The sale that got away
I thought the title of this post fitting. During my conversation with Dave, I didn’t count but I bet that he used the word respect at least a dozen times. I believe anything that you want so desperately from someone else is something that you are lacking for yourself, but that’s my opinion. Dave’s word was Respect.
As I was heading back towards my car after talking to Justin, Dave stopped me and asked if I’d like to buy one of his flowers that was made from palm fronds. He was selling them for $3 each. I told him, no thank you. Of course, being the salesman that he was, he wouldn’t take no for answer. I told him that my wife was not in town and I couldn’t do anything with it. He asked when I was returning home and I told him on the weekend. He indicated that this all-natural creation would keep for a very long time, well past the weekend. Again, I said no. Time for the next approach, bonding.
“Hey brotha, I’m just out here trying to make it. It’s nice if brothas, like yourself, who have made it, could help out.”.
Ok, just one more time for effect: No. Thank you! Hmmm, what other approach?
Well, how about a donation since you don’t want the flower. 
Nope. No donation. By now I was getting a little impatient, but stuck around anyway. Dave talked about all manner of things such as his just having gotten out of prison two weeks ago and the fact that he is never going back! He talked about how he taught the kids how to make the flowers. He spoke of respect and how he didn’t like when people disrespected him all the time by not even making eye contact or talking to him. He didn’t like people judging him.
I tried to offer alternate explanations like people might not want to spend $3 on a palm frond, or that they might be tired, or scared, or whatever. He wasn’t hearing that. It had to be a lack of respect. I didn’t argue the point.
During the time that I stood there, he sold several flowers. One group offered him $3 for 3 roses. He was insulted, telling them that this was hand crafted work that should be respected. They made him a final offer of $5, which he took. Then he came back to me and complained. Imagine, he said, someone going into a high priced restaurant, looking at the menu and saying I’m not paying $20 for that meal, I’ll give you $8 for it! Man! That’s a lack of respect! (See any pattern?)
I was past ready to go and thought that I’d offer him a small donation of $2, just because I was happy to see that he was out trying to earn some money, even though I had some small misgivings as there was a not so faint smell of alcohol on his breath, but judge not! He took it with some reluctance. Not the reluctance of pride, but the reluctance of it’s not enough. He said: OK. I’ll take your $2 if that’s all you have to offer. I looked at him and said: Well, Dave. I’ll tell you what. I’ll just put this back into my pocket since you don’t seem to need or want it and I’ll be on my way. He quickly recanted his statement, apologized, and accepted the donation.
A few minutes later I was about to walk off and then turned back:
Paul: Dave. Would you mind if I take your picture?
Dave: How much more money are you going to donate?
Paul: None. I don’t pay for pictures.
Dave: OK. Then you can’t take it.
Paul: Cool. It was nice to meet you, Dave.
Dave: Hold up man. Are you going to sell this picture to make money?
Paul: No. I just like to take photos of interesting people, but I understand.
Dave: Alright, you can take my picture.
Paul : OK. (I took a few pictures over the next few minutes as he did his business)
Dave: I can tell that you really want to hang out with me.
Paul: Really? How’s that?
Dave: I can just tell.
Paul: OK. (Smiles)
Finally, a couple came by, the ones pictured, and he convinced the man to buy his lady a rose. After the transaction was complete, Dave asked them if they’d like to be in a picture with him. They said sure. Dave tried to get the wife between him and husband, but the husband was having none of that. You see that she is safely on the other side!
Dave: See, I got you a good picture. You should donate some more money.
Paul: Nope. No more donations. I have to go.
Dave: See! All of this conversation that I shared with you and you can’t even give me more than $2.
Paul: Oh! I didn’t know that the meter was running! I didn’t realize that you were charging me for conversation!!
Dave: Naw man, it ain’t like that! I take it back. I’m sorry.
Paul: No apologies needed. It was really nice to meet you, Dave. I wish you well!
Dave: I’m going to be alright. Look for me next time you are down here.
Paul: Will do.
I finally was able to leave and head to my car. As I walked away, I could hear Dave in the background with his, now familiar to me sales line:
“Flower for the lady? Handcrafted! Only $3″
In street photography, you don’t get these types of opportunities unless you stop and talk. I am grateful to Craig Tanner and his Next Step Workshop that helped me get over some of my fears of taking pictures of people. Without that, I would have never gotten to hear these great stories and meet these interesting people! And to be sure, Dave was an interesting person!
