It is fitting that I took quite a few photos of Ironbark. Though he did loudly question why I needed so many. He has a lot of sides to him, the layers just peel off - he talks constantly and is extremely interesting - it takes a series of photos to even begin to give an accurate portrait of this lovely character.
I had to wait quite awhile to get my chance as having agreed to let me take his photos he then saw and spoke to a steady stream of customers. I didn't mind the wait though and when it was my turn he was just as generous with himself, his stories and his great open book of a life.
Ironbark is my 15th person, the days however have gotten a little out of wack due to a series of circumstances that came up in the last week. I am hopefully back on track now and these wonderful photos of Ironbark and his stories have definitely re inspired me if I needed it. Rather though the gaps only served to spur me on further to finish the project but in a rather different way then I had first intended. Rather than being lazy at times and asking whomever seems like they won't bite me if I ask for their photo - I will instead only ask those that genuinely snag my attention even if they are big and scary or cold and distant (worse!). I will get my 100 faces but I will do so with less regard for snagging one every day.
My wonderful people so far have been so important in breaking the ice for me and starting me off on this project with confidence - I now just have to take it a bit further out of my comfort zone. Nothing worthwhile was ever gained by taking the easy way out after all.
