Marg
Loc: Canadian transplanted to NW Alabama
Many years ago when I was in my early 30s we took a trip to Toronto with our children. As we walked along the sidewalk we were approached by a very dirty and disheveled man asking for money. From my smug position of superiority I gave him a scornful look and said, “why don’t you get a job like me?” I had no concept of the trials he was facing in his life. Now all these years later and having a better understanding of life on the street, that remains one of my most shameful memories. We need photos like this to remind us of the effects of (most often) mental health issues. This is a really good photo that stirred something within me. Thanks for sharing.
I very much like this photo. Not only is it technically very good, but it tells several different stories. As for the negative responses aimed at the young man a word of caution may be in order. The Christian Bible and most other sacred religious texts inform us that the measure that we use to judge others will be used to judge us. Kudos for a fine work of art!
I love your B&W shot.Street photography is not my thing but you captured a real life scene.I give it a 9 if i was a judge.
Thanks for sharing this image. I believe these types of images are important to show the spectrum of the human experience but I struggle with the issue of intrusion so I often take the coward’s position and shoot surreptitiously. I’ll remember your example of getting some food for the dog😊
This is a beautiful and touching image. I really like that this is a young man, that he is reading a BOOK(!), and that he has a companion who is obviously at ease. I can't say that I know many street people, but those I do know treasure their animals. A constant companion is a wonderful thing. Using B&W here is good, as the colours that are likely in the background would detract from the subject.
To me this image says, "just because I'm homeless doesn't mean I'm mindless."
Outstanding photograph. If it is the case, I am glad only one of them appears homeless...
PAR4DCR wrote:
Photographers like to shoot things for different reasons QD. Some like shooting bugs, landscapes, dragon flies, animal life, etc. Man is a social animal, he needs social interaction. I am a people person, I like to capture lifes moments. I also like to interact with the people I capture. I try very hard to be very respectful of the people I shoot. This image portrays something real, whehter or not people want to admit it exist or not it does. I usually engage in a conversation with them and yes, sometimes I give them a couple of bucks, sometimes a burger. In this case I got him some food for his dog.
Hope I have been able to give you a better understanding.
Don
Photographers like to shoot things for different r... (
show quote)
It is known as being a compassionate human being!
quixdraw wrote:
I shoot whatever interests me. I don't shoot people who are reduced to begging, or even those who choose that as a profession. I prefer a brighter vision of life. Can't imagine being in that situation, but if I was and you took my photo, I'd see what orifice your camera would fit.
Let's try and stay civil to one another QD. I am glad that you are not in this situation and hope that you never will be. If this thread upsets you so please click on the do not follow box.
Stay safe my friend.
Don
NMGal wrote:
He may be down on his luck, but he still has the love and trust of his dog. A good picture.
That he does NMGal, that he does. Thank you!
Don
Dan Thornton wrote:
"Every picture tells a story don't it," Rod Stewart.
Hopefully they do Dan. This one tells a not so pretty on though.
Don
2Dragons wrote:
There but for fortune, go you or I. I'm generally not a fan of B&W, but this is one of those rare cases where it definitely works.
Glad you liked the image 2Dragons. Yes, except for the grace of God there goes you or I.
Don
Soul Dr. wrote:
I really like your capture of this man and his dog. You are showing a situation of life that many prefer not to look at. But it is page of reality and you captured it with compassion, showing the man and his dog bonded as companions facing adversity in life.
Just my opinion. Others may not concur.
will
Glad you saw what I was trying to portray Soul Dr. Just because you turn a blind eye to the situation that does not make it go away. hopefully one day it will.
Don
Xanadu wrote:
My reaction to your photo was unlike the social commentary above. I am a dog person and your photo spoke to me about the owner/dog relationship. I liked it.
As to the judgemental social commentary, it presumes prior knowledge of the subjects circumstances where none exists.
They did seem to have a very strong bond as I saw it that day. And true, his circumstances are not know to me, only his dog and himself know what they are.
Thanks for viewing and commenting Xanadu.
Don
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