standout
homeless woman
san francisco
august, 2006

homeless esther from the bay area. esther was going up to people asking for money as i walked up. her boyfriend was standing nearby. esther says "why do you want to take my picture? because i look strange?"

"no. because you're interesting and you stand out."

(8/24/06)

Felipe Monardes Mena says: Once again, wonderful work!!! -- 07:21PM, August 29, 2006.
Ömer Babadag says: Bravo bravo bravo...! (: -- 07:22PM, August 29, 2006.
One of those Allans says: Well, until I saw the piercings I figured she was from the mountains of Mongolia or something, so yeah, she does look strange. I think that's her goal. Very cool portrait, great light, beautifully sharp and I love the detail and texture in the hat. Great work. -- 07:28PM, August 29, 2006.
a.rud.beth says: your pictures are worth to be flickr addicted ! -- 07:29PM, August 29, 2006.
iamnona says: haha...i actually like her style~ the facial hair threw me, though, at first~ i love the natural state that all of your "models" have taken~ they know they're being photographed and they're so unposed and seemingly unaffected by the expreience...usually ANY person having their picture taken shows some kind of awareness~ loving these individuals~ esther rocks~ -- 07:29PM, August 29, 2006.
lat454205 / Lisa says: You know what......possibly it's a mistake, but I have a bad habit of "immediately putting my first thoughts to comment under a photo. First thoughts for this.......... She was once someone's tiny little baby who was hopefully cared for and loved......what happened ? I saw that in her eyes. -- 07:33PM, August 29, 2006.
wojofoto says: super...! -- 07:38PM, August 29, 2006.
*Irina* says: amazing ! -- 07:39PM, August 29, 2006.
Jack Brodus says: Wow, a very "pointy" picture. I love the different lines and things on her face. Excellent work. -- 07:41PM, August 29, 2006.
TobiTobi ( now www.ipernity.com/home/tobitobi) says: incredible, you are such a couraged person, I 'd never have the balls to ask for an image.. don't know why but i respect the people so much i'm stuck then. Great as usual! Go on show us your people! -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 07:41PM, August 29, 2006.
Tito Perez says: it's a GREAT photo. Your talent inspires. -- 07:45PM, August 29, 2006.
David Wilson Clarke says: Oh, I love the detail, the natural expresion, what a great portrait. 1-2-3 -- 07:50PM, August 29, 2006.
makunia says: what an interesting person............what a wonder, great , bravo -- 07:57PM, August 29, 2006.
Memo Vasquez says: Excellent portrait!! -- 07:58PM, August 29, 2006.
kelco says: great one! -- 07:59PM, August 29, 2006.
Darja Bajagić says: Fantastic. -- 08:06PM, August 29, 2006.
the mighty jimbo says: love the 50mm for portraits. great shot. -- 08:49PM, August 29, 2006.
helmut the horrible says: Just add me to the chorus, it seems to me everything that I can think of has been said. Just one question: what goes on in such a head that has to be protected by fur? And another one: what does it feel like to kiss this face? Or does anyone? -- 09:10PM, August 29, 2006.
TjF Photography says: Awesome! -- 09:35PM, August 29, 2006.
Milena T. says: Incredible.... -- 09:41PM, August 29, 2006.
patisfaction ~ censored says: always gr8 2 look @ yr compellin portraits! very interesting person -- 09:48PM, August 29, 2006.
icelandicphoto says: yet another fantastic portrait! -- 09:56PM, August 29, 2006.
gabrielbravo says: nice.. a few days i went to the world press photo on my country (chile) and i saw the portraits.. i must tell u that you should be on the walls of the gallery.. nice shots.. =) -- 10:26PM, August 29, 2006.
original_ann says: She's like a modern day Dr. Suess character on the outside and well, although I can't know for certain, probably a very atypical earthling on the inside... Gorgeous capture... -- 11:20PM, August 29, 2006.
Phil O'Toole says: She does stand out....her eyes are a testament to her soul! -- 11:46PM, August 29, 2006.
somnium! says: real cool, great lax expression -- 12:51AM, August 30, 2006.
io the mad cow says: Her eyes are as compelling as all her piercings. Great job. -- 02:21AM, August 30, 2006.
omsi28 says: love this but i hate it also!! such beautie in porverty!!! great capture!!! -- 03:20AM, August 30, 2006.
nathalie booth says: I have seen here around, she is amazing great portrait -- 04:28AM, August 30, 2006.
...Luca Brasi... says: awesome portrait, a great picture, a fav. -- 06:16AM, August 30, 2006.
Pelayo Arbués says: wow it´s one of your best portraits, and that´s saying a lot! -- 09:21AM, August 30, 2006.
joey kennedy says: Wow, i am speechless, something so strange yet so good about this shot. Are sure these are from Earth? : ) -- 10:44AM, August 30, 2006.