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Paul, first off your writing is beginning to blow me away. It’s now at the point that when I wake at 6AM I think about a)coffee, b)things I need to do to have Jared ready for school and c) Your post.
The top photograph is one of the VERY best street candid’s I’ve ever seen. No kidding. Perfect timing. Very rare. Please keep it up.
Big respect.
T
I agree with Tom, the first image is powerful.
And, I also enjoy your writing and in particularly this story. I’ve always disliked street sales as too aggressive. It’s like we are not allowed to shop for things attractive to our eyes but asked to buy what they want us to buy. Money is the driving factor and not to present something to us we want or need.
I’m excited to see where this work will take you. will this new camera open a whole new aspect of Paul? Keep it up, my friend.
@Tom: Thanks on both accounts! I’m glad that I made it into your to top three!
That photo, though not so technically sharp, was my favorite on the roll. Very lucky on the timing and depth of field, but I guess that you have to be present to win! LOL!
@Monte: I would agree about the street sales tactics, but I’ve seen both types of sales people. There are kids out there selling too and they are a lot less aggressive. Usually, the more aggressive ones are the ones like Dave. They need the money to make a living so they are going to push you into buying because it’s about money, or about making a living.
Some that I met in Savannah were unemployed veterans, mentally handicapped, homeless, or alcoholics. Though pushy they may be, I have to admire their spirit and pride. They were not begging for handouts. Sure, their products are not needed and, most likely, would soon be discarded after purchase, but at least it was money that was earned. The flowers are really quite lovely.
As for is this a different, or new aspect of Paul, probably not. It’s been there, but has been covered up by lots of fears. I’m peeling some of those fears away, little by little. I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people, but by nature, I’m somewhat introverted and like lots of alone time, or quiet time. Two hours on the street interacting with folks drains all of my reserves, even though I enjoy it. I have to go for a recharge after that.
Not for nothing, Paul, but this guy looks a bit familiar. When we were in Charleston in April I spent some time one evening over at St. Philip’s church trying to get some good images of it’s lit tower. While I was there, this guy (maybe “Dave”?) rides up on a bike and starts talking to me about the church and it’s history. He seemed to know a little about the place (he said he was a “local”) so I was happy to talk to him.
But then the conversation switched from local history to him. It seems he’d just gotten out of jail (for a drug conviction) and was trying to walk the straight and narrow. He needed a little money for food, though, to tide him over till he found a job. He was determined, he said, not to go back to drugs or jail.
Having lived in Las Vegas for a while, I’ve heard all too many stories just like this one from street people. So I was a bit skeptical. But then you never know when someone is actually telling the truth. I gave him a few bucks and he was quickly on his way. When I rejoined my wife a few minutes later I told her the story and she looked at me like I’d just flushed the money down the toilet.
Anyway, if you run into Dave again, maybe you could ask him if he spends much time over by St. Philips. Then again, maybe it was someone else. But he sure looks familiar……
Paul, I’m hoping you’ll turn this “street life” photojournalism into an ongoing project.
You might want to think about a simple release forms in case you wanted to do a book or some other commercial venture with the photos one day.
@Earl: Well, you don’t need release forms unless you plan to go commercial, such as stock. Editorial, like selling a book is OK. Once you put a legal document in front of someone’s face, everything changes. I’ve looked into that a lot and a book would be no problem as long as it could not be assumed that they a promoting my business. I think that I’ll stick with the street stuff for a while.
I quite agree with Earl, but feel no pressure. I know these things comes in waves.
A real life story that left me with an uncomfortable feel, that Dave was not doing that well after all. sad.
Thanks.
I think that before long we will see how this approach to street photography and your volunter work come together. You patience will be a major key to your success.
I’m with Earl and Ove in encouraging you to put together a book featuring your encounters. You obviously have a gift for winning people’s confidence and keeping them relaxed, thus making them great photo subjects. Dave and Justin may be pilot projects. Who knows?
Like your article and clicks !!
Dave – A Person totally insecure, trying to regain respect in his eyes. Nice experience meeting such people..
You are totally right.. need to get out of hesitation to have full fun Street photography !!