It was true. I had not ever personally met an American Indian before. As I told him that I shook his hand and he was happy to tell me a little bit more about himself. He was adopted by his parents. They were not from the same tribe. He was a Cherokee.
"I am the black sheep of the family you know". He pointed out all of his tattoos that covered both forearms.
He also told me how proudly he served in the Marines as a Gunnery Sergeant for 22 years. He had patches of honor all over his leather vest. He pointed them all to me. He said he wants to go back to serve but they won't take him since he's 57.
Why are you named Little Hawk, I asked. "Because I fly high and protect the young", he said very quickly. "I am the elder, the kids respect me". As he stood by the table where he laid all of the skulls and bones he sold, I took a few photographs.
Photo Tip: People and their stories are inspiring. I wouldn't have been able to take "Little Hawk's" photo effectively if I hadn't listened to his story first. That's why in order to capture the essence of your subject in a photograph you need to get to know them. Case and pointe : Moms and Dads take some of the best photos of their kids, simply because they know them the most.
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