I never shoot homeless people--and I've done it twice recently. Once was in front of the Trump Building in New York, and then I had to explain to my granddaughter why I took the shot. Fortunately, she did not think it was exploitative. I'm still not sure....
This was in downtown Baton Rouge in the late afternoon. It had just finished raining, but he managed to stay relatively dry, tucked under an overhang. The circus was letting out with happy affluent families trooping up to the levee to look at the river. The parents looked the other way, and the children whispered, "Mama, I saw a homeless man!"
The new One Stop Homeless Services Center is a mile and a half away. I wonder if he made it there before dark, or if he even wanted to....
Exploitative? Never ... just reality. They cannot sinply look the other way and pretend the problem does not exist, and nor should we, but I think there is als a lot to be read in your words "I wonder if he made it there before dark, or if he even wanted to...."
or ... "Men at some times are masters of their fates" -- Julius Caesar
I like the picture. I have occasionally taken pictures of some of our local homeless, but not often. I don't think it's any more exploitive than taking picture of anyone else walking down the street. I sometimes think I should go out with a pocketful of dollars and then do a study of the faces I see, paying them for the opportunity to photograph them (our homeless are often panhandling and would probably be perfectly happy to have their picture taken for the money). But I never do, I would feel really uncomfortable doing something like that.
@wordpixman@paulavdmerwe@mtngal@bkbinthecity@obiwan Thanks for all your supportive comments. One reason I hesitate to photograph homeless people is that I know if I were homeless and hadn't had a bath in days, I wouldn't want someone taking my picture! I think I'll do what Jobi suggested and ask--if they are awake.
I like Arthur's quote. I've volunteered in soup kitchens and know some people want and accept help and others don't. What upsets me the most are homeless children.
You have to do what you feel comfortable with. I don't think it's exploitive when a person's dignity has not been compromised. You can pay them although it won't be used for food I'm pretty sure!
I wonder if he is actualy homeless.. his clothes look very clean, his sock are white.. even if he cannot walk, his socks would still get tired and dirty being so close to the ground. Who knows.. its a powerful shot
Very powerful photo ...makes one wonder what the story is behind this situation. This one puzzles me ... the clean socks and the wheelchair. I hope that he is alright. We do need to look and see what is going on around us. Breaks my heart tho.
He doesn't come across as being homeless..just look at the way he's dressed.. clean and pressed so to speak... clean socks too. although he needs a wheelchair doesn't spell homeless. maybe just being tired and needing a rest..I myself don't like taking pictures of homeless people..although as everyone says we should be aware of their plight but there are so many who prefer to live this way.. anyway thumb up for you taking this shot.
or ... "Men at some times are masters of their fates" -- Julius Caesar
I like Arthur's quote. I've volunteered in soup kitchens and know some people want and accept help and others don't. What upsets me the most are homeless children.