This is the photo I shouldn't have taken. I posted it today because of the discussion on "What is controversial to you?"
I chose to photograph her because of Trump Tower in the background, the trash can she is leaning against, what it says about our culture--but when her eyes met mine, I realized that if I were in her situation, I wouldn't want anyone taking my picture. And then my granddaughter asked me why I took the photo, and I had to try to explain myself.
So why post it now? Maybe I should just delete it and stop obsessing about it!
Some things are distasteful or sad, taboo or maybe something we would rather walk past. As photographers we bring these things to mind. It is a part of what we do and a part of the message we pass into contemporary social and political debate.
Maybe this lady would not want you to photograph her. However, if you did not do so you would have missed the opportunity to highlight an important social point. The fact that this can happen outside a building where such profit and opulence resides is a tragedy. It is also a grim statement about our humanity and our recognition of the deep chasm that lies between rich and poor.
A great social comment and I would urge you not to delete it.
I agree with Damon ( @netkonnexion ) that we have a social responsibiloity to record reality, not censor it, as long as our observations are not aimed at ridicule or any other form of offence. Good on you, Diane, for taking this photograph showing an unfortunate woman's plight as a reminder of the injustices and inequalities of this world..
Maybe this woman put herself in front of Trump Tower for a reason -- I mean, New York is a big place and that exact iconic spot might not have been an accident. If she wanted to make a statement, then it's good you were there to document it.
I totally agree with the others. If your intent was to ridicule then it shouldn't be shown but I think your reasons were honorable and you need to leave it ! It makes a great comment !
I agree with Carla ... it could very well be that that is why she chose to put herself there. I also caught the "Fifth Avenue" stamped on the trash can ... which also denotes wealth. I would have done the same as you, Diane. Take the photo, post it .... it speaks volumes!
@netkonnexion@wordpixman@vase@karenann@jodimuli@bkbinthecity@peterdegraaff I appreciate all your thoughtful replies. Peter summed up my feelings well: was I exploiting her? In retrospect, the best thing that came out of taking this photo is that my granddaughter (who's only 8) seemed to understand that I wanted to show the disconnect between rich and poor. Maybe that will be one tiny part of her education in issues of social justice.
October 21st, 2012
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Some things are distasteful or sad, taboo or maybe something we would rather walk past. As photographers we bring these things to mind. It is a part of what we do and a part of the message we pass into contemporary social and political debate.
Maybe this lady would not want you to photograph her. However, if you did not do so you would have missed the opportunity to highlight an important social point. The fact that this can happen outside a building where such profit and opulence resides is a tragedy. It is also a grim statement about our humanity and our recognition of the deep chasm that lies between rich and poor.
A great social comment and I would urge you not to delete it.