This morning while dining at Kristina’s Family Restaurant it was a pleasure to make the acquaintance of the Reverend (left) of The Cleveland Christian Chapel. A spritely and talkative man, the Reverend welcomed the opportunity to be photographed as he spoke of the sanctity of life and population control. His buddy accented the conversation with the occasional nod of agreement and was a proud supporter of the American Red Cross.

If you enjoy making new acquaintances and moderately priced diner food, then be sure to visit Kristina’s on West 65th and Lorain. It has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and above average homemade biscuits and gravy.

Above is one of a series of 15 photographs taken today on Superior. A simple request for a cigarette rewarded us with many different posses and facial expressions. Hand hitched to the hip, left shoulder back, and a sassy tease radiating from her eye is just the kind of style that makes us proud. Surely you’ll agree Cleveland still has some flex left.

Nothing other than Shirley Murdock could accompany this photograph. Enjoy!

On the corner sits a store. The owner Hassan came to the US sometime in the 80s. We made his acquaintance because of his friendly nature and knack for languages. Self taught Spanish that is spoken with equal frequency to his native tongue, Hassan runs a tight ship. No shenanigans but always credit to honest people. His buddy who works the door knows no English and wears a cowboy hat. The two laugh and cut up in Spanish.

The rest of the family works the counter while Hassan takes naps (approximate one nap every 2 weeks). In the 4 years we shopped with Hassan he said that his day off would come the following year; next year never came.  The son, who branched out into the Kinsman cell phone trade, is a gifted salesman. White Tees and electric Jesus paintings the son of Hassan could sell anything. The wife is stern, speaks with a lisp, and on occasion gifts you a smile.

This is 85th and Tompkins “home” to man who works much harder than you.

Shopping on the corner of SE corner 55th and Cedar means only that you are a person who appreciates variety in life.

For example, on today’s visit to Biggie’s we encountered two tradesmen debating the merits of Trinidadian soca over that of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Children and adults shared pint sized bicycles as dining patrons spoke of Middle Eastern politics.

The mood was pleasant and the art was vicious. This is where the action is, no trip to Cleveland is complete without a visit to Biggie’s you won’t regret it.

4007 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44103

Most people seem to enjoy the Sunday experience. Both before and after the service they gather to discuss what happened in the past and what their plans are for the future. Deals are made with handshakes and condolences are given with hugs. Fashion is praised in the foreground as children tell tales behind the scenes. This is the Sunday experience that we see from across the way.

It is that dreaded time of year. Standardized food service and grandes sueños días … time to school up.

One of the more perplexing reflexes of man is to offer an “explanation” in the face of a sure guilt. For without offering even the most absurd of excuses he has not tried to explain away the hot potato his glove box. And not trying is reflexive surrender which is universally seen as the softest of attributes.

Explanations are painful to offer but fun to listen to …. and sometimes they get you out of extremely awkward situations.

The college photography class … among the many things that made you uncomfortable during critique is that thing that makes all right-minded people cringe, bad pictures of homeless people.

Yes, it’s a matter of perspective and we won’t give a sermon on the subject, but will say that the essence if photography to us is communication and gaze. The camera gives power to the one who holds it; its product can turn one man’s wallpaper into another man’s flower. Its product never gives you reality in a literal sense, only a reality tainted by the perspective of the person taking the picture.

As you all know, Cleveland SGS loves us some street photography. However this time we chose not to use the gaze of our artsy selves and pass the camera to SGS Associate Ross (SGSAR). In the past we have attempted to document the goings on of downtown Cleveland but came back only with printer cartridges and fluorescent lights. Ross on the other hand resides on 9th and Superior and has a keen eye for the City’s daily happenings. With his photographs he managed to turn much of what we found forgetful into memorable pearls of wisdom.

We are proud to present the photographic gaze of none other than Ross. Tomorrow, maybe you will view the world as he sees it.

Music, 808 by Steel & Ross

Pondefloor stinjbubblingremix by stinj