There he was. Standing out like tall poppy in a field of hawkers selling flowers. It’s valentines day and I almost forgot to get some petals that would appease my girlfriend. I see Francis and I know right there and then that he’s the guy. I tell him I’ll buy from him as long as I get a portrait of him and he abides straight away.
Someone asked me how I get all these portraits of strangers and the answer was simple. I simply ask. However, it’s only fair that you take and give. Francis was more than willing to show me his truth but after a few shots I could tell he was getting restless and wanted to get back to work. The sunset only gave us a few minutes of bliss anyway.
At the end of this day, I realized it wasn’t the striking features on Francis that stuck with me. It was his state of contentment. Even though life was tough, he did sold flowers on the streets with dignity and made people's days brighter. This is the beauty of photography. It’s the people you meet and the experiences you create. It way more than the click. It’s life.
You’ll most likely find Francis selling flowers Opposite Oilibya, Westlands. Go make his day and he’ll make yours with a bunch of roses and a genuine heart.
