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05/07/2008 12:13:35 PM · #126 |
Some people have very interesting and telling details strewn about their face. They are the old, infirm, weathered, distinguished, distressed, overjoyed, fearful, injured, or otherwise touched by a side of life most of us are not. They deserve examination. It is of no higher moral stance to continue to ignore them. IMHO It IS uncomfortable to really closely examine them. This is why I like to see photographs of them. This way I can look all I want, right in their eye. this way I can get into their skin and really feel their situation.
Otherwise I wouldn't have the nerve to get so close. |
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05/07/2008 12:23:27 PM · #127 |
ooooooooooooooooh ... Oh no! Progressive ... Liberal ... look out! Honestly, please list some of these "laws" of which you speak that limit people's freedom to do things. Maybe the law of free speech, or maybe for women to vote. Not sure where this one is going.
Originally posted by spaces:
It's called progressive liberalism. Whatever is fashionable becomes the law. Whatever is unfashionable is outlawed. And they're always right, both before and after they change their minds. |
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05/07/2008 12:59:35 PM · #128 |
I was going to let this thread pass by but since I lack self control...
Offering them food or money is nice BUT you are also praying on their hunger and lack or resource. It's not like they walk around modeling for the crumbs we throw them. They say "yes" because they don't have the option to say no. Occasioanlly they do say no and that should be telling of how embarassed some of them are to be in their predicament.
My main gripe was against those that take their pictures to win a contest/Ribbon and then try to pass it off as "socially concious" photography.
I was asking people to ask themselves an honest question: Why am I taking a picture of this Homeless person?
NYU Film students flood Washington Square Park every new semester...every year (small crew, camera, sound and tripod) and try their hand at socially concious documentary by interviewing homeless park dwellers. There's probably a billion hours of the exact same footage in the NYU Freshman Filn vaults. If they are learning that's perfectly cool...I can dig that BUT they certainly aren't blowing the roof off of the "Homeless Situation" (pardon the pun).
Just my opinion but as I see it...it's merely "faux-photojournalism" for noobs. And most of the time (YES, with a few exceptions) the photographer is praying on someone who really can't say "no". Outside of staring at the ground for fallen change it might be their only source of income that day.
If you really want to do something nice...hand them a few bucks or a piece of fruit and leave them alone. I'd say it's very rare if any one of them are happy that you are documenting their misery...or down and out existence.
Just my opinion, of course.
ETA: I remember a thread here on DPC where a member suggested offering them a "free print" to pose and I could n't stop laughing. I thought..."where the fuck is a homeless person gonna hang a print of themself?" LOLOL.
Slightly naive...but only slightly. That was one line that got me thinking or questioning motives out of many.
Message edited by author 2008-05-07 13:22:14. |
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05/07/2008 01:06:49 PM · #129 |
| I'm guilty. I took some shots of a guy in the subway who was begging for money I asked him if he would rather earn some cash by allowing me to photograph him. I realized while snapping away that he was less than all there. At that point I was sick to my stomach and decided that I would stick to shooting junkies and anyone holding a camera. |
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05/07/2008 01:07:48 PM · #130 |
Originally posted by kolasi:
Like I said, for me there no difference taking a photo of a homeless person and a non-homeless person |
The only difference is that a homless image smells a little different. A little more pungent.
Originally posted by roby21112:
I'm guilty. I took some shots of a guy in the subway who was begging for money I asked him if he would rather earn some cash by allowing me to photograph him. I realized while snapping away that he was less than all there. At that point I was sick to my stomach and decided that I would stick to shooting junkies and anyone holding a camera. |
Shooting junkies rocks! I do wonder how many people have actually seen junkies in broad daylight "on the nod"?
If they haven't...then it might be considered socially concious...might be..if you're showing people something they haven't seen before.
Just another opinion, of course.
Rob-Have you ever smelled a picture of a homeless guy on the subway? I once put a picture of a homeless guy on the seat right next to me on a subway car and people cleared all the way to the other side of the car. I had the whole section to myself.
Message edited by author 2008-05-07 16:34:40. |
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05/07/2008 01:19:22 PM · #131 |
junk1
the nod
Here you go boys and girls the famous NOD!
Message edited by author 2008-05-07 13:20:02. |
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