sadie
drifter girl
san francisco
september, 2007

she's not as drunk as she pretends. and she's smarter than she lets on. the older boy next to her is just as drunk as he looks. they met earlier over a can of beer.

her name is sadie; from "everywhere." well, from chico really. but she doesn't live there anymore. mom kicked her out. says mom's a "tweaker and a drunk."

been getting around mostly by hitching. some trains too; but not so much. talks about places she's been to recently; and places she's going.

the boy has a big smile on his face. says "ain't she beautiful!" like he's still figuring his luck.

"yes," i respond.

Kris Kros says: Fantastic as always. -- 07:03AM, September 17, 2007.
guzzie says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Best of Flickr, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. -- 07:03AM, September 17, 2007.
.rein. says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Five Flickr Favs (Invite your favs too!), and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. It's nice to see you post again! : ) -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 07:08AM, September 17, 2007.
roott0 says: great picture! -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 07:34AM, September 17, 2007.
Museum of Dirt says: Another heartbreaker Tom -- 07:35AM, September 17, 2007.
miquelet says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Blanc i Negre, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. ;-) ! -- 07:41AM, September 17, 2007.
Ioannis P. Skaltsas says: Hey ...you're back ...with another powerful image !!! -- 07:47AM, September 17, 2007.
freakdog says: Well done indeed. Very powerful. -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 08:21AM, September 17, 2007.
aggrrrh! says: i'm out of words! that's sincere and strong! -- 08:39AM, September 17, 2007.
Maxwell Edison* says: Very real, very sad. -- 09:29AM, September 17, 2007.
MatteoSp says: your portraits are always unique. -- 09:34AM, September 17, 2007.
lewishamdreamer says: As ever you draw the strength of your work out from the eyes. Whatever quality you have to make that happen - technical or personal - makes you and your work very special indeed. -- 09:44AM, September 17, 2007.
marco pedrana says: great story too -- 10:02AM, September 17, 2007.
leone. says: nice to see your photo-story again.this is great. -- 10:10AM, September 17, 2007.
Bored kitty says: nice portait..i like the tones :) -- 10:21AM, September 17, 2007.
The Unbearable Lightness Of Being Rick says: Smokin! great portrait! -- 10:23AM, September 17, 2007.
jeps says: very nice portrait...moving story... -- 11:00AM, September 17, 2007.
PHOTO/arts Magazine says: excellent Tom.... -- 11:18AM, September 17, 2007.
[] bichito [] says: another nail in my heart bravo -- 11:29AM, September 17, 2007.
harrymoon says: someone needs to save her, or another sad story will occur....... -- 11:32AM, September 17, 2007.
Paradise Regained says: the contrast between the top right and bottom right sections of this image is stark.. the eye, nose, cheek, hair - all could be part of a vogue shot... then the fingers with their dirty bitten nails and the cigarette.. again, horribly sad that such a beautiful young girl has chosen this path... just hope she comes to a fork in the road and makes the right decision... technically brilliant, as always. -- 11:44AM, September 17, 2007.
.tyler. - Claudio Martella says: i don't know where your tones come from, but i want a ticket to that place. -- 11:53AM, September 17, 2007.
the mighty jimbo says: brilliant again. -- 12:14PM, September 17, 2007.
Marty Hogan says: When is the book of your very patient work going to be published? -- 12:51PM, September 17, 2007.
Trickypicky Pixie says: Thank You -- 01:29PM, September 17, 2007.
Paul Presnail says: still at the top of your game. -- 01:29PM, September 17, 2007.
joskraaijeveld.nl says: Well taken -- 01:32PM, September 17, 2007.
sarah ... says: Amazing as always, the photo seems alive, like the cigarette is lit on the page. -- 01:34PM, September 17, 2007.
Yrigoyen) says: wonderful piece of story. that little extract tells it all. rough nails! -- 01:44PM, September 17, 2007.
IngerBonde says: Fantastic stoneth's - you make my tears fall. -- 01:46PM, September 17, 2007.
Aaron_M says: God, Tom. This is incredibly sad and beautiful. -- 02:06PM, September 17, 2007.
THIAGO BIZ  says: Great portrait -- 02:08PM, September 17, 2007.
* Ahmad Kavousian * says: Wonderful portrait as always Tom. -- 02:16PM, September 17, 2007.
Slimeface says: I've always heard you can tell the age of a woman by looking at her hands but I think this may be an exception..... Brilliant capture of the young woman and welcome back! Have missed your work. -- 02:57PM, September 17, 2007.
mgbon - graça neves says: beautiful portrait -- 03:16PM, September 17, 2007.
Sawrah says: stunning -- 03:23PM, September 17, 2007.
