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Liam is a great man and although on your first glimpse you may judge him by the way he keeps himself and his home don't be too judgemental. Liam never drunk alcohol or smoked cigarettes until he was 35 years old, he was some what of a wheeler & dealer (a minor businessman of sorts doing deals with and around the criminal fraternity of London.) Liam?s life changed when he started a relationship with Spanish girl in his early thirties, I won't go to much into this history except to say that when he came out of it he had lost the will to live and so choosing an easy way out in death by weekly instalments by drinking smoking and starving himself to death. He rarely has electricity and is often without water. The thing he sleeps on once looked familiarly akin to a mattress but now long evolved into a living thing that I swear moves if watched closely.

Surrounded by papers magazines books on subjects from astral physics to philosophy and from psychology to spirituality I see many of the great works of literature and countless biography's there are also many electronic items their innards butchered ripped out like some manic mechanical surgeon, within this bizarre chaos I heard the radio playing 'Wagner's The Ride of the Valkyries!' and I feel that in this moment in time I am in the right place at the right time.

 

Liam Lives in the centre of Sloane Square in the heart of one of the richest areas on the planet living (No I mean to say, existing in extreme poverty who's only means companionship is his paralysing loneliness and the occasional visitor which these day's are few and far between.

 

Liam is now in his mid to late 50's but I swear that when he shaves and puts on fresh rags he looks late 40's and he is as strong as an ox and that?s no bad for someone that eats only two full meals a week at all other times he lives on milk vitamins and minerals and sometimes the odd bit of fruit and nuts he can squirrel when the shop keepers aren?t vigilant. Every penny he gets from the social security goes on alcohol and cigarettes which normally lasts him one night and two if he is very lucky.

 

I would like to say more about Liam and I suppose I will when I have a bit more time but for now I will finish with this, Don't be disillusioned by thinking you are better than anyone else because you are not! different, yes! better no! We all have strengths and weaknesses and no two individuals are the same except in that we share the same destiny's that we were once born and will one day die. Everything else on this earth and in this life is a gift and the only thing that we can take with us when we leave this world behind, are our memories and from these we are measured and our future destinies mapped.

 

 

thanks for your critique and time viewing.

Very wise words Hugh and a great photograph and story to go with it. As always superb.

 

Regards for 2007.

 

Mark

Amen to that.

 

Bill

Hey Mark what an honour it is seeing you again, thank you for viewing and your kind comments, there is another British photograper from up near you that I'd like to intoduce you to 'BennyBoy' perhaps you know him if not email me and I will send you a link to his work.

 

I hope that this year becomes a year of joy for you and all you care for.

 

 

Bill,

 

Thank you.

I always maintain your life can change in the blink of an eye, so best not to judge others. Who knows what makes someone give up on life when they perhaps could have achieved great things. As always, your images are food for thought, Hugh.

Thanks Kim,

I'm sure you would like Liam, he is a very funny and kind man who has had many life experiences.

I will be posting a recent photo of Liam shot yesterday in my Portfoloio folder in the near future, I hope you can see it.

 

 

Regards and a happy new year to you, Ed and your boy's I hope that you share great love and happiness together this year and that all your wishes came real.

 

Hugh

 

PS I was wron Liam is actually 62 years old and not mid 50's as I satted earlier.

Wow, Liam doesn't look like he's in his 60's at all! I would put him at late forties if I had to guess.

Yes, he amazes me but its true he is now 62 years old, I have another picture taken last year just after his 61st birthday - it's more closer so you can see his features better.

He looks a little older in that shot, but nowhere near 60!!

Thanks so much Hugh for the comments. I love this photo. I like the unkempt bed and his carefree nature. Great shot and story.

 

Hugh

that a very spontaneous portrait, well made, I will read your description now..

Hugh,

 

It is good to hear from you. Yes, living in Ohio, a political swing state, we get a lot of election coverage. I like all of the excitement surrounding this year's election.

 

I am sorry to hear about your friend's condition. He appears thin in this photograph, but full of life. You always capture your subjects intimately.

 

But I definitely don't want to talk about technique in this post. Best of luck for a good fall Hugh. I do hope that you see a change for the best soon.

 

From America.

 

Charlie

Hugh...im enlightened by your honestly worded stories and you keen eyes>

Thanks>>>

hey man... I'm glad I found your work!

THIS is a fantastic portrait!!!  The story makes it much more personal, but I wouldn't have selected it in the first place if it weren't dynamic and fascinating.  An excellent piece by you!  And I hope that Liam is finding life easier to live now, as well.