PEOPLE OF CHARLESTON 2020

This gathering of individuals is a small example of those who exist in the blindspot of most. It is easier to see Charleston as a city of beautiful architecture, shrimp and grits and nothing else. Yet hundreds live among the same streets going avoided and unacknowledged. To those who come downtown seeking the idyllic image of the city on cobblestones, their struggle is nothing more than an aberration to crop out.

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15:48October 8, 2020Charleston, SC“Street angels do exist but they have broken halos.” - Brandi “Tennessee”Traveling to Charleston for a vacation from their lives in Tennessee, Brandi and her boyfriend Johnny got stranded. She is thirty one years ol… — 15:48
October 8, 2020
Charleston, SC
“Street angels do exist but they have broken halos.” - Brandi “Tennessee”
Traveling to Charleston for a vacation from their lives in Tennessee, Brandi and her boyfriend Johnny got stranded. She is thirty one years old and proudly claims her past four years of sobriety. She tells of her children, ages 4, 13, and 15, of whom she has had to be apart from due to her visits to rehabilitation. Being clean for a few years, all she needs now are “Cigs, Soda, and Sweets”; Pepsi being her favorite.
She says her and Johnny are living homeless in Charleston as well as back in Chattanooga. The past two weeks the duo have been sleeping on Folly Beach, where the sand ruined her telephone. Driving their car back from a night slept on Sullivans Island their car suffered several severe malfunctions including a brake caliper just falling off resulting in a grinding stop against the concrete median totaling the vehicle.
Brandi is a tough human considering her history and the way she explained parts of her life, she remains articulate, level, and kind. An XOXO tattoo on her left hand. Letters from a condom logo acted the muse for the tattoo, she said it is her reminder, keeping her past in the past. Working 11th St. in Chattanooga as a sex worker, she pushed others to use protection when interacting with clients. After a man in her area had intercourse with upwards of 50 women, it was soon uncovered that most all had contracted HIV. Brandi explained how the perpetrator had then been slapped with assault charges and jailed. However other threats lurk for the women attempting to survive. In their situation, being taken in by a ‘boyfriend’ and given food and a roof over your head for an extended period of time is typically ok, but definitely not always. Brandi gives in full memory how men just take working girls from the street, dose them heavily in secret, abuse and film, and or send them into sex trafficking rings. She names ‘M’, ‘B’, and ‘Fleet’, men acting as groomers on the street. Her personal experience with this type of violation involved being drugged with soda and pizza, causing paralysis, which lead her to losing three days time and coming out the other end with bruising on her neck from strangulation and injuries she couldn’t all account for. Apparently these occurrences are common if not inevitable with the way organized crime prey on people with drug problems, taking advantage of those already at risk.
The small string of blue letters on her hand stand for more than the past as her right hand is clean of ink and it represents her future. She exudes a sharp confidence in her ability to continue the relentless uphill climb she’s on with sobriety and otherwise. Tennessee is a rugged soul and she has undoubtedly been through a type of hell, unimaginable to most, yet the reality for too many.
I departed inspired.

05.24.20 : f/2.2 : 1/250 : ISO 100 : 50mmA shrine built in remembrance of a lost acquaintance and friend. Erected on East Bay off the bridge exit with high traffic, a hotspot for homeless and less fortunate, the few objects neatly organized quickly … — 05.24.20 : f/2.2 : 1/250 : ISO 100 : 50mm
A shrine built in remembrance of a lost acquaintance and friend. Erected on East Bay off the bridge exit with high traffic, a hotspot for homeless and less fortunate, the few objects neatly organized quickly drew my attention. An orange rectangle of crackers intact and unopened, blue flowers sprouting from a bottle, a pair of purple sneakers, a Mario figurine, and an electric candle. Stones lay around and under a sharpie mural and cardboard plaque. I can only think placed by comrades in mourning. Survival is a daily shared struggle among those whose home is on the streets and to see this tribute is a reminder of the life mostly gone unseen at a passing glance.
The sign reads:
“In Memory of ‘Pony Tail’ Harlin Triplett
Fly High. You’ll Be Missed Dearly; Fucker!”

HARLANDSuffering from bad cirrhosis in a hospital bed on the west coast, Harland left his pills and drink. After walking almost all of California, he took the bus to South Dakota and then walked to Charleston. He explains that walking almost 2,000 m… — HARLAND
Suffering from bad cirrhosis in a hospital bed on the west coast, Harland left his pills and drink. After walking almost all of California, he took the bus to South Dakota and then walked to Charleston. He explains that walking almost 2,000 miles is what helped him get to a better place in the battle for his liver. His plans after Charleston are to set out for Florida in seek of work, specifically natural disaster relief. Only a few weeks ago Harland was struck with a metal rod, during an attempted mugging, denting in his left cheekbone. He has since then gotten it fixed and the bone was reinforced with a plate. To my luck, Harland was very open to the project and liked the idea and was willing to allow me access I had yet to receive. From his tattoos, the scars that riddled his body “from the floor up” as he put it, to his children’s names on his chest, there so that when he was asleep they were in his arms. Lastly I was told that if I go to San Francisco, find The Peak and look out over what he called the seven cities within a city.
01.30.20 : 1/100 : 15mm : f/4 : ISO 100

