NYC Drug Addicted Couple (J Train): "For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love." ~Carl Sagan On the subway home late at night I saw this couple sitting...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

Check out Black and White Photography section of our forum.

NYC Drug Addicted Couple (J Train)

Page 1 of 2 next>

Mar 3, 2017 15:12:46 #

MaksimAxelrod

"For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love." ~Carl Sagan

On the subway home late at night I saw this couple sitting in the corner with all their belongings, a box of hamsters, while smoking something that had a very strong chemical smell. I took a couple photos candidly and then walked over and asked them if I could photograph their relationship, to which they happily obliged (maybe good timing after they had just got their "fix").

They were quite playful, but would make random glances at the rest of the subway train which was looking at them with distain.

Critiques/Commentary welcome !!

Social Media Handle: @MaksimAxelrod

Shot on Konica T-3 w Ilford xp2 400

Mar 3, 2017 15:26:23 #

dancers Loc: melbourne.victoria, australia

wasted lives. poor souls!

Mar 3, 2017 15:50:21 #

2Dragons Loc: The Back of Beyond

Sad, just so very sad that people would have that little care and concern about their health that they'd put those poisons in their bodies. Good set of story photos, though.

Mar 3, 2017 15:51:49 #

ricardo7 Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile

Great pictures. Not an easy thing to do on the NYC subway.

Mar 3, 2017 15:52:07 #

MaksimAxelrod

I wish I had asked what led them down this path. It is extremely unfortunate to see them suffering from such addiction, but the moment I was photographing them was pure, in a strange way.

Mar 3, 2017 16:06:43 #

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Looks like they might be heading for the Laundromat.

Mar 3, 2017 17:14:29 #

Matt Quinn Loc: Marriottsville, MD, Brewster, Cape Cod

I agree, really sad. You wonder what lead them to this state. At least they have each other. More than some folks have. The young lady has a proud look, "I know who I am and I don't apologize. No need for pity." They are worth a risk to get them into a better state. They would be great mentors to others after that.

Very thoughtful and respectful of you to ask permission. Nicely done. Great photos.

Check out Infrared Photography section of our forum.

Mar 3, 2017 17:58:45 #

SeamusMac Loc: Walla Walla, WA

There but for the grace of God...

Mar 4, 2017 06:05:39 #

ozdude Loc: Brisbane Australia

Not a big fan of these sort of intrusive photographs. By the way Carl Sagan often indulged in the weed for his inspiration.

Mar 4, 2017 06:26:38 #

BJW

Sad scenes like these have proliferated since Bill DiBlasio became Mayor of NYC. Great for street photogs but sucks otherwise....So sad.

Mar 4, 2017 08:21:59 #

FrankR Loc: NYC

BJW wrote:

Sad scenes like these have proliferated since Bill DiBlasio became Mayor of NYC. Great for street photogs but sucks otherwise....So sad.

Do you live in NYC, ride the subways on a daily basis including nights? I do, I have for most of my life and my experience doesn't conform to your politically slanted opinion. Homelessness is an American problem. It's not a red or blue problem, it's a red, white and blue problem!
Until we understand that, elect officials that do and are willing to do something about it, the problem will not be solved. And the worst part of it is homeless Vets. Those are two words that should never be used together. The fact that they are is a national disgrace! Blaming it on one party or the other is why nothing gets done.

Check out The Dynamics of Photographic Lighting section of our forum.

Mar 4, 2017 08:28:06 #