grumpeegit Loc: Bridgend, Wales, U.K.

Well said......

TLCarney Loc: Englewood, Florida

Piece of the pie? What pie? A bystander with a cell phone camera took a picture of a NY policeman, on-duty, engaged in an act of being a decent human being, on the streets of New York. Yes, a news story, yes a human interest piece and now a viral internet sensation, but no pie. However, if the shoe company, or shoe store wish to launch a city-wide advertising campaign, or an enterprising writer/producer wants to make a film or write a non-fiction book...now there's a pie to negotiate.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

The news story said a tourist took the picture, so it wasn't even a reporter it was just someone who happened to be there. Obviously it got picked up by the news.

acutance Loc: New Hampshire

Great shots, pale one.
“One of the risks of appearing in public is the likelihood of being photographed.”
― Diane Arbus

scootersurfs Loc: Buckeye, Az

I give money to homeless people all the time, and often wondered if it would be ok to take a few pictures. I will consider your approach and try it out sometime. Thnx

:thumbup:

I STOP TO SHOOT Loc: By the No. CA Sea

Wow the secong picture the one where the guys eyes are opened, those eyes are a story in its self. Nice shots, advice sounds good... Thank you

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

As long as it isn't used for "commercial" gain, it is fair game the way I see it. If the picture was used commercially, not editorially, then both subjects should be given a payment.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

:thumbup: :thumbup:
And in many places it has been found that the "homeless" beggars are not from the area where they are begging and after a few days of begging go back to an apartment with nice furnishings! I read an article a few months ago about some towns that were investigating some of these and found one of the "beggars" would walk away and when he thought no one was looking got into his fancy car from a different county and drove off!! Just looking for money without work!! And obviously very successful at it!!

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Maybe he was a "wanted" person, or an illegal?? I have seen that happen too.

TLCarney Loc: Englewood, Florida

Now consider this, by virtue of this brief encounter with fame, and particularly if he submits to interviews and appearances on national TV shows, he can be considered a celebrity, and a celebrity out in the open is fair game, by the code of the paparazzi.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Begging sounds like harder work than working.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I do like the photos you take. I'm trying to show the environment they are living in and illustrate that there isn't always a safety net for these folks. That's the neat thing about photography. There can be so many approaches to the same subject.
take care and keep doing great work.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

Ditto!
:thumbup:
Heading to a shoot over and out.

lachmap Loc: Sydney Australia

There by the grace of God go I. How can any of you comment about him without knowing his circumstances? Mental illness - I know what it's like to have a kid with schizophrenia and believe me it isn't pretty. Attempted suicide, the pain of 'seeing things' that aren't there, hearing voices telling you to do stuff. Unless you suffer mental illness you have NO IDEA what it's like. AS for homeless people most of you HAVE NO IDEA what it's like. Stop stereotyping. Does he really want a slice of the pie? Who said that? Can it be verified that he actually said that?

Linden

No one seems to be catching on to what possibly happened. The gentleman's reaction (who received the boots) was perhaps not totally driven by the photo. He was made a target by the officer. The Cop's heart may have been in the right place, but shiny new boots would certainly make this person a target for theft and a mugging by the less scruplious of his peers. It could easily put his life in more danger. So I don't blame him for selling them asap. Even if the money went towards feeding a bad habit. If you want to help someone in this position, regardless of how they arrived, it's best to offer food they can easily consume, and gently worn but serviceable clothing. Also you might try to direct them to a shelter. Money is not the best kind of help, except for the ones who are professional beggars. ie: the ones who get in their car and drive away. They may be doing all they can do to feed hungry dependents. Please remember, the best criticism is well thought out constructive criticism. Harsh judgement without knowing someone's personal situation is a good sign of a simple lack of thinking skills. If you think these visible minority people should be off the streets and receive better assistance, then why not seek out a local program that strives to help, get involved and better understand what it is your judging..... A few people who have replied here reflect their understanding and involvement with the homeless, and we could learn from them. As far as the man's comment about getting a piece of the pie from the photo; he's just reacting in the same way he sees most of corporate America and anyone else who is better off than he....gimme, gimme, gimme. It's pretty easy to go spew off against someone who is basically homeless and utterly defenceless. If we have a problem with his attitude we should be directing our thoughts towards those who are charged with setting examples for the less fortunate? Or are we cowards in the face of authority? if you're a professional photographer and you capture an image of a recognizable, more successful person and it is published somewhere, it is quite conceivable that the subject may benefit somehow from that exposure. I think it is quite astute of this homeless or beggar person to recognize and ask if he too might benefit from the exposure. After all, this happened in America, right?