TERRY LEE RENODriving off the exit I asked if I could come back and take his photograph. He was more than willing and I was excited to meet. Terry Lee Reno was born July 14, 1967 and hails from Virginia. You may have seen him around Charleston accom… — TERRY LEE RENO
Driving off the exit I asked if I could come back and take his photograph. He was more than willing and I was excited to meet. Terry Lee Reno was born July 14, 1967 and hails from Virginia. You may have seen him around Charleston accompanied by his small puppy Nutmeg. It quickly became clear that they were quite the companions and he had taken very good care of her. Sadly however, the duo have been separated as Nutmeg recently fell victim to an alligator. Terry pulled his shirt up to expose two massive scars running up his stomach, a small bandage still covering a section. He explained how he had gotten in the crossfire between two friends and wound up being shot with a .45 caliber to the abdomen. This was about six years ago and he still has healing to do. About three years ago, a few days before his 21 birthday, he lost his son to suicide. As we spoke, he shared precious details from his life, and pulled out a plastic bag containing important documents and a few photos. I felt as though he was sharing some of his most valued possessions with me as he leafed through the worn but preserved photographs. It is undeniable that Terry has been through a serious amount in course of his life. However from what I can tell, his smile is bright and his personality can be labeled best as resolute.
02.06.20 : 1/100 : 15mm : f/4.5 : ISO 100
(below) Edit: Terry has gotten a new puppy named D.O.G (10 08 20)

ANTHONYAnthony was sitting on Broad and East Bay with his face tucked behind his sign when I approached him. I introduced myself and snapped his portrait.02.06.20 : 1/250 : ISO 100 : 15mm : f/4 — ANTHONY
Anthony was sitting on Broad and East Bay with his face tucked behind his sign when I approached him. I introduced myself and snapped his portrait.
02.06.20 : 1/250 : ISO 100 : 15mm : f/4

RODONDOI asked for a photo and he asked me if I wanted his sign in the image. I declined, getting a reminder of Watson holding up the bill. I am finding more and more that it is common for those less fortunate to have the perception that when someon… — RODONDO
I asked for a photo and he asked me if I wanted his sign in the image. I declined, getting a reminder of Watson holding up the bill. I am finding more and more that it is not uncommon for those less fortunate to hold the perception that if someone asks for a portrait, it is not to capture them as a person, but more to blindly compose an image around them as if photographing a thing on display.
01.30.20 : 1/320 : 15mm : ISO 200 : f/4

CLINTON ZUCCARINIClint is from Miami and an Iraq vet. He spoke of being 7 months late on being paid for welfare. He has an umbrella poking out of his backpack with ‘Cathy’ scrawled onto the grey handle, and a red, white and blue handkerchief at his … — CLINTON ZUCCARINI
Clint is from Miami and an Iraq vet. He spoke of being 7 months late on being paid for welfare. He has an umbrella poking out of his backpack with ‘Cathy’ scrawled onto the grey handle, and a red, white and blue handkerchief at his side.
01.30.20 : 1/1,000 : 15mm : ISO 100 : f/4

CLYDE BENSON IIIEveryone has a different reaction to being asked for photos. Clyde Benson’s was to dance. Specific about what would be his background, we tried a few times and with Clyde wiggling all over, I feel his personality was translated.01.28… — CLYDE BENSON III
Everyone has a different reaction to being asked for photos. Clyde Benson’s was to dance. Specific about what would be his background, we tried a few times and with Clyde wiggling all over, I feel his personality was translated.
01.28.20 : 1/250 : f/4 : ISO 100 : 50mm

TIMOTHYTimothy told me I was not the first to ask for his portrait. He was relaxing at the end of the peninsula watching the harbor. The shriek of seagulls in the air. He put his glasses on as he posed with ease.01.28.20 : 1/640 : 50mm : ISO 400 : f… — TIMOTHY
Timothy told me I was not the first to ask for his portrait. He was relaxing at the end of the peninsula watching the harbor. The shriek of seagulls in the air. He put his glasses on as he posed with ease.
01.28.20 : 1/640 : 50mm : ISO 400 : f/2.2

WATSONWatson on East Bay.Taking portraits downtown typically requires a trade of some kind for images, and it’s a good custom to show appreciation for someones time. At first when he posed and I got into position, Watson held up the bill with both h… — WATSON
Watson on East Bay.
Taking portraits downtown typically requires a trade of some kind for images, and it’s a good custom to show appreciation for someones time. At first when he posed and I got into position, Watson held up the bill with both hands and I didn’t understand why. It was as if he assumed my intention behind trading the bill was to make it the subject of the photograph. We spoke for some time and he was interested in the images I got. Asking to use my camera to take a photo of me, I was caught off guard but obliged. He was kind and gentle with the equipment and had a knack for lining up a shot. After awhile of reshoots and close analyzation of our produced photos we said our goodbyes and I departed, waving and hoping to impart my gratitude.
01.27.20 : 1/400 : ISO 100 : 50mm : f/2.5