Sukanto Debnath says: I have always loved your portraits!!!! This photograph became an InstantFave Logo Please post it to the InstantFave group! fav You are one of my favourite photographers, please add this image to the Fav-Photographer Group and pass it on. Please add this beautiful photo to CITRIT,Best of yours! Citrit group WINNER Your fantastic portrait picture is my winner! Please add this photo to http://www.flickr.com/groups/portraitaward/ Natural Beauty Please, join Natural Beauty - Portraiture Group... your picture is a perfect fit! !!! THE FACE !!! Please add this exceptional image to: www.flickr.com/groups/theface/ ------------------------------------------------- and please, add " theface" TAG -- 04:01PM, September 17, 2007.
Lo-Key says: Sad yet beautiful... an awesome capture. -- 05:29PM, September 17, 2007.
Paddy McDougall says: simply stunning -- 06:24PM, September 17, 2007.
Vickykc says: Amazing, she is so beautiful... -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 06:36PM, September 17, 2007.
ashrim photography says: beautiful portrait and beautiful girl! -- 07:28PM, September 17, 2007.
c h r i s says: Your work is is amazing! The combination of the photo with the story of each subject is compelling. -- 07:47PM, September 17, 2007.
Kyle Hepp Photography {Santiago, Chile} says: this girl and I could be sisters. I wonder if we're somehow related. -- 08:18PM, September 17, 2007.
starsracer says: great photo sad story hope she is smarter -- 08:23PM, September 17, 2007.
Matteo Schimizzi says: you are the ONE! -- 09:40PM, September 17, 2007.
WatermelonSugar says: amazing. -- 11:08PM, September 17, 2007.
J_B - Johnny B says: Tom, once again you have managed to capture another instance in the book of life. Your work is nothing short of brilliant. jb -- 12:50AM, September 18, 2007.
`✦´ says: A stunning portrait as always -- 01:16AM, September 18, 2007.
Surfactant says: This single photo is astounding. I can't stop looking at it. I will be haunted. -- 01:23AM, September 18, 2007.
andzer says: Chercher la Femme This photo deserves to be in Chercher la Femme. Ysplix This is an excellent photo!!! Accept this symbolic ancient prize and admit your photo to a noble contest among the finest in: www.flickr.com/groups/ysplix/ and please remember to tag this photo Ysplix -- 05:19AM, September 18, 2007.
padraic woods says: fantastic picture and great story -- 07:32AM, September 18, 2007.
Count Rushmore says: Sadie... how sad and beautiful. I love these portraits, all of 'em. They're hard and honest. It's America beyond Hollywood... beyond CNN... modern settlers fighting to survive amidst the hostile urban wilderness... beat-up people, down on their luck. I bet they don't sing out loudly about being 'the brave and the free'. And yet they deserve a place at the banquet of the world's biggest democracy just as much as all the Bushes & the Hiltons & ... -- 09:46AM, September 18, 2007.
spikeblacklab says: The hands and the eyes tell the story... Too old for someone so young... -- 10:28AM, September 18, 2007.
gtvone says: Hey Tom, no suprise that this has been explored... well done, again. sime -- 12:37PM, September 18, 2007.
mknobil says: The eyes of a young woman that has seen some disappointments ... the hands of a grubby, abused child .... Totally heartbreaking ... -- 12:45PM, September 18, 2007.
Guillaume F. says: Great portrait. -- 05:24PM, September 18, 2007.
stinkerbell1 says: sincerely incredible as always... -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 09:53PM, September 18, 2007.
Roberto Cisneros says: Excelent picture. Sad story -- 10:01PM, September 18, 2007.
61eternity says: Too young to be so old, beautiful photo -- 12:09PM, September 19, 2007.
fabiogis50 disgusted but back!!! says: You are invited to add this Wonderful Beauty to The Celebrities Hall of Fame of Charm & Beauty People Society Please read the Group Rules & tag your photo Charm&BeautyPeopleSociety -- Seen in the interestingness archives. (?) WINNER Your fantastic black and white picture is my winner! Please add this photo to flickr.com/groups/bwphotoaward/ Feel free to post this wonderful photo into our weekly competition Invited with SIC -- 08:28PM, September 19, 2007.
sMacshot-on semi hiatus says: A baby. A tragedy. A waste, unless lightening strikes in the right way. -- 10:55PM, September 19, 2007.
Sue, Toronto says: Beautiful eyes against gritty fingernails. I hope for her. Powerful image, again. -- 01:44PM, September 21, 2007.
3 Stars says: Your photostream is one of my top 10 favorite things. If you're concerned about how big a deal that is, here's an example: #8 is pan seared Ahi tuna and #3 is The Clash -- Seen in the interestingness archives. (?) -- 10:24PM, September 21, 2007.
Markydeee says: wonderful portrait. -- 01:30AM, September 23, 2007.
