En route to Jersey City I was stuck in traffic on 495 just before the Holland Tunnel. That little curve near the traffic lights on the border of Hoboken are littered with graffiti and arresting views of the City skyline. Heavy traffic provides plenty of opportunity for pan handlers to walk through the rows of stopped cars asking for change.

This was the third image I snapped through the passenger side window. The only camera on hand a 35mm loaded with slide film. The first photo being the man unaware of the camera, second image shows he’s processing what is going on and the 3rd, here, he’s personality shines through.

I was laughing so hard as soon as he flipped me the bird. The sticky stop and go traffic eased slightly. I lower the camera and inch forward keeping an eye on this guy, still cracked up from such a random moment shared between the car window with a total stranger. Giddy, I see him in my rear view bust out in a broad smile and chuckling to himself.

My favorite photo memory of 2013.