Simple Question Project • Carmen

I was wrapping up for the day at the studio when Carmen walked in. She asked "Is this for real?" I replied "It sure is!"

So I explained to her the question, if money was no option, what would your dream job be, it could be anything?

Her response was that she would like to work in Social Services and be able to give back to the community. She explained that as a 60 year old she has turned her life around from selling her jewelry for drug money to getting clean, moving to Maine and receiving her Bachelor's degree from USM with the goal to go for her Master's.

Carmen - Social Services

I could have talked with Carmen for a while and learn more about her journey, however another commitment called, I hope that she stops in again and fills me in with her progress. I really enjoy the conversations and stories I hear from this simple question project. With the summer pretty much here (better be by now!) I hope to get many more responses this year.

Simple Question Project • Eugene

I met Eugene when he came by a few weeks ago and asked if he could wash my windows for $4. A ridiculously low price I told him he was more than welcome to, however that I was not going to pay him $4.

He has since stopped by a few more times, once to chat about photography and a possible shoot he would like me to do for him and then again today to clean my windows again.

He asked about the question and if he would qualify -- I said absolutely! It has been a bit slow on the project with the winter and all hindering people from walking by as often.

Eugene's dream job is to be a recording artist, something I should have known as the shoot he would like me to do in the future is for an album cover. We talked more today about possible backdrops for his shoot and he likes the idea of the river, because, like a river, our lives are always moving, always changing. Fluid.

Here is Eugene.

Simple Question Project • Mary

Saturday afternoon after Halloween, just before closing, Mary came into the studio inquiring about the sign on the chalkboard.

I explained my project and what the free portrait entailed. I think she was a bit surprised by the fact that it was a "right now" portrait but was a great sport about it.

Where it was later in the day we didn't have as much natural light as I would have preferred. But we did get a nice shot. While I was taking her portrait for the project she noticed the Halloween set I still had up so I took a few of her with that set up as well.

Mary's dream job is to be a mother. After telling me about her children and grandchildren I found she was like me, and had the opportunity to do her dream job. 

Simple Question Project - Gordon

So I started this project one day after three unexpected people stopped into the studio. Originally I thought I would like to photograph each person who came in, however seeing as many people may be put off by that idea, word would travel "She's the girl that takes your picture upon entry", then I would have no visitors, I soon revised my idea. I also wanted a story behind each of my visitors. So I came up with a (in my mind) simple question, "What is your dream job?".

For the dreamer that I am this is an easy question for me to answer. It is also a question that was asked of me during an interview almost two years ago, and one that I have since asked a handful of people. It is a question that after I honestly answered for myself started to solidify my plans to open the studio. Would you care to guess what my dream job is?

Gordon was one of my unexpected visitors the day this project was born. A sweet, simple older man, Gordon was a regular at the Pharmacy I managed before coming to the studio full-time. He is now a regular to the studio stopping in most every day to say "hello" and get a hug.

When asked "What is your dream job?" His reply was simple, to work at the new inn across the bridge as either a dishwasher or maintenance, doing odd jobs. Everyone has dreams, I am hoping I can help to make Gordon's come true, even if just for a day.

Gordon - Dishwasher, Maintenance Man

Simple Question Project - Abdi & Aden

Yesterday I heard two guys outside the studio talking about the chalkboard I have out front with the question written on it. I peeked around my computer screen to see one of them peeking back at me. I stood and invited them in. At which I introduced myself and asked them, if they could have any job in the world, what would their dream job be. I found it very interesting that these two young guys didn't even have to think about it as they are still at the age of dreamers.

Abdi said he wanted to be a weight lifter and Aden a soccer player. I hope to see them back soon to give them their portraits and encourage them to follow their dreams, and at the very least to dream.

Aden- Soccer Player

Abdi - Weight Lifter

Simple Question Project - Roger

I have a chalkboard sitting in front of my studio with a question on it. That question is meant to start a conversation, and at the very least make people think. The question has been outside for 4 days now. I just had my first person come in to inquire.

Roger: Is this serious?
Me: Yes, I want to know what your dream job is. If you could have any job in the world and money was no option, what would it be?
Roger: I would like to take all these empty buildings and make them into housing for single women and mothers.
Me: So almost like a housing developer?

This started the conversation of how when he was younger he wasn't to ask his parents for money but went out and worked for it, weather it be a newspaper route, raking hay, painting houses, raking blueberries. He worked for any money he needed/wanted. And his opinion of this ask and you shall receive mentality of the younger generation is leading to no where good.

I then asked Roger if I could take his portrait. He agreed. With this, I have the start to my simple question project. Meet Roger.