EDDINGSI’ve seen Eddings sitting on the same bench outside Harris Teeter for weeks. His belongings at his feet, and typically conversing with company to his left. We’ve talked once before and this time I had my camera. He was eating rotisserie chick… — EDDINGS
I’ve seen Eddings sitting on the same bench outside Harris Teeter for weeks. His belongings at his feet, and typically conversing with company to his left. We’ve talked once before and this time I had my camera. He was eating rotisserie chicken in between burger buns and sitting down next to him he offered me a sandwich. Eddings was born October 16, 1950 and explained that he was a man of god and after living in California had been “told by a sign” to go to Charleston. After talking for a while, he asked when is a good time for him to be around and for me to take pictures. Im typically in the area so i’m sure I will see him again.
01.27.20 : 1/250 : 50mm : f/1.8 : ISO 100

JANETJanet was not shy of the camera at all. I walked up and introduced myself, and within seconds, she began posing and smiling and being the model she obviously was. I told her of my project and she asked to see the shots I had gotten of her. We s… — JANET
Janet was not shy of the camera at all. I walked up and introduced myself, and within seconds, she began posing and smiling and being the model she obviously was. I told her of my project and she asked to see the shots I had gotten of her. We sat and traded laughs for a few minutes as I clicked through images. Janet was full of life and a spunk that never seemed to falter. I was lucky to be able to chat with her.
01.20.20 : 1/250 : 15mm : ISO 100 : f/4

LEONAs soon as I walked up, Leon turned and smiled at me with an infectious grin. He was awaiting city transit and on cold days in January, a warm bus is a haven from the elements. His pant legs held an assortment of odds and ends including a few li… — LEON
As soon as I walked up, Leon turned and smiled at me with an infectious grin. He was awaiting city transit and on cold days in January, a warm bus is a haven from the elements. His pant legs held an assortment of odds and ends including a few lighters, a pack of Newports, and what looked like a pencil and paper. His face is what caught my attention to begin with, his eyes warm and a face creased from years of emotions.
01.20.20 : 1/100 : ISO 100 : 15mm : f/4

JAMESI have seen James playing violin on King street for years almost every day, no matter the weather. I introduced myself today and snapped my photos as he played on. His strings send tunes across bricks, accustom to his rhythm, laid in the street… — JAMES
I have seen James playing violin on King street for years almost every day, no matter the weather. I introduced myself today and snapped my photos as he played on. His strings send tunes across bricks, accustom to his rhythm, laid in the street. Rosin built up from years of performing settled into the black wood of the instrument. The nimble yet robotic fingers that dance across the chords seem to mesmerize everyone; even James.
01.20.20 : 1/125 : 15mm : ISO 100 : f/4

TAYLOR / RAINEEI passed Taylor on East Bay st. He had a big green duffle on his back, a puppy named Rainee at his side, and a sign around his neck that read “Homeless. Could use a hug”. After hastily parking, I caught up with him and snapped some sh… — TAYLOR / RAINEE
I passed Taylor on East Bay st. He had a big green duffle on his back, a puppy named Rainee at his side, and a sign around his neck that read “Homeless. Could use a hug”. After hastily parking, I caught up with him and snapped some shots as we talked. He posed himself and the pup with ease, Rainee obviously having plenty of trust in Taylor. He told me he was new in town from Missouri as of Sunday looking to start a “new life” in Charleston. It was easy to see that the duo was lucky to have one another.
01.17.20 : 1/500 : ISO 100 : 15mm : f/4

SEANSean Mark Scott is a smiley, light hearted, blue eyed man I had the privilege of chatting with today. He goes from place to place but considers himself homeless. He is 48 and loves fried chicken and starbucks. He recently however got his hand ki… — SEAN
Sean Mark Scott is a smiley, light hearted, blue eyed man I had the privilege of chatting with today. He goes from place to place but considers himself homeless. He is 48 and loves fried chicken and starbucks. He recently however got his hand kicked and broken while holding his money in attempt to purchase said friend chicken. He gets his cast off in 2 weeks after having it on for two already. He also spoke of his mother and how he wants to catch up with her. I sat for awhile listening as he seemed happy to have an ear and I just as eager to hear. He spoke of his brother the oncologist out of state and how Sean himself had graduated College of Charleston. I would like to see Sean again. His smile and attitude, given his situation, brought light to my day.
01.17.20 : 1/80 : ISO 100 : 15mm : f/4

GARYI saw Gary as I passed the gas station and when I parked off to the side, as if knowing why I was there, he was walking up to me in my parking spot. Asking for nothing, he told me about his setup near the broken car wash. After introducing mysel… — GARY
I saw Gary as I passed the gas station and when I parked off to the side, as if knowing why I was there, he was walking up to me in my parking spot. Asking for nothing, he told me about his setup near the broken car wash. After introducing myself and asking for a photo, he directed the two of us to the dumpster for his backdrop. He posed without saying a word.
01.17.20 : 1/1,000 : ISO 100 : 15mm : f/4

The People Pt.4_7.JPG

IMAGES BY OLIVER A. NISBET