waiting on a friend
old traveler
san francisco
february, 2007

he's waiting for something to happen. or someone to show. but he's patiently at it.

all his bags are packed. keeping company beside him. he's just arrived on the greyhound. he doesn't recommend it.

his name is mike. he's from boston. he has a way about him. comfortable. like a good friend.

says he was living in boston shelters; trying to wait out the housing lists. but, at 70, says he's too old for living in shelters.

and his eyes get lost for a moment.

says he's staying nights at a local shelter. they open their doors at 10pm. "can you imagine?"

says he's been traveling around looking for old friends. he stopped in san diego and vegas, and now sf, but he hasn't found anyone.

says he doesn't know what's next. says he'll have to wait and see.

and he does.

(2/12/07)


snack happy says: strong stuff. -- 07:43PM, February 13, 2007.
Slimeface says: Great portrait and expression! -- 07:43PM, February 13, 2007.
snack happy says: Faved. -- 07:44PM, February 13, 2007.
mag.m says: Incredible expression. This smile and eyes.... he seems to be present only with his body but his soul is somewhere away. -- 07:45PM, February 13, 2007.
metini says: absolutely amazing portrait -- 07:49PM, February 13, 2007.
Ellen Epley says: These photographs are beautiful.. but the stories.. they break my heart. -- 07:49PM, February 13, 2007.
shubho sengupta says: compassion. wit. i love your photos, they're so inspiring. i'm from new delhi india, and was thinking of grabbing a camera and just going out and shooting the delhi homeless. -- 07:51PM, February 13, 2007.
kameraurmel says: that's tough. how blessed are we -- 07:54PM, February 13, 2007.
*mort says: Man, you offer a fascinating glimpse into a world that none of us are too far from at any point in our lives. Your words are unassuming and filled with compassion and help us to take stock of what's really important in life. -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 08:01PM, February 13, 2007.
Flutterbye_856 says: Wow! I love coming to your photostream, you always seem to humble me! This is a fantasticly sad image! -- 08:02PM, February 13, 2007.
roseblood11 says: What an amazing expression! All your portraits are absolutely great, esp. the "poverty"-set!!! -- 08:02PM, February 13, 2007.
Rod Monkey says: Great portrait - real character -- 08:02PM, February 13, 2007.
* Ahmad Kavousian * says: Another great work, instant fav -- 08:04PM, February 13, 2007.
~btezra~ says: as always, you bring compassion and humanity to the viewer to consume visually and emotionaly -- 08:05PM, February 13, 2007.
margabr says: Another excellent portrait! -- 08:05PM, February 13, 2007.
bihua says: awesome portrait 1-2-3 -- 08:06PM, February 13, 2007.
shutterBRI says: moving story...his face reflects a lot of experience 1-2-3 -- 08:06PM, February 13, 2007.
usamabhatti says: an outstanding portrait and a moving story -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) ------------------------------------------------- !!! THE FACE !!! Please add this exceptional image to: www.flickr.com/groups/theface/ ------------------------------------------------- and please, add " theface" TAG [?] -- 08:13PM, February 13, 2007.
jipol says: Great portait. BW Perfect. Emotional expression. 1-2-3 -- 08:17PM, February 13, 2007.
Joy is a Joy says: beautiful. -- 08:22PM, February 13, 2007.
muskva says: The way you describe the people is an art itself. -- 08:27PM, February 13, 2007.
Eliseo Marcato says: super -- 08:37PM, February 13, 2007.
original_ann says: Not the life he imagined for himself. I can see a forced sense of optimism on his face that is just heartwrenching. -- 08:41PM, February 13, 2007.
NYCArthur says: What a wonderful face, and sweet half smile, too. I hope he finds some of his old friends. -- 08:43PM, February 13, 2007.
Mylens* says: Such a sweet face after all the tough life. Very powerful portrait. One can sense his story right away. -- 08:45PM, February 13, 2007.
somnium! says: yeeeah boy. dig it. nice stop in san diego too. i would stop there if i was homeless. -- 08:53PM, February 13, 2007.
TobiTobi ( now www.ipernity.com/home/tobitobi) says: brilliant! -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 09:30PM, February 13, 2007.
apple martini says: Wow, incredible shot and story! It breaks my heart -- 09:36PM, February 13, 2007.
Anna Pagnacco says: Very beautiful portrait...I like that expression !! Anna -- 09:44PM, February 13, 2007.
peacetedford says: lovely portrait..but a sad story. -- 10:28PM, February 13, 2007.
||ormiga says: A friendly look :) -- 10:32PM, February 13, 2007.
locamotion says: a kind face that the street has etched with a touch of mischief. Hope he finds something. -- 10:52PM, February 13, 2007.
Azli Jamil Photography says: Being old in America is a scary thought indeed!! -- 12:51AM, February 14, 2007.
ETowersvy says: the sadness of his eyes..., astonishing -- 02:14AM, February 14, 2007.
jeridaking says: despite his condition....I can see positivity in his eyes.. Brilliant portrait.... -- 03:09AM, February 14, 2007.
snowy4052002 says: Beauty is in the *EYE* of the Beholder Please add your Beautiful Photo to: Beauty is in the *Eye* of the Beholder! -- 03:18AM, February 14, 2007.
carf says: ...well he found you! -- 03:51AM, February 14, 2007.
