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Thomas: 6 months later.....
I managed to track Thomas down in Paris over the weekend.
I searched the Left Bank (his patch) for a day, to no avail, and then approached waiters and shop keepers, showing them a small picture of him.
A dear chap by the name of Sami, who serves ice cream, eventually came to my rescue....
Thomas now lives in a small tent on the paved section in the middle of Rue Flandres in Crimee, which is in north-est Paris. Awfull location that he picked, as traffic passes very close by on either side of the tent, and pedestrians have to walk around his tent and scattered belongings.
However, although he would have preferred a quiter location, he feels safe here as he is visible to the locals and there is constant movement, especially as there is a monoprix immediately opposite.
He has made enemies in the Left Bank, as some other homeless persons apparently became jealous of the fact that he managed to obtain a mobile phone and number, and recently....wait for it....an used Nikon D80 with a broken lens.
He is now shooting pics of passers-by, and of his animals, which are now down to two dogs (both overweight), and a cat.
He showed me the lens - some part inside has come loose, and partially obscures the image. So now he has to shake his camera and every 20th or so pics works.
His dog that featured in my previous upload of Thomas was stolen. He thinks that he knows who did it, however, is too terrified to approach the person or area.
There is a floral shop across the street that he uses as his postal address. They also keep his camera when he's not using it.
The same people who forced him from the Left Bank also cut the tires of his bicycle contraption that I have referred to previously, however, he is planning to have that fixed soon.
I have now forged a trusting relationship with Thomas, and shall continue to pay visits to him every time I manage to visit that wonderful city.
I do not know how Thomas survives financially, as he never begs. I suspect that he receives a hand-out from the council.
I spent a few hours with Thomas, chatting mainly about photography, teaching him a few things with the camera. I managed to do some shots as well, however, difficult, as you feel that you are in a fish bowl, with everyone staring at you...
I showed him a PDF print-out of all the comments from EPZ members etc, and he was very taken by this.
The prints were immediately cut to size (with a very blunt scissors), and pasted into his album that materialised from somewhere under the sleeping bag.
Regards
Andre
| Camera: | Canon EOS 5D |
| Lens: | Canon 24 - 105 |
| Recording media: | RAW (digital) |
| Title: | Thomas: Windows to my Soul |
| Username: | 
andreduplessis |
| Uploaded: | 14 Apr 2009 - 6:23 PM |
| Tags: | Black & white, Portraits / people |
| VS Mode Rating |
100 (0% won) These stats show the percentage of wins and the rating score that your photo has achieved. You can go to the VS Mode by clicking on this icon. Signup to e2Signup to e2 to see which photo this has won or lost against in the vs mode |
| Votes: | 86 |
Comments
Kind thanks to you all, and the UA much appreciated Ian. I have some pictures of Thomas with both his and my cameras - more 'recod' shots, however, shall see if I can get one prentable enough to submit. He becomes totally absorbed when he is busy taking pics - I so enjoy seeing that. Tried my utmost to get totally stoked on this wonderful pursuit, and left him with some magazines on digital photography.
Fabulous portrait. I work with homeless people and they tend to pretty much look after each other over here.
Thank you for the UA Chris! Yes - it was dissapointing to hear his stories about harassment. However, I think that the move has done Thomas well, as he appears healthier than in Sept last year. And many locals stop by to chat.
I am in awe of your dedication and love for this man.Stunning photo journalism.It is not about the photo but what goes with it.
Tom.
Hi Neville! Lovely to hear from you and many thanks! Best wishes to you, and thank you to the other members who have left such positive comments. Andre
What an incredible story. In every human being there is something very interesting...We each have a story. Your portrait of Thomas is outstanding. You've captured such a perfect expression of him listening and learning from you. Just wonderful Andre.....Sandy
A life time in furrows,
A tender gentle stare,
Your picture tells the story,
Your words tell how you care.
great work
Dear Gerry, Jenny, Alley, Sandy and Hendrik. Thank you so much for the comments, and the UA much appreciated Henk.
Sandy - many thanks for your flattering comment.
Andre
Hi smileykiley - that is very sweet of you....thanks, Andre
Andre you fascinate me. You have a clear empathy with the characters that you photograph, which is evident in both the actual photos and in your commentaries. Brilliant work again - such a strong portrait. The white rings(?) pull the eye a little, but they're not a distraction for me - just another detail to take in in this wonderful photo.
Geraint
Thanks Geraint. I think that you are correct in this. However, this can, and often is a draw-back, as it limits my access, as a relationship of some kind remains important for me. I sometimes wish that this was not the case, so that I can get more work done, for often I leave entusiastically, only to come back with no frames taken.
Many thanks to the EPZ team for the HC. Don't quite know who awarded this, however, this gesture is very much appreciated.
Andre 
Many thanks Garts, and Tom - great to receive your UA! Thanks & regards, Andre
Thanks for such a superb portrait and equally wonderful narrative
Wayne
Many thanks for the UA's and the nice feed back! Wishes, Andre
Another superb image. Thanks for taking the time to share the story as well; both aspects of this series have been a pleasure to follow.
Many thanks for the comment. Paid Thomas another visit last weekend, but no pics this time. Just chatting. Too sunny, and the street was far too busy.
Excellent image and I have to echo the sentiments of everyone as it's quite touching to know you have befriended this man, and are now probably the best friend he has ever had? Quite an uplifting story compared to all the bad stuff we tend to hear about only too often!
Geoff
Many thanks Geoff. Yes, I have maintained contact, and have managed to get his other picture published in a book which I shall get to him, hopefully soon.
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