Not many yards from where I took the portrait shots of Miguel yesterday, this man was lying on the ground.
I've never really got into the idea of 'candid'. It actually took me a while when I joined 365 to even understand what it means. It always seems to have too much of an element of 'sneaky' to me.
So, in my usual way of motioning to my camera, I asked permission of this man lying on the ground. He nodded assent.
I took 2 or 3 shots and then pressed a note into his hand (he had no collecting tin etc) and went on my way, reflecting...............
WOW Hazel, it seems very brave of you to do this. I love to take street scenes but I don't have the courage yet to ask people that seem less fortunate if I can take a photo. Life can be very tough can't it.
I know how uncomfortable it can be to do some street candids. If you think of it as taking advantage of the misfortune of others it can be very off-putting. If you think of it as portraying life as it is, it's easier to take those extremely personal shots. Good for your courage, Hazel! Your image gives us all pause for reflection.
Interesting story and great monochrome tones and contrast Hazel, so sad there are so many people down on their luck, I most definitely would have asked first also for nothing more than the to maintain the mans dignity:)
Well done Hazel and I am sure he was grateful for the note you gave him. It's a sad reflection of life today for those less fortunate than ourselves Fav
A sad scene and glad you asked his permission before you took the photo. An even sadder thought though is I think I would have probably tried to find a café to buy him a sandwich rather than give him money. He is probably an alcoholic as well as homeless and sadly the money will probably buy booze.
Lots of views on this shot but not too many comments: thank you everybody for your response. It's a shot I nearly didn't take and a shot I nearly didn't post.
All the feedback you've given makes me glad I did take it and post it:
the need to maintain a subject's dignity
the contribution street photography makes to social history
the capture of the world as it is, unposed
the need for compassion
the discomfort, sometimes, also for the photographer
The practical solution which I take from this is Babs' suggestion of buying the man some food instead of giving him money. I could not think how any café would accommodate all his stuff but several outlets nearby do sell takeaway sandwiches etc and that will be in my mind another time.
@quietpurplehaze Our son did once give him money. I ask him why not give him bread instead. He will spend it now on drinks. I know, he say. But now he has a good day. I can affort it and drinks he will get anyhow
@quietpurplehaze Haze when I post streeties I always inspect the shot carefully and try to ensure that the image is respectful to those who appear in it. I know that the respectful view is somewhat subjective but I think I have fairly high standards . Several images don't make it to 365 or flickr and are left to "collect dust " on my hard drive . Oh and that's another story...I rarely delete photos.... I should delete more often 😀
Phil, I've often been a bit in awe of your streeties and 'respectful' is interesting as a condition you use for posting. I am much more comfortable with my strangers' portrait shots and I don't think they have to be very posed. I was even uncomfortable taking this shot where nobody even seemed to be aware of me taking it from across the street https://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/365/2017-01-01
I delete loads - probably take far too many! Soon I'm going to trawl through my files and delete more. I mean, who am I keeping them for?!!
Thanks, as ever, for interesting comments.
btw I got 2 photos in explore on Flickr and was quite excited until I discovered they are selected by 'robots'!!!
@quietpurplehaze Ahh but Haze, explore on flickr is based on 'activity' on your photos (and your activity) so it has to be a good shot to be explored and i don't think it gets there 100% by analytical software as there is a human element to ensure it is suitable :)
I have had a great weekend for strangers and streeties and I even managed to get some "fashion style shots" from a stranger . Going to take me some days to catch up posting them !!!!
All the feedback you've given makes me glad I did take it and post it:
the need to maintain a subject's dignity
the contribution street photography makes to social history
the capture of the world as it is, unposed
the need for compassion
the discomfort, sometimes, also for the photographer
The practical solution which I take from this is Babs' suggestion of buying the man some food instead of giving him money. I could not think how any café would accommodate all his stuff but several outlets nearby do sell takeaway sandwiches etc and that will be in my mind another time.
@gigiflower @onewing @pennystot @wag864 @phil_howcroft @rosiekind @helenhall @pcoulson @pyrrhula @agedrunner @wendyfrost @gillian1912 @seattlite @kazlamont @hermann @peggysirk
Ferry, thanks for your comment. There is always more than one way of looking at a situation, I think.
Phil, I've often been a bit in awe of your streeties and 'respectful' is interesting as a condition you use for posting. I am much more comfortable with my strangers' portrait shots and I don't think they have to be very posed. I was even uncomfortable taking this shot where nobody even seemed to be aware of me taking it from across the street https://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/365/2017-01-01
I delete loads - probably take far too many! Soon I'm going to trawl through my files and delete more. I mean, who am I keeping them for?!!
Thanks, as ever, for interesting comments.
btw I got 2 photos in explore on Flickr and was quite excited until I discovered they are selected by 'robots'!!!
I have had a great weekend for strangers and streeties and I even managed to get some "fashion style shots" from a stranger . Going to take me some days to catch up posting them !!!!
David, thank you - I still have some misgivings about this!