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Teenage kicks, and we'd love to have this added to the group! beautiful and sad ! -- 12:03PM, April 13, 2008.
prjbrown says: great job love the range -- 08:00PM, May 25, 2008.
Dream Light says: great work -- 08:17AM, June 05, 2008.
dlemieux says: beautiful soul -- 04:28PM, July 01, 2008.
fotomex says: like thisstuff. imagine convinedwith good music -- 07:48PM, July 09, 2008.
★silviacafarelli★ says: dear tom, maybe someone have already asked you, did you photographers in digital or film? the blacks of your pictures are very intense and with digital I can not ever have it so! many compliments -- 08:22AM, October 10, 2008.
Red sparrow says: This is the makings of a book. The pictures are wonderful and the stories that go with them give the people depth. -- 04:05PM, November 26, 2008.
Fatima2t says: she really is beautiful! you are a true photographer, because u can show so much emotion in the pictures u take and u show us the human side of homeless people, who most people disregard. fantastic work!! -- 08:58AM, December 14, 2008.
Needs a hug says: Her smile and eyes completely blow me away!!!! -- 05:17PM, January 26, 2009.
xraobabryx says: All of these are phenomonal -- 03:39AM, March 26, 2009.
zizwe says: great story and photo -- 12:39PM, April 10, 2009.
Stephan Geyer says: Fantastic story and great subject - she really seems truly happy, for some reason... -- 08:56AM, July 26, 2009.
three white cats =^.^= says: blessings to this beautiful...smiling spirit -- 12:37PM, August 29, 2009.
Mikael Jeney says: just very good and sad ! -- 08:11AM, October 04, 2009.
$!D says: You must have a strong heart to capture this face of civilization, excellent photography -- 04:06AM, October 09, 2009.
carnico33 says: Great portrait!!!!!! -- 08:08PM, November 10, 2009.
poppelus says: She is one beautiful homeless girl.. Bravo I say to your photography. -- 11:35PM, January 29, 2010.
kdriese says: Fantastic set and great work. -- 06:01PM, January 31, 2010.
Jenna Petrone says: She is absolutely beautiful. Her story is defiantly one of my favorites. She seems to be quite optimistic, which I admire. great work, once again! -- 02:17AM, March 15, 2010.
MandyJayneBeck says: Gorgeous smile -- 01:07PM, March 31, 2010.
sgbaughn says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called "The Living Face", and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 04:07PM, June 22, 2010.
Leilani Thornton Tuttle says: Skillfully composed with a touching story. Perfection. -- 10:49PM, July 16, 2010.
LaWendeltreppe says: Wonderful shot! All of that series! -- 01:20PM, August 12, 2010.
Christopher Brown-Floyd says: She has nice teeth! -- 02:13AM, September 04, 2010.
poppelus says: I faved this portrait many moons ago.. Your portraiture is ace. A delight to go through your stream. I am your newest fan! -- 08:05AM, September 12, 2012.