Photographing the homeless - any advice?

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

10/30/2004 09:07:39 AM · #1

I realise this is kind of a sensitive subject. I want to get a couple of shots of homeless people for a university project. It's not 100% necessary, and I could leave that section out of the project as the last thing i want to do is annoy or offend someone. I definitely don't want to sneak up on anyone without them knowing as I don't think photographing people who might not want to be photographed is ever going to help my photography. I'd much rather ask first.

Does anyone have any advice on how I should approach someone on the street? Or what kind of compensation they might expect? Would it be best to offer money... how much?

Also, I thought I should mention that I'm a 20 year old female, and I'll (most probably) be doing this alone (but in very crowded areas).

Thanks for any help :)

Message edited by author 2004-10-30 09:09:19.

Flash

Nikon D700

10/30/2004 09:20:16 AM · #2

Some of the best candid street photography is done by those who are obscure with their pressence. Find a perch...sit, stand, or in general "blend into the crowd". Then patiently wait for the opportunities. Much like photographing wildlife. Be a silent observer.

I see no need to engage in conversation or offer compensation. If you feel compelled to help the homeless, then donate to a local mission or shelter.

Always be aware of your surroundings. A portable phone for emergencies would be worth carrying.

pcody

Canon PowerShot G6

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

10/30/2004 09:24:35 AM · #3

Have you considered calling a homeless shelter and letting them know you are taking pictures for a class? They might let you come in and do a series about the shelter. Then give them some printed pictures they can use for their fund raisers. That way you would be in a safe area and everyone would know what's going on and you would feel like you are really helping people.
edit. Two different views I see.

Message edited by author 2004-10-30 09:25:52.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

10/30/2004 09:27:56 AM · #4

Flash: I just feel uncomfortable taking photos of people who don't know I'm there. I realise that photos of unaware people can often be the best, but I hate that sinking feeling when you realise that someone is looking right back at you. In many situations I'd go for it anyway but I feel like it's worse with a homeless person, more of an invasion of privacy or taking advantage.

Also the whole project is going to be about different people using/living in/passing through a certain area, and I'm going to be approaching all the other people (clubbers, shop owner, tourist etc) and asking for shots, so it would stand out if the homeless section wasn't 'posed'.

Pcody: The homeless shelter idea is a really good one, but yeah, it has to be in a certain area which I doubt has a shelter.

Message edited by author 2004-10-30 09:29:51.

MrAkamai

Canon EOS-50D

10/30/2004 09:28:28 AM · #5

I have plenty of homeless about 10 min from my office and I've often thought about photographing them myself. Also convenient is a McDonald's nearby so I've played with the idea that I could get a bunch of McDonald's gift certificates and hand those out if I do take photos. What I'd do is ask first and get a model release if I plan to use them as stock photography, take the photos and then give them the certificates as a thank you. My whole reasoning for the certificates is because I would like to take up close shots not possible if I were to blend into the crowd from a distance.

From what I've thought about this subject on my own, I'd highly recommend doing this in the daytime and bring a couple of friends no matter if you're male or female and definitely bring a phone. No photograph is worth your own safety.

(edit typos)

Message edited by author 2004-10-30 09:30:55.

pcody

Canon PowerShot G6

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

10/30/2004 09:36:45 AM · #6

Here's a story for you. Maybe it'll help.

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS

10/30/2004 09:38:12 AM · #7

Heh, McDonalds certificates sounds like a good idea MrAkamai, but I don't think they do those in Mcdonalds in England, I've never heard of it.

You should go for your idea though, it sounds like you've thought it through - and let us see the results :)

docpjv

Fujifilm X-E1

10/30/2004 09:49:55 AM · #8

whatever you do dont ask permission or offer money. like said before, sit down take your time. blend in with the surroundings and actually become part of it. for the first few days dont even point a camera their way but rather take pictures of everything around you. if they see you everyday taking picturesof everything but them they will get use to you. dont hide your camera, on the contrary, put it on the tripod for all to see. by the way there is nothing sneaky about taking candit pictures. convince yourself you do this for a reason, not to be selfish or sneaky. and above all, enjoy it. be ready and grab the opportunities that will come your way.

deapee

Kodak V803

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

10/30/2004 09:59:20 AM · #9

I understand this is a sensitive subject, but in my opinion, anything that you can visually see in a public situation, there should be no problem with taking a photograph. I realize everyone needs some privacy, but if that homeless person is in the middle of a busy street, I'd have no problem taking a picture of them.

saintnicholas_25

Sony DSC-P73

10/30/2004 10:16:11 AM · #10

bribe them with food - take the picture - then run off :p
just make sure you bring your joggers

charmayne

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

10/30/2004 10:23:02 AM · #11

I've taken photos of the homeless before without any problem. I a 49 year old women and usually alone when I'm taking candids. Always in a public area tho. I suggest you take a few community shots around your subject, regular people and places, throw your subject a buck wish him/her good luck which they usually appreciate. They are often bored so have noticed you taking shots and probably wont be offended by being included. You'll know if its not a willing subject, then move on. No obvious drug addicts or obviously deranged subjects. There are some really interesting stories behind these unfortunate people sometimes. Observe your subject before hand while taking other shots you should get a sense of whether to go for it.

ellamay

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

10/30/2004 10:24:14 AM · #12

I live downtown and currently there is a homeless person on my porch. I could snap a shot while he sleeps while I wait for the ambulance. I have also worked with homeless people. Seriously I have taken quite a few shots of homeless people, just talk to them like you would anyone else. Ask them to take a shot, I usually offer them a dollar or two or a cup of coffee, most are more than willing and have a few stories to tell. I think as long as you are up front and compassionate you won't have any trouble.They will probably even pose for you. I also recommend not getting involved with someone who is talking to themselves or that seems really aggitated, while many of these folks may be ok there are a small percent who may have mental illness that may make them unpredictable (i.e. paranoid pschizophrenics)
It is a great opportunity IMO to find out how many urban poor have to live.