Covered Patio Upstairs: This is a follow-up from the discussion in "Walk on By" by blackest. I'd like to argue in favor of this as a legitimate Street topic, illustrating our humanity...

Voss

This is a follow-up from the discussion in "Walk on By" by blackest. I'd like to argue in favor of this as a legitimate Street topic, illustrating our humanity if you will.

The subject is not identifiable; he represents a class of persons. (During this walk, I saw ten or twenty more persons in similar straits within a few blocks of here.) There is no attempt to demean him; rather, it is to illustrate his condition. And the real point of the photo is to contrast the facilities available to those with money (Covered Patio Upstairs) with those who have none (covered sidewalk downstairs).

I would not attempt to speak with him because I'm well familiar with the events that lead to this state, and because for the purpose of this photo, he is not an individual--he is a representative.

As usual, comments and criticism are welcome.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice photo; I like its starkness. I see no reason to question whether or not it qualifies as a street photo. Good job.

Voss

jaymatt wrote:

Nice photo; I like its starkness. I see no reason to question whether or not it qualifies as a street photo. Good job.

Thanks, jaymatt.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Voss wrote:

I'd like to argue in favor of this as a legitimate Street topic, illustrating our humanity if you will.

The subject is not identifiable; he represents a class of persons. (During this walk, I saw ten or twenty more persons in similar straits within a few blocks of here.) There is no attempt to demean him; rather, it is to illustrate his condition.

The picture absolutely is Street Photography. The question is whether it is ethical Street, or a crutch. It might be a crutch used to make a dramatic photograph that will catch a viewer's eye. The crutch might be the emotional appeal to viewers.

I don't know if there is any way that a crutch is provided for the subject though.

Here's a ditty that describes "his condition", and how that relates to "our humanity".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCdfYkUPvTs

    Jesus was a Capricorn
      He ate organic food
      He believed in love and peace
      And never wore no shoes

    Long hair, beard and sandals
      And a funky bunch of friends
      Reckon may just nail Him up
      If He come down again

    'Cause everybody's gotta have somebody to look down on
      Prove they can be better than at any time they please
      Someone doin' somethin' dirty, decent folks can frown on
      You can't find nobody else, then help yourself to me

    Get back, John

    Eggheads cursin', rednecks cussin'
      Hippies for their hair
      Others laugh at straights who laugh at
      Freaks who laugh at square

    Some folks hate the Whites
      Who hate the Blacks who hate the Klan
      Most of us hate anything that
      We don't understand

    'Cause everybody's gotta have somebody to look down on
      Prove they can be better than at any time they please
      Someone doin' somethin' dirty, decent folks can frown on
      But you can't find nobody else, then help yourself to me

    Help yourself brother
     Help yourself (Incomprehensible)
     Help yourself brother

            Lyrics written by Kris Kristofferson

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Voss wrote:

This is a follow-up from the discussion in "W... (show quote)

It is an interesting shot Voss. The covered patio sign amplifies the man's condition. I like the long lead in to the crux of the scene but at the same time I wonder if the folks in the far background might at drama if they were closer. Anyway I think you got the shot and the PP just about right. :thumbup:

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Apaflo wrote:

The picture absolutely is Street Photography. The... (show quote)

That is a good one by Kristofferson, it reminds me a little of Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone. :)

Voss

waegwan wrote:

It is an interesting shot Voss. The covered patio sign amplifies the man's condition. I like the long lead in to the crux of the scene but at the same time I wonder if the folks in the far background might at drama if they were closer. Anyway I think you got the shot and the PP just about right. :thumbup:

Thanks, waegwan.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

waegwan wrote:

That is a good one by Kristofferson, it reminds me a little of Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone. :)

Everyday People hit on "different strokes for different folks", and boy they meant all different strokes and all different folks. They covered the whole range!