If you're familiar with Brooke & Chelsea then that means you've probably known me for a few years. If not, you might want to get caught up here. The short version of the story is that they were my 22nd portrait of my 100 Strangers Project. We met on July 9th 2008 in Georgetown and we've gotten together on, or around, that date every year since for another portrait session. That very first meeting lasted about 15 minutes. Each one since then has lasted considerably longer as we've gotten to know each other better. And the stories, and photos, have become more personal.

This year is the most personal yet. It's a little hard to believe actually. And it plays out like a documentary where you have no idea what you're about to get into when you start filming and then something really special happens. 

It was a bit of a rough year for the Maggi sisters since last we met in Brooklyn in 2010. There have been break-ups and jobs lost and even an apartment fire. But things are turning around. Chelsea, 21, met a great new guy, and Brooke, 23, moved back to Maryland to be closer to family, and because finding work in NY was a constant struggle. She's happy to be back and just started working at Tryst in Adams Morgan. Say hi if you see her. (She's on the right). 

In the past we would shoot wherever we happen to meet, or wherever was most convenient. And I always liked it that way since it reminded me of the spontaneity of that original portrait (and the Strangers project in general). This year Brooke told me she wanted to meet in Dupont Circle, at a specific place that was very dear to her. I couldn't argue with that.

In the three years we've known each other I've met their mother and older sister but there was never any mention of their father. They were taking me to the benches on the south side of the Circle where they told me their dad lived for many years while he was homeless. He had left them long ago, shortly after Chelsea was born and over the years had only sporadic contact with him up until about 5 years ago. He's battled addiction his whole life and was in and out of jail while the girls were growing up. Their last contact with him was this past April, and on this day they didn't know where he was or what he was up to.

We walked over to "his spot", and there, written in the cement below, they showed me this. 

It reads, Nicole Brooke Chelsea I love you. Daddy 96.

The tattoo on Brooke's finger says 18th and Mass. Another place nearby where she used to look for her dad growing up. 

We spent the next few minutes talking more about their life growing up without him and then just life in general. And taking pictures too of course. After a while we decided to move on to a new location for a few more photos before I had to go. We headed East out of the Circle towards New Hampshire Ave and after about 200 feet I noticed a guy on the benches looking at us walking by. When he called out, "Hello, ladies.", I simply took him for just another guy on the corner.

Until Brooke turned to me and said, "Oh my God! That's my dad!"