Hello again, my dear Photography Lovers community!
With great excitement, I want to share with you a new photoshoot that is part of my project "Portraits of strangers on the street". On this occasion, my lens turned to a man who dedicates his life to a work full of tradition: shoe repair.
Don Elias, as he is affectionately known in the neighborhood, has been working in the same corner for more than a decade. His small and cozy shoe shop, located in a very busy area of the city, has become a haven for those who want to give their shoes a second life.
More than just a shoemaker, Don Elias is a character loved by all the neighbors. His kindness to people and his passion for his work have made him a familiar and irreplaceable figure in the community. The local government even recognized his work and gave him the kiosk where he currently works, allowing him to leave behind the harshness of working on the street.
When I arrived at his workshop, I found a simple and humble man with a warm smile that lit up his face. When I explained my project and my desire to photograph him, he did not hesitate to accept. His enthusiasm and confidence allowed me to capture a series of images that reflect the essence of his work and the passion he feels for it.
At first, I took a couple of photos with his wife:
Their loyal dog, inseparable from his parents, also wanted to be part of the photo.
Then, I focused on individual portraits, starting with the gentleman:
And finally, I portrayed his wife, who also accompanies him in the work of repairing shoes.
To close the session, I asked them for permission to photograph them while they worked, seeking to visually reflect their trade.
Finally, I took a couple of photos from afar, where once again their adorable dog wanted to steal the show.
This photo session has been an enriching experience for me. It has allowed me to meet an admirable man who, with his work and dedication, gives life to a work full of tradition and meaning. Through my camera, I wanted to pay tribute to Don Elias and all those artisans who, like him, keep the flame of traditional works alive.
▶️ 3Speak