Winnipeg Street: Shane
I met Shane tonight while heading home from a brief walk around the downtown. I wasn’t in a hurry and when I noticed Shane and another gentleman, I decided to stop and start a conversation. Shane was quite a well spoken young man and was very clear on the direction he wanted his life to go. He had quite a lot of struggles in the past, having recently exited a treatment facility.
He has been studying Christianity and the Bible quite extensively and has found himself becoming a street minister of sorts. He explained that he could sit quietly reading the Bible for hours without realizing the time. What I found refreshing about Shane was his open minded approach to spirituality and his easy going, good natured attitude towards folks of different culture, race and also religion. I certainly appreciated this, as having people force their beliefs upon another is not a good approach. It was a very candid discussion and I could easily see him becoming a motivational speaker.
A very good writer, Shane shared with me some of his stories – slices of his day to day interactions with people around Winnipeg. Shane has many plans for his future but admitted he had a long way to go. He was full of enthusiasm however, and I have no doubt, with some hard work and dedication to his goals, he’ll be successful. I tried to encourage him to keep pushing forward and not to give up.
Mike Pratt Photography Blog 
Excellent photos and story Mike . To look at Shane you would never guess what lies beneath and it would would be good to hear how he progresses .
Thank you Gavin! That was how I felt as well and after listening to him speak, I have a good feeling about him. I do plan on contacting him again to do a follow up entry.
This is a good series of potraits
Thank you Rajiv!
Great job, Mike!
Much appreciated!
Well done Mike! A beautiful example of the camera as a weapon for peace! Through your desire to photograph, you not only made a significant connection with another human being, but also blessed his life. You have a gift of connecting with strangers, and especially street people. You are seen as a friend out there (in contrast to a hired social worker, police officer, etc) and as such, you are having a very positive influence. Also, this is a beautiful blog, I like that you include a few pictures, very professional, and honouring of the individual.
Hey Doug, Thanks. I certainly appreciate your feedback and I’m sure Shane would as well. I’m planning on keeping in touch with him and will probably do a follow up entry at a later date. Perhaps it is my mission of sorts to help give some people a voice and at least let this audience know it’s OK to stop and talk to someone on the street. Also, I find it really quite enjoyable getting to know these folks.
Great post :)
Cheers, Rob!
Great portraits, Mike! I wish Shane all the best and hope his enthusiasm continues to drive him forward to achieve his goals. I so enjoy reading about the people you meet and so successfully photograph and interact with. Thanks for sharing your part of the world!
Thank you Robyn! I hope he makes it as well. I am hopeful he will; his outlook seemed very positive.
“having people force their beliefs upon another is not a good approach.” – 1000% agreed, Mike. This gentleman sounds like a very interesting soul and I cannot thank you enough for being a beautiful bridge of sorts, using your art in a way that connects us to folks we’d never get to meet otherwise. You are such an elegant host! And the photos are wonderful.
Shane’s eyes look alight in these great shots – he hods himself with confidence and peace just as you say. He’s got some spirit swagger, man! I dig it.
I look forward to more but for this moment let me say, your work and Shane’s story are soothing for the soul.
Blessings and light to you, my dear.
Always wonderful to read your brilliant and inspiring words!
Shane’s writing really impressed me and I was struck with how well he effortlessly communicated both on the pages he showed me and his interactions with me. He’s planning on writing a book and I can imagine it being a success.
Keeping rocking the creative world, Allison! :)
Passion, character and a kind, thoughtful demeanor have taken many much farther than they had envisioned themselves. I would not be surprised to see him on a bigger stage some day. Nice story to accompany your photos, Mike.
It would be great to see him succeed with all he has planned. Perseverance, hard work and keeping on his chosen path will certainly go a long way in getting him there. Thank you Eric!
Thank you for sharing this story, Mike.
It’s very fascinating to read about your meetings with people.
Beautiful portraits of Shane.
Much appreciated Malin! I’m also sure he would appreciated all the positive vibes from these comments!