100 Strangers: #1 Jonathan

So for awhile now I've been trying to get up the nerve to start this photo project. 100 Strangers .It's been a week now and I've chickened out every time. The idea is you see someone interesting, approach them and ask to take their portrait. I don't know why I so want to do this, I've never been all that interested in talking to strange people. But I am. I see them, and they look interesting, and I want to know a little bit about them. I'm inspired by Dorothea Lang, and I want to learn to see people and be a better photographer and listener.

Stranger #1. His name is Jonathan and he makes balloon animals at our farmers market. When I asked to take his picture for the project he asked for $20 and then smiled a huge smile and said he was joking. He's been making balloon animals since he was six. He has a brother who is two years younger who makes them with him every week. They look like twins. He was a nice guy, and must make a killing with these animals because as soon as they touch the grass they pop and the kids start screaming and mom shells out another buck for a replacement. Yes and I am one of those moms. Thank you Jonathan for being my first stranger.