Magnaza says: great, great job! -- 01:54PM, August 30, 2006.
teenage jesus says: love it -- 04:01PM, August 30, 2006.
tinyjab40 says: I've been clicking on Flicker for several months now. You are one of my two favorite photographers on Flicker. The other is Machine who takes beautiful pictures of Heidi and Mary Rose. Your pictures are at the whole other end of the spectrum. They are so expressive of street life. They don't seem to exploit the people because they include at least a small written story. Thanks! -- 09:52PM, August 30, 2006.
Harpersbizarre says: you amaze and inspire me! -- 11:58PM, August 30, 2006.
Hungry Nirmanakaya says: it seems to be very strong and strange energies there in SF. it is your luck to be there and have a possibility of doing such great works, i think. -- 07:31AM, August 31, 2006.
anwesha013 says: another interetsing potrait with an interesting story.. :) -- 07:50AM, August 31, 2006.
Merkur* says: what's the difference between strange and standing out? wow to the picture! -- 05:52PM, August 31, 2006.
stoneth says: The Albanian: standout: "one that is prominent or conspicuous especially because of excellence" :) -- 06:04PM, August 31, 2006.
**Anik Messier** says: AWSOME PORTRAIT! Bravo! -- 08:08PM, August 31, 2006.
Mernas says: beautiful.. -- 11:34AM, September 01, 2006.
Hudlu says: Fantastic, my friend! -- 12:06PM, September 01, 2006.
laSilvi says: !!! -- 03:13AM, September 02, 2006.
NYCArthur says: Wonderful close portrait, emotionally close, especially with your words. I've said before that Fur Always Works - I gues it works in every setting, too. -- 12:55PM, September 02, 2006.
akaiam says: You have SO TOTALLY found your photographic niche/arena. Your ability to produce superior work of this type makes me wonder about you, what it is about you that allows you to enter your subjects' personal space and portray them with such stark beauty and compassion. -- 02:32AM, September 03, 2006.
d_wooden says: she needs a shave too! LoL......... another great shot from you! I envy and admire.......but there is no way I'd want to be in your shoes daily. -- 04:59AM, September 03, 2006.
Kumasan says: Good work -- 10:49PM, September 05, 2006.
tomjuly5 says: I also want to take photo for people outstanding sometimes. But I just afraid this cause trouble. How can U do that? -- 03:45PM, September 09, 2006.
butterflyinbabylon says: rien a dire c est superbe du beau travail tu as su capturer les emotions de cette femme au meilleur moment elle reflechit nous aussi well done ! do you expose your picture of homeless because if not you have to find a way to do it its important to help people seeing that the fairytail is finished a long time ago and that a lots aof people are abandoned from society and that is horrible ! -- 07:33AM, September 13, 2006.
sMacshot-on semi hiatus says: That hat goes with her icy eyes and cold metal hardware. I'm sure there is softness beneath the exterior, somewhere. -- 05:36PM, September 14, 2006.
fotoattack says: sMacshot.................. you nailed it! W O W . -- 06:02PM, September 14, 2006.
Franc-tireur says: a great great job!!! congratulations!! -- 10:25PM, September 19, 2006.
auwa says: the texture of the fur, the many piercings, her whiskers, that piercing stare..........such wonderful memorable details. a standout portrait!! -- 03:24AM, September 21, 2006.
enthogenesis says: Bro, can't help escape the feeling that your work is important & hope it gets more widely seen... God willing did you pay her some money BTW? is that something your ever do if they ask? Salams! -- 07:49PM, September 30, 2006.
Merkur* says: I think the reason why your pictures are so excellent is that in the faces of the homeless people in the US as well as indegieneous people in many places in the world (e.g. Afghanistan or Sudan), lives of individuals are carved in their faces without any cosmetics interfering. As long as you capture that detail and a favourable moment in their thinking ( you do make them think - evaluate before you take their pictures) - you will have pictures as ecellent as you do . Keep it up Stoneth, I think you should publish a book some day and will be looking forward to buy it. cheers -- 05:15AM, October 01, 2006.
Korosuke says: I loved many of your pictures, but this one is a masterpiece! -- 05:58PM, October 01, 2006.
Alexander Denomay says: Woa!! You see through people!! Wow! I envy your talent!!!! -- 01:51PM, October 06, 2006.
gizi says: wow! it's been a while since i visited you for the first time, after you made a comment on a picture of mine. Things are going amazing around here, i mean, the work you do with these people, the meaning you give to your photos. i aprecciatte that very very very much. well done. and i'll go straight to the other ones. ;) -- 10:15PM, October 21, 2006.
.Mohammad Taheri says: Hi Tom.. I've just came across you stream and I must say you have more than powerful work, you way of representing this journey is even more admirable.. Reading each and every one of the personal stories you provide brings us knowledge, sight and understanding. Thank you. mo -- 08:58AM, November 21, 2006.
kiplingflu says: she does stand out I know it's not the case but sometimes you can see glamour in your pictures It's a thin line -- Seen on the Web. (?) -- 09:03AM, November 28, 2006.
