Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by Simms:
A message to Titia and anyone else who doesnt like this image for the reasons Titia mentioned...

Titia

I feel compelled to send you this message regarding your comment on this shot "Living Hell".

""I dropped the guy some cash"
How much respect does that show to another human being. I think it's unethical to use someone's misery for your own glory.
I had hoped it was a staged photo, but according to your words, it was not."

You are correct, this is not a staged photo it`s an image of real-life, something that sadly is happening all the time, all over the world.
I really can`t see why giving him money to take his photo would be so unethical, surely if I hadn't of paid him and just taken it, that would of been worse. But no, I took the time to talk to him, then ask him if I gave him some money would he be willing to let me take a photo, he was more than happy to, in fact, what has more dignity, sitting on a wet pavement just being given money, or having someone come up and offer you money in return for something that you have that they want that is within the realms of decency & legality?... exactly.

Whilst I was taking this series of photos of this guy, at least 10 people walked past him without even looking at him, like he didnt even exist, at least I had the decency to talk to him like a human and acknowledge he was alive. I daresay I was probably one of the only people he had contact with that day.

So please, do not tell me what I did was unethical, if he didn't want me to take the shot, he would of told me and I would of respected his wishes.

Simple as.

And to say I used his misery for my glory.. oh please. I won a ribbon, granted its great to win, but to suggest I reveled in glory due to his misery is slightly hysterical. You have to realise, that day was very cold and very very wet (the other DPC'ers who I was with will certainly testify to that), I saw a man, without a home, sitting on a wet pavement, there is every likely hood he has mental health problems, drink problems and drug problems. Basically his life really is a `Living Hell`.. I just thought I would try to present that to the voters and provoke some emotions.. I think the voters agreed with me.

Thanks for reading.

Mark.

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by cujee:
You seem to be just getting blues.

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by bergiekat:
This photograph touched me the minute I was it!! I hoped it would do well as I rated it highest when voting. It's VERY emotional. Well done on a well deserved ribbon!

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by pineapple:
The picture is well executed, no doubt about that. But it is the (possibly morbid) visual interest to which a majority of viewers/voters were attracted that interests me most. I wonder why. Yet it is. Well done.

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by RulerZigzag:
I was singing to some music and I just had to shut it off after seeing this. The dog and the guy, I hope they are happy man, I hope they are at least happy. This is just $&&!@# up if this guy is using the dog as a means for making money.

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by SandyP:
Ohhhhhhhh myGOSH! The minute I saw this photo, I felt involuntary tears come to my eyes! It's the dog! The ever faithful, devoted dog. . .loving unconditionally. . .not caring whether someone is homeless or has alot to spoil him with. . .just the companionship is reason enough for the devotion.

What a fabulous slice of real life this is. I am so happy the voters got this one so right! Congratulations on the most deserving blue ribbon!

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by digitalpins:
wow must have missed this one,

Awesome photo, this deserves a first place, fits the challenge perfectly...

looking at it again I love that its in b&w very strong image

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by AlShurooqi:
I Love it

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by doctornick:
Congrats on blue! You gotta love the 85mm f/1.8 !

Living Hell
by Simms

Comment by AlexSaberi:
nice one mate. Terrible that u offered him money. Just terrible. :-)