Iwan Pawlowitsch F. says: another great photo + story -- 11:21AM, September 23, 2007.
★ mewot ★ says: expressive like always ! -- 01:21AM, September 24, 2007.
EssjayNZ says: stunning portrait that says so much -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 10:14AM, September 24, 2007.
Jon's snaps says: As always - great shot and fantastic narration. Keep up the good work mate! -- 03:10PM, September 24, 2007.
Heloá Fernandes says: love it! -- 04:19AM, September 26, 2007.
Ashlee Preen says: You are so great at this!! -- 06:49AM, September 26, 2007.
bamboosage says: Amazing photo and story. very touching. i wish her the best. You already are. -- 03:55AM, September 27, 2007.
funkyshoot says: she is really beautiful but her look is very sad! great image! -- 03:20PM, September 30, 2007.
snack happy says: she'll be fine. ace picture. -- 08:59PM, September 30, 2007.
muskva says: eh, smoking portraits always have this ultimate quality... -- 10:01PM, October 04, 2007.
[k]ro says: i have to say one of the things i like the most about her, is her attitude, like she didn't even care that you are taking her photo... and her nails! she's not perfect, so what? and yes, she's also beautiful -- 12:41AM, October 06, 2007.
Pandora Vancouver says: This photograph is a WINNER!" Best of Flickr the BEST of Flickr!!! -- 07:34AM, October 07, 2007.
Os Sutrisno says: Wow you're awesome! You indeed have more than talent! -- 03:27AM, October 11, 2007.
Harpersbizarre says: gorgeous -- 10:06PM, October 14, 2007.
jinxmcc says: another powerful image and powerful statement. Thank you. -- 08:33PM, October 15, 2007.
guillermo.d says: awesome portraits....... -- 03:02AM, October 16, 2007.
Eric.Parker says: still strong after all these weeks - good shot saw it a while back now I'm faving it Eric -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 09:50PM, October 16, 2007.
Kim The Star Princess says: You've done an amazing job. There is something about Sadie that reminds me of me, or what I wish I could be, minus the crappy living situation. She is a fierce, intelligent girl who hides her mental assets. She is beautiful, and she is a mess. -- 05:55AM, October 17, 2007.
ronnyfaessler says: Very good Pic -- 08:34AM, October 19, 2007.
mae771 says: I love your stories with the pictures...this one for some reason made me feel a bit envious...the 'freedom' to go and do as she wants when she wants...I figure she knows this. -- 04:07PM, October 24, 2007.
harrietbarber says: Such good and powerful portaits you take. So beautiful and real too. -- 10:49PM, October 24, 2007.
Aardvark For Freedom says: Sad... She is too young to be out on her own... -- 03:19PM, October 25, 2007.
say.wikki says: God, yes, she's beautiful! It's like her hand doesn't go with her gorgeous face. Wish she would just "skip" through this "freedom seeking" portion of her life, but I guess some of us want to ake it more difficult than it needs to be. One must wonder where she will end up with such a gorgeous face as that. -- 11:49PM, October 26, 2007.
Armando Martinez says: Great portrait. -- 08:52AM, November 20, 2007.
dlemieux says: so moving.... -- 06:15PM, November 24, 2007.
Naylamp says: a dream!!! -- 11:41PM, November 25, 2007.
Renmarc says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Black and White Dreams, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
BW
Your photo make me dream! -- 06:48PM, December 02, 2007.
joe2mins says: A very powerful and moving image. It's sad really. Beautiful yet lost....Sadie is the perfect storm. -- 09:01PM, December 15, 2007.
emiliocamarin says: Hola, soy el administrador de un grupo llamado Realidad Ficticia y nos encantaría agregar tu foto al grupo. -- 02:11AM, December 17, 2007.
mxandmusic says: her nails... -- 04:55AM, December 18, 2007.
l'enfer says: This shot is remarkable, the hands are a stroke of genius here. Truly brilliant!! -- 04:23AM, December 20, 2007.
rhondasmokes says: very nice -- 02:33AM, December 22, 2007.
Lumatic says: enjoy, live, love.... season greetings...and a creative 2008 ! Merry X-Mas! -- 11:37PM, December 22, 2007.
.Mohammad Taheri says: beautiful work.. -- 11:32AM, December 27, 2007.
TiffanyLynn Photog says: VERY nice! Looks like an ad! -- 02:46AM, December 28, 2007.
giuseppedr says: This picture caught my interest as I opened your book. One of the best seen on Flickr. Congratulations. -- 02:25PM, December 28, 2007.
