Present Company (2010 - 2017) is a longterm portrait series documenting the people I’ve met, if only in passing, since November 2010. I’ve accumulated over 500 portraits - all on different variations of instant film.
Accompanying each portrait is the individual’s name, where we found each other, and a short comment or question they’ve chosen to record.
I’ve omitted any other details behind each encounter in an attempt to reduce the influence of my own perspective and allow each subject the opportunity to be seen as they would like to be seen - to be understood beyond my impression.
Washington, DC
"I'm not quiet and shy like people think I am."
Gettysburg, PA
"Where’s all the gold?"
Bethesda, MD
"I like lions."
Washington, DC
"How do you really feel about Drag Queens?"
Washington, DC
"I would like people to know how my life is going. If you ask me now, everything’s fine. If you ask me tomorrow...it depends."
Gettysburg, PA
"I ain't never met no stranger. When I met these boys, I'd never seen them before but they weren't strangers."
Washington, DC
"I am too nice."
Washington, DC
"What would you at 9 think of you now?"
Rockville, MD
"I’m gonna be OKAY! And maybe even better."
Richmond, VA
"I am a human."
Spicewood, TX
"What is happiness to you?"
Washington, DC
"I am not just a pretty face. I am a talented, driven entertainer that wants to use her talent to change the world and people’s perception of transgender girls like me."
Washington, DC
"My father has had more to do with shaping modern society worldwide than almost anyone you could ever meet. And no matter what you think of me - you may look down on me - I've experienced more than most people have. Good and bad."
Brooklyn, NY
"I've never been afraid of anyone. I've only been afraid of myself."
Washington, DC
"May I have your permission to be an astronaut?"
Washington, DC
"I hold a deep sadness that my first wife, who passed away when she was 26, has not been able to see our son grow up and have two children of his own."
Washington, DC
"I'm actually nice, I just look like a bitch."
Brooklyn, NY
"I'm a loving person."
Nevada City, MT
"How have you changed the world for the better?"
New York, NY
"I actually enjoy letting people form their own opinions about me - it’s more reflective of their personalities than mine and I end up getting a peek into their psyche."
Crystal Falls, MI
"What's your name?"
Marlene
Dillsburg, PA
"I'm an astrophysicist in a waitress uniform."
Washington, DC
"What’s the first song you downloaded on Napster?"
Washington, DC
Jess: "Do you believe in second chances?"
Roman: "Wanna be friends?"
Boulder, CO
"What was your mother like?"
Washington, DC
"I have a big heart."
Washington, DC
"I was molested by a Catholic priest. I was put in this position. I never intended to be here. I’m just reacting to the ignorance of the Catholic Church. Their cowardice put me here."
Long Island, NY
"I know I don’t know how much I don’t know, but at least I know that."
Annapolis, MD
"I’d like people to know where I come from. From Cuba. Because I’m so proud of it."
Washington, DC
"I freaking love unicorns."
Miami, FL
Kate: "Where’s the craziest place you’ve ever had sex?"
Zarema: "When was the last time you experienced euphoria?"
Washington, DC
"I love working with my hands, and after many years of fighting my natural inclination towards something creative, I’ve decided to take the plunge and forge my own path. And while it’s terrifying, I couldn’t be more excited about having a dream and making it (eventually) come true for myself."
Brooklyn, NY
"I've come a long way."
Washington, DC
"I want people to remember me for me. I don’t sit around and boast about me, but that God works through me. It’s not about the papers and it’s not about how much money I make. Not about how many people I meet and make them have a better day. It’s about Jesus. Love."
Richmond, VA
"Are you a dreamer?"
Sheridan, MT
“I’m a dad.”
Washington, DC
"If a dog meowed and a cat barked, what's wrong with that picture? Now, I don't know the answer to that one. It's the only question I don't know the answer to yet."
Baltimore, MD
"I like to keep my shit private."
Brooklyn, NY
“I’m really stubborn and have control issues.”
New York, NY
"If you have something nice, take care of it. Remember: 'You've got to take the good with the bad, smile when you're sad, remember what you've lost and love what you have.'"
New York, NY
"I'd sky dive for a dollar as long as you pay for all the other stuff."
Washington, DC
"I’m strong-willed and independent."
New York, NY
"Would you like to have sex?"
Washington, DC
"I’m the antithesis of a girly girl."
Leesylvania State Park, VA
Chelsea: "I believe in fairies."
Sierra: "How do you think you're going to die?"
Woodstock, NY
"Who are you? This is me."
New York, NY
"I want rainbow hair. Forever. Mostly, pink, orange, purple, blue and yellow…stripes."
Austin, TX
"I like writing on shit."
Washington, DC
"Looks can be deceiving."
Washington, DC
"I'm a skater and proud of it."
New York, NY
"My personality is comedy."
Washington, DC
"I have nothing to hide."
Bethesda, MD
"I wish I was a cat."
Brooklyn, NY
"Honestly, I’m just trying to wear as much denim as possible."