Michele AKA zimza says: i have you as a contact so i see all the photos that post, for some reason this one made me weep. that's powerful! i suppose it's my inability to do much about it and the anger i feel towards the attitude towards our elders here in America. thank you for bringing light to the homeless and their plight. -- 05:03AM, February 14, 2007.
lindseywilliams says: your shots get better and better. what a kind face. and his eyes look like they have some stories to tell. ever thought of photographing hands? my father has worked in a factory for 40 years - his hands show all the stories. keep up the good work. -- 05:29AM, February 14, 2007.
funkyshoot says: wow! his eyes!!! i hope he can fins some old friend!...beautiful image! ;) -- 08:19AM, February 14, 2007.
☯ AnA oMeLeTe ☯ says: He's hiding a smile somewhere on that face.. heart-breaking story. Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 10:06AM, February 14, 2007.
~BranchDesign says: Ah, a Boston Man! My town. Not the best for homeless in the winter. He has a really sweet look -- 01:58PM, February 14, 2007.
My Baby Mia says: WINNER Your fantastic black and white picture is my winner! Please add this photo to flickr.com/groups/bwphotoaward/ Feel free to post this wonderful photo into our weekly and/ or monthly competition -- 02:23PM, February 14, 2007.
K3vinsk! says: nice character -- 04:23PM, February 14, 2007.
accosta says: Thank you Tom, for this superb series. Thank you also for all the stories about those characters. That's a very special opportunity to know a less shown America. -- 04:36PM, February 14, 2007.
Paul Presnail says: brilliant stuff, as always. -- 10:56PM, February 14, 2007.
the first years says: such a simple smile, but so filled. -- 02:48AM, February 15, 2007.
nascareer says: Seen in Your contacts photos Another amazing shot my friend...good job! -- 04:28AM, February 15, 2007.
carolefun904 says: Imagine the stories he could tell...he looks like he spent some time on the water. It's a privilege to look at your wonderful photos. Thanks. -- 02:47PM, February 15, 2007.
♥ Unlimited says: great portrait and story too... i love your work -- 03:56PM, February 15, 2007.
Annadriel says: Wonderfull portrait... but his eyes do look happy tho. -- 01:39PM, February 16, 2007.
katie curran taylor says: you, Mr. Stoneth, are a good man. -- 09:07PM, February 16, 2007.
DerrickT says: Great, great, great! -- 10:13PM, February 16, 2007.
lekast1 says: i'm so impressed when I see your work. looking at your photos is just like a trip in crude reality of the street. So I just want to know something (i'm novice in photo) but I suppose that is a secret...how do you do to have this specific contrast that puts on light ridges, scars and glance. (sorry for my poor english). -- 09:07PM, February 19, 2007.
judi333 says: love his smile. -- 10:43AM, February 20, 2007.
SkyShaper says: Great talent great photography. -- 04:04AM, February 21, 2007.
CarlosCoutinho says: WINNER Your fantastic black and white picture is my winner! Please add this photo to flickr.com/groups/bwphotoaward/ Feel free to post this wonderful photo into our weekly and/ or monthly competition -- 04:36PM, February 21, 2007.
AlejoZZ says: SUPER!!! muy buena! saludos! -- 06:17PM, February 21, 2007.
!!WaynePhotoGuy says: What a face... -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 04:49PM, March 23, 2007.
Ahmad 'Cipoi' Saiful says: A face with tales to tell...nice! -- 10:17AM, March 24, 2007.
artOtek says: I know this kind of story... amazing texture and glance! -- 08:50AM, March 28, 2007.
Tid118 says: My god, this story makes me feel like crying. Amazing face -- 10:03AM, April 11, 2007.
melaniemorgyn says: i really do love your photography. it really touches me, and you see some amazing faces! the pictures are soo good!! -- 12:58AM, April 12, 2007.
UmbyCrn says: Everyone of your portraits is great, but I like this one more than others: Mike's smile and dreamy eyes have taken my fancy. -- 03:28PM, April 14, 2007.
Willowfan says: Stupendous! -- 07:25PM, May 08, 2007.
Cliff Michaels says: Explore /i> -- 04:41PM, July 04, 2008.
Cliff Michaels says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Faces of Maturity, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 04:42PM, July 04, 2008.
[Mariam] says: He looks like my uncle that just recently passed. -- 05:38AM, July 24, 2008.
Radianman 크래그 says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called 5 Star Portraits, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 07:17AM, November 02, 2008.
lovleigh says: your stories and photos are incredible. I...am so thankful for these. I am thankful for your compassion and the time you spend with these people. That is truly a gift and a blessing for others to see and read. -- 07:42AM, November 15, 2008.
_Nia_ says: These portraits of yours are spectacular. Everyone of them are so emotional. -- 08:03AM, August 04, 2009.
I am GK [Alpha, Omega] says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called INCOLORO, and we'd love to have this added to the group! Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Portrait★Faces: (Dramatica), and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 12:31PM, August 14, 2009.
fossiled says: Outstanding capture of emotional peace -- 07:26AM, February 16, 2010.