Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London.

(Download)

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Some pointed Street Photography there.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Another of your very touching and poignant photographs, Graham.
--Bob

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

If one of the definitions of a successful photograph is to be provocative, your street shots are surely that, Graham. Inclusion of just the lower legs and feet of those who are passing by is a powerful statement that will cause us all to question our own humanity.

I'm reminded of a fascinating discussion hosted by MinnieV in 2016:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-406846-1.html

In that topic I mentioned that I'm uncomfortable with photos of homeless or other human suffering being displayed or critiqued on a photo forum because the conversations may turn to the comparatively mundane: composition and settings - rather than the emotional impact.

In the "abject despair" topic you addressed the ethics of photographs of these type, and in the 2016 topic many others did the same. Minnie, in response to my comments, said "Having been a social worker by profession for almost half a century, I have known far more people of misfortune than people of good fortune, and I tend to see them all as people rather than representatives of their troubles or their status. I don't usually shy away from any human subjects I encounter in the public arena. My goal in capturing images of people, whether they appear to be fortunate or unfortunate, is to represent their humanity, and hopefully allow that message to come across to whoever sees it."

For those no longer following the comments in your "abject despair" topic, here is the full article from which Canadaboy quoted:
https://www.uniteforsight.org/global-health-university/photography-ethics

Graham, thank you so much for your thought-provoking, powerful images.

Dannj

When taking photos like these I remind myself that the attempt is to capture the human condition, that situations like this exist. The focus is not on the individual.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

The photo is a strong one, but I’m afraid that I don’t see the emotion afraid.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Looking at it full size his eye is staring at the wall as if he daren't close it.

SpyderJan Loc: New Smyrna Beach. FL

That is a striking and emotional image Graham, and as the cold weather comes, it is going to be more of a problem for the less fortunate.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

To me, I see fear in his eye which is open, as if he is afraid to close them.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Wonderful picture. Great tones, DOF, perspective. I've often thought about how I would be if I had to be on the street. I'd be terrified, afraid to fall asleep. I don't know how they do it. In the old days when there was lots of wide open spaces, "drifters" could simply bed down under a tree far away from people As crowded as we are now, there's literally no where to go that's safe.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Good work, Graham! You made us think.