About a Majordomo says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Art of the Black and White - Emotions [NEW ICON - POST!!!], and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. i like more your portraits... a little story... scary and sad story.... -- 05:39PM, December 28, 2007.
clawsphoto says: It Good Too see someone taking picturn of POVERY in America. -- 01:22AM, December 31, 2007.
conorlanphere says: The detail you've captured in and around the hands is remakable, though my favorite part of this shot are the eyes! Beautiful! -- 12:26PM, December 31, 2007.
exoskull says: Amazing. -- 03:26PM, January 04, 2008.
surjeet bisht says: Excellent photograph - May god bless sadie. A brilliant photo I have came across through flicker! -- 11:41AM, January 30, 2008.
Ganeshbaby says: love your work, always look forward to seeing new images and reading their story -- 10:41PM, February 26, 2008.
annie_transgirl says: sooooo girlieee,I wanna die looking in ur eyes -- 12:45PM, April 08, 2008.
StanD70 says: her hands tell such a different story than her face/eyes. such a contrast. -- 11:36PM, April 10, 2008.
le panique says: awesome photos here! -- 02:34AM, April 22, 2008.
clfhcks says: these are great, I've recently spent some time with some folks that like to call themselves "travelers". Some of the best and worst people I've ever met, always interesting though. Great photos. -- 07:32PM, April 26, 2008.
SOUTHERN HEART says: Awsome photo -- 08:56PM, May 01, 2008.
Sleepless Aquarius says: I really love your black & white portrait work. Amazing stories & photos! -- 01:58AM, May 27, 2008.
missletia says: look @ her fingernails -- 08:03PM, May 30, 2008.
***plm*** says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called bagós csajok *** smoking females *** femmes fumeuses, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 06:37PM, July 30, 2008.
Anas Bukhash (nascity) says: Very nice portrait, i especially liked the finger-nails detail and the expression. -- 06:10AM, August 27, 2008.
neeme says: hmm Idont know what to say, this picture tells us a long story -- 01:29PM, October 17, 2008.
Mike Tobia says: A masterpiece of the time, it says soo much! -- 07:01AM, November 07, 2008.
anoldent says: Those eyes reveal too much experiance and not enough hope for one her age in the US. Your photo makes me wonder what the odds are for her life turning around. -- 01:35PM, December 28, 2008.
alvazora says: great -- 09:38PM, March 23, 2009.
truth or happiness, never both. says: awesome portraits!! -- 03:31PM, April 02, 2009.
SUSANPHOTOGRAPHY says: Stunning portrait -- 02:10AM, May 11, 2009.
Radar Love says: I've known Sadie for years. Sometimes I get worried about her, sometimes she makes me proud. But she's allways glad to see me. I called her when I saw her picture here, surprized the hell out of her. She is very good at taking care of herself, I worry about her a lot less these days. She's a lot prettier in person. -- 08:35AM, July 25, 2009.
blupepper says: i like your this concept. -- 06:24AM, July 30, 2009.
sf.dawg says: Yup she's beautiful. And smart. Resourceful, and usually in a good mood when I see her.....Hi Sadie...J. -- 03:04PM, August 17, 2009.
oguzbaykal says: love the stories... -- 03:37PM, September 04, 2009.
Rober Martinez Photography says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called black & white collection, anything, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 05:06AM, September 30, 2009.
☆ WarOnioN ☆ says: This is one amassing portrait and a great story behind. Thanks:) -- 07:11AM, November 30, 2009.
ronnyfaessler says: perfect portrai - congrats! -- 08:40AM, November 30, 2009.
vodoodancergirl says: Your portraits are really magnificent I like I am not phtographes but I do not grow tired of it of looking at them!! Thank you -- 02:56AM, December 02, 2009.
spyder666 says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called young smokers, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 07:08PM, December 31, 2009.
Nixy_Lynx says: Great photo ..! The girl has attitude , and you has just captured !.. Congrats ....! -- 10:49PM, January 03, 2010.
www.bluewaikiki.com says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called San Francisco Women, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 04:41AM, May 25, 2010.
Fresh Light says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Paradise by the photographers light, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 08:22AM, June 23, 2010.
Nicote says: beautiful face... -- 04:28PM, August 13, 2010.
divine enfant says: stunning & so strong art !!! -- 06:47PM, October 15, 2011.
Cragin Spring says: Good & Sad story, wonderful portrait! -- 01:20PM, October 11, 2012.
alfenix1 says: It's great! Good luck! -- 02:40AM, November 07, 2013.
decembre says: ★ Thank you too for your post in Portrait★Faces Continue... -- 11:15PM, January 07, 2014.
bamboosage says: Superb portrait Tom! Your story gives depth to the image! -- 11:33PM, January 07, 2014.
SG1000_USA says: Wow. Very nice work. -- 10:23AM, February 15, 2014.
N A Y E E M says: Outstanding portrait -- 05:01AM, July 13, 2014.