It all started from a combination of curiosity and community.
In 2019, Jenelle Dulack moved to Harrisburg and began to explore the city, encountering people like we all do: baristas, bartenders, servers, artists, booksellers, etc.
She began to wonder about their lives. Who were they outside of their jobs? Where were they from? What did they do in their spare time?
Eventually, Dulack began to interview them and, as a photographer, asked to take their portraits. The result was a project called “Harrisburg Smiles,” a collection of photos of over 60 Harrisburgers from all walks of life.
We thought our readers would enjoy seeing a sample from Dulack’s project. For the complete collection, visit @hbgsmiles on Instagram and, for more of her work, go to her creative photography business, @freakshowphotog.
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- Willy, 39: I love to take in nature.
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- Wade, 58: Before becoming the resident cheesesteak guy at Broad Street Market, I was a professional seafood chef.
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- Tisha, 49: I’m a shoe fanatic and have a collection, but I don’t wear even close to half of them.
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- TAHYA, 24: I was born in Egypt and moved to America when I was 11. Now, I run a charity that provides essential needs like food, water, and shelter to people internationally.
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- Sheila, 65: Gospel is my favorite genre of music to sing.
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- Robert, 44: Nowadays, I’m most proud to be known as “Rosie’s dad.”
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- Richard, 46 and his daughter: I just taught my daughter how to ride a bike without training wheels.
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- Randy, 44: I have worked at the Art Association of Harrisburg for 23 years, more than half my life.
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- Raj, 28: Strangers love to tell me about their personal lives.
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- Michael, 73: I’m a retired hotel breakfast cook and was once tipped $100 for making incredible eggs.
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- Liz, 38: My parents met on 3rd Street in the ’60s.
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- Leroy, 33: I’m currently attending barber school so I can make people happy and give them a fresh cut they like.
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- Larry, 71: I’m sick of drunk drivers; one totaled my car.
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- Krista, 33: I took a road trip with my school after graduation and sang with my jazz band in the streets of Florence, Italy.
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- Khiana, 18: I am a volunteer for the East Penn Fire Department and will be going to school to become an EMT next spring.
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- Kenzie, 28 and Cody, 33: Our first date was at HMAC, and now we have a storefront on the same block.
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- Kayla, 34:When I was a kid I wanted to be a taxi driver; I thought it would be the best way to meet new people.
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- Johquan, 42: I want you to know just how special you are.
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- Jillian, 23: I live along the Appalachian trail; I grew up camping and being outdoors. It absolutely influences my art.
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- Glitch, 116 (?): I make custom-ordered mini robot figurines.
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- Gabe, 25: I tattoo, make music, art, and the list goes on.
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- Faye, 80: I used to live in an old home that had lots of chimney fires and I’ve had a fear of firemen in uniform ever since.
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- Eric, 39: I am the Harrisburg bike guy.
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- Emry, 33: Of the 13 countries I’ve visited, Turkey was my favorite because the stray cats are plentiful and well respected.
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- Emma, 19: I don’t have any rigid plans for the future, but I enjoy makeup, writing, and working at Freshido.
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- Drew, 35: I needed a change from my stressful real estate job and decided to open Pedego in Strawberry Square.
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- Caroline, 30: I’m working as a coach for people with autism and ADHD, helping them navigate workplace accommodations.
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- Bob, 72: I know most locally owned businesses don’t make it past 10 years, but I opened Jean Joint in July of 1989 and we’re still operating 35 years later.
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- Bob, 51: I’ve been playing in a punk/metal band with my friends called The Factor for the last seven years.
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- BarbaraJean, 65: My mom taught me how to crochet, but wouldn’t teach me sewing until after I finished my 4-H courses.
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