Flutterbye_856 says: Your photo's leave me speechless! -- 01:39AM, December 18, 2006.
Katushinka says: She seems like she is from another culture, far from our own. Somewhere maybe in the lands of Mongolia. Beautiful! -- 02:48AM, December 19, 2006.
Napalm Cupcake says: She looks like an Esther. I am honored to share her name. -- 10:47PM, December 28, 2006.
Anne Bloom/one love says: this shot is beautiful, i love her face -- 03:58PM, January 03, 2007.
mojlogin says: another amazing shot!! lovely details on the skin!! fantastic shot!! -- 09:57AM, January 04, 2007.
Tony_ia says: This is great ! -- 06:05PM, January 06, 2007.
THE ULTRAVIOLET says: wow. beautiful photo. i actually remember this woman from 10 years ago in the haight area. -- 10:24AM, January 19, 2007.
_antoine_ says: I just discovered your photostream, don't know where to put a comment first since all your photos are so fantastic ! Your portraits are so powerful and expressive, and the way these people look at you, it's really incredible. You really know how to bring out, like another flickr member said, the hard life that is carved in their faces. I think you are a very talented person, and if maybe half of your talent is photography, the other half is how you can connect with these people. This is the latter half that I respect most, because anybody can use a camera, but for the rest it's another matter ;) Great photos, keep up the good work ! (and thanks for your comment, by the way :)) -- 10:59PM, March 03, 2007.
drewsmuse says: excellent portrait. -- 09:21PM, March 06, 2007.
fabrozio says: wonderful works!!!! all photos.....you're great!! -- 08:04AM, April 04, 2007.
arturhutnik says: MAN! I will just say that I admire your photo work very very MUCH! You done great work whit your street-portraits... BRAVO! btw this one is my favorite ! -- 09:17PM, April 04, 2007.
tink_1228 says: I wish I could comment on everything... your work is literally amazing! There's something about Esther that some of your other subjects have, an inner peace... stillness Through the ruggedness and harshness the streets can bring, there are still souls waiting to be heard. You're bringing their inner voices to live. Bravo! -- 05:15PM, April 13, 2007.
casamanita says: I've been thinking days about what to say about this amazing picture. Is so beautiful... A fragile yet strong man/woman from the future (could be from the past, but the piercings make us think the opposite) (or not, shit), looking at the same point that the hair of the animal she wears looks. The lines below her eyes, so graphically valuable, are just as the minor sisters of the future/past tattoo, which is still emphasizing to the same point her eyes and her animal's hair point. Really amazing and beautiful. -- 05:33AM, May 09, 2007.
casamanita says: In your homeless photos, there is a common shadow in their eyes... A sadness (sometimes showed as anger) that breaks them down. Just a little of them have peace or joy in their eyes, and that ones are the ones that I like more. They show us that, no matter what happens outside, inside of us there is always hope and always spirit. Thank you. -- 05:37AM, May 09, 2007.
http://splitsecond.canalblog.com/ says: superbe work on actuality...sadness, and sometime hope...impressive -- 05:42AM, June 05, 2007.
MickiP65 says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Portrait by Invite, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. -- 03:13AM, July 15, 2007.
Nicoli Barea says: I love your portraits -- 08:16PM, October 13, 2007.
HeadOvMetal says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Tattoos Above the Collar, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. -- 12:21AM, January 11, 2008.
djalpes says: Your portraits are so impressive ! Pictures are beautiful but the stare of these women and men are sometimes so sad ! -- 04:57PM, April 24, 2008.
asi fotografiaba zaratustra says: Admirable tu trabajo, realmente captas la esencia de las personas. -- 12:08AM, May 02, 2008.
imfr0mth3futur3 says: i think i have seen her around haight. the texture of the hat really complements her face. -- 07:48AM, July 31, 2008.
NadiaKhaddar says: this is absolutely one of the best pictures my eyes have ever gazed upon!!! : ) -- 05:48AM, August 23, 2008.
crawfordjill92 says: i saw this woman not too long ago when i visited haight street a while back. i had seen your photostream with this picture and immediately flashed her a smile at her. she looked at me like i was crazy but i was excited to see one of your pictures in the flesh. -- 05:02PM, February 21, 2009.
Day into Night says: Her face tattoo is really kick ass. -- 01:48AM, June 08, 2009.
[flow]er says: Hi, I'm an art student and I was wondering if I could use this picture in a photo realist drawing. Your pictures are amazing. -- 05:47PM, November 12, 2009.
stoneth says: [flow]er... emailed u :)) -- 04:29PM, November 14, 2009.
twirlgrrl says: I remember Esther from Haight Street in the early 90's! I hope she's doing well. Haven't seen her in ages. She's a very strong person and an inventive artist. -- 11:11PM, February 06, 2010.