January 21st
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Unknown

While trying to find my way through clouds of smoke emerging from Amsterdam's coffee-shops, I crossed a bridge where this guy had decided to set up camp.

He was from Ireland, apparently left the country because he was afraid of living there. As I talked to him, he kept looking back and forth, over his shoulder, as if he was afraid someone was gonna jump him the second he put his guards down.

I gave him all my spare change, and after a short talk, he let me take a portrait of him.

Well... Kinda. As I kneeled to take the picture, he kept looking from left to right, making it impossible for me to get a portrait of him.

"Hey mate? You mind looking into the camera?"

- "'Course not, mate!" he replied, and looked at me for a split second, before returning to his head-shaking habit.

I wasn't quick enough on the trigger to get it at that second, so I figured I might as well try my luck - and held down the shutter while we were talking a short while more.

All the photos were of either his left or right cheek, or hair flailing into the camera - except this one.

And a small note - the eyes are all natural. They really were that bright.