Reflections on the face of homelessness in Bedford

This only kind of succeeds as the processing is sub-standard. I am alarmed at the seeming rate of increase of homelessness in Bedford. A couple started camping out here - in the doorway left vacant by Laura Ashley's closure - just a few of weeks ago. I was looking at them through the big faces sculpture entitled "Reflections of Bedford". Traffic stopped me from getting the shot I wanted, so I have zoomed in on the part of the image showing the woman rearranging her bedding, but left the faces the same size so that they frame the picture. Perhaps a bit too much manipulation, but this hobby does just while away the hours we haven't got doesn't it?

PS I am trying to get braver at taking shots of people and in the town centre.

[Kate Goring]

Well done for taking the shot, I feel the same way in terms of taking pics of people. I like the framing. Nice shot of a sad situation.

[Gayle]

Wow! That's a strong photo making a strong statement! Using the big faces sculpture to frame the homelessness image certainly worked out well on lots of levels.

[Daisy Ditch ⊰✿]

Oh, goodness it is so cold at the moment too. I have noticed a lot of homeless folk in Northampton too. So sad. Love how you have combined the two shots.

[Helen]

Great shot.
I'm not brave enough to take these kind of shots, but I like the fact they record how others live their lives.

[Judith Greenwood]

Oh I'm with you there - Cambridge too - it seems to have exploded.

[Stephanie Swift]

A poignant street shot, well seen and taken, and the frame made by the two profiles, unmoved and unmoving, somehow emphasizes the fact that the homeless are often not really seen or responded to by other humans--there's a sort of heartlessness about the situation.

[Helen Jane]

@kategoring @gaylewood @daisyditch @dizzyd @tristansmum @judithg thank you so much for taking this one on-board. I wasn't sure if it had worked, but you have read the intention in the picture so well.

[Madeleine Pennock]

An evocative image showing the plight of our homeless. It is a difficult subject to take, because it often looks like we are intruding and/or even judging them. If you are brave and therefore able to engage with the homeless individual, try to get consent to take the photo. Listen to their story and take a empathetic image of them rather than a grab shot. The difference to your picture will be amazing!

[Helen Jane]

@marshwader you make some valid observations. I have occasional brave moments, but mostly not. Certainly not judging, but I understand your reservations. There is a confidence problem with asking permission, as I have found that I become very self conscious and take bad photos when people are aware. Still as you say......there is a learning curve, which I am happy to be on.