Taking Candy from Strangers - 003

My photography posts on Instagram have been all over the place lately. Normally, a feed is supposed to be consistent. It should be something that draws in people interested in the same kind of content. But truthfully, I haven’t been consistent. Most of what I’ve captured has been personal assignments, and I’m okay with that.

I love street photography and I love documentary-style photography. I’m drawn to images that tell a story. Sometimes, amazing people who’ve lived rich, full lives get overlooked and forgotten. I’m not okay with that. I want to use my camera to share their stories.

Meet Tyrone Bannister.

Tyrone Bannister April 2025.

Ty works out at my gym. I usually squeeze in a workout during my lunch break, mostly because it’s the only time I can manage it. In my head, I justify it like, “Hey, I’m getting paid for this,” even though that’s obviously not true. Anyway, I walk in one day and Ty calls me over. I’m thinking, “Come on, man,” but I walk over. He casually slides me some hard candies like it’s some kind of secret transaction (not that I’d know anything about that). I know the saying is “Don’t take candy from strangers,” but Ty isn’t a stranger anymore, and I can never say no.

We usually catch up, he checks in on me, then ends with, “Keep it tight”, completely unaware of the way I eat when no one’s watching.

One day, Ty mentions he’s turning 70. Seventy. I was genuinely excited for him. What a milestone. This man is a legend.

I walked over to the front desk and told the staff, “Hey, it’s Ty’s birthday coming up. We should at least get him a card.” They didn’t seem as excited as I was. So I thought, maybe I’ll just get him something myself. But then it hit me: I’ll offer to take his portrait.

He said yes.

So here it is, his portrait. Ty turns 70 on April 10. He once worked as a security officer at a casino in Atlantic City. He has three sons and a daughter, all living in New Mexico.