I ran the kids into school this morning and took my camera with me. I set myself the challenge of a street shot before I got home.
While photographing something else I spotted this lady with her guide dog. I had very mixed emotions taking this shot, and have wrestled for 3 hours with the question of whether to post it or not. I feel that I may have taken advantage of this ladies blindness, but then so many street photos take advantage of people.
I thought how much losing my eyesight would affect me and rob me of my passion for photography, and then thought, but should it? It did get me wondering of there are any blind photographers, and a quick search found this chap, who has some pretty impressive work.
Your words and thoughts on this candid stir many emotions, and just to think that most of us take are sight for granted. Many thanks for sharing.
The photographer in the link is truly amazing!
Good shot. And sometimes I think we are just meant to wrestle with issues and it must have been your turn today. Thanks for taking us with you through your thought processes.
Great street shot! I like the way your mind leads you to examine and question, and then look for the answers, and then feel gratitude. In this day and age, fewer and fewer people do it at all. It makes me sad. But it makes me glad to read what you have written.
This is an example of street photography at its finest, Sean - well done. I count my blessings each and every day, we all have our crosses to bear, some much heavier than others.....
I think that is part of life.
Putting some people apart because of handicap is in some ways excluding them, so you don't have to feel bad...she is there, and a shot like yours make us think about a lot of things....courage, admiration....and so many things...
great shot !
Your thoughts & words on this shot are commendable Sean, But the camera is a powerful tool & although can exploit can also be put to good use to draw attention to things people may not be aware of, or would rather not think about!.....Great job & link!
you have posted this with compassion Sean & I think the lady wouldn't mind at all. You probably were hoping no one saw you take the picture though ! I have a 'shall I shan't I' photo for tomorrow too, not easy decisions! Wonderful dogs & she is striding out very confidently!
I agree with Pat, Sean, in fact the lady would probably be pleased to think that you had taken the time to think about her experience. Life comes at us in all shapes and forms, photos are a conduit for sharing the human experience.
Totally empathise with your feelings, but it's a great shot and you should be pleased you have us all thinking and counting our blessings. The photographer on your link is just amazing!! makes me feel guilty for moaning about my lack of understanding in photography.
Great photo and taken for the right reasons - not exploiting her at all, no more so than any candid street photography. Now if she'd forgotten to put her skirt on and you were laughing at her, that would have been different!
I really can't imagine what life would be without my sight. My grandfather was blind and that is one charity I give money to. I love the shot and i am sure she would of been flattered.
Sean, thank you for posting something so thoughtful and carefully thought out. You are demonstrating the best of humanity - and we appreciate that you've had us stop and think.
I know a blind painter, she is fantastic. I'm sure she wouldn't want to be treated any differently to the other people you shoot on the street. Beautiful dog
Great shot Sean, apart from the dog being a bit more alert than other dogs she looks like everyone else walking down the street. Obviously a lady not being hindered by her lack of sight.
I had a discussion the other day about losing one's sight, we all agreed it must be the worst faculty to lose, can understand your reticence, and yes we must count our blessings. i went to a charity morning in aid of guide dogs, it costs £5,000 to train one dog! amazing.....good post
A very thought provoking photo and commentary Sean. I'll check out the blind photographer later....yes, we should maybe all count our blessings a bit more, there is always seine else worse off than ourselves isn't there....
This capture and comments are certainly thought provoking, and most certainly lead us to count our blessings. It's all very moving, well done, Sean, great capture.
The photographer in the link is truly amazing!
Putting some people apart because of handicap is in some ways excluding them, so you don't have to feel bad...she is there, and a shot like yours make us think about a lot of things....courage, admiration....and so many things...
great shot !