Several friends and I attended the Atlanta stop of The Flash Bus (http://www.theflashbus.com/) tour (David Hobby and Joe McNally on steroids) recently. The event was held at the Georgia World Congress Center in the heart of the city. In light of several other major events taking place the same day, repaving of one of the major interstates through the city, and Spring Breakers hitting the road early, we decided to head downtown early as well and avoid any traffic headaches. This would also give us a chance to shoot for a bit prior to the event.

While milling around Centennial Olympic Park, I saw this gentlemen working intently at a bench under one of the public break areas. He looked interesting and I wanted to take his photograph, so I asked for his permission. With as pleasant a smile and response as a person could hope to receive from a stranger, he kindly said "Yes" and went back to work. I snapped a few shots and then asked if he would look at the camera for a couple of shots. Again, he complied with a graciousness that was almost unnerving.

After snapping the shots, I showed him the LCD, told him what a handsome face he had and thanked him. I also asked his name and in a very heavy accent - not sure of the origin - he replied "Alexander," or so I think this is what I heard. I asked, "Alexander?" and he smiled and said "Yes." Based upon the notebook filled with loose papers, it was clear that Alexander was a busy man. I'm also guessing that he is homeless, based upon the two suitcases that were sitting on the ground near the table. Regardless, to look at him in this context, Alexander is you, Alexander is me - a human being with a purpose and a story.

We exchanged a few more pleasantries and I bid him adieu.