photographing the homeless - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

04/14/2007 06:01:12 PM · #1

Hi, sorry to bring this up if it has already been asked.
I searched the forum threads, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

[please direct me elsewhere if you know this has been asked]

Anyway, I have wanted to photograph some of the homeless in my town for a while now. I'm not quite sure how to go about this, though. I don't want to upset anyone, or make anyone feel uncomfortable. Do you have any tips you'd like to share?

I'd really appreciate it!
:]

Rebecca

Nikon D80

04/14/2007 06:10:15 PM · #2

Originally posted by nerdynotdirty:

Take a buddy just in case they're not mentally stable, tell them why you want to take their photo, and offer to buy them a cup of coffee or a cheeseburger from McDonald's as a thank you. At least that's how I would do it.

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

04/14/2007 06:12:02 PM · #3

Originally posted by Rebecca:

I would most definitely take a friend.
Really good idea offering some food

Thank you :]

pawdrix

Nikon D700

04/14/2007 08:26:38 PM · #4

If they're modeling for you...which they are, give them a modeling fee based on a rate that a non-pro might get. That's if you're actually asking them to have their picture taken...or pose.

I assume the rate is somewhere between $25-60 per hour? So take a few minutes of shots and give them $5 or something there about. A dollar a minute and a tip on top. Food is a straight-up charity gesture...might be an insult but paying them for their time and effort is clean deal. I've given money many times and it's always been appreciated...though they don't usually pose very well. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

You can always use a long lens and get candids from a safe distance. You'll probably get the least affected shots that way. After that, you may want to give them some money in an anonymous fashion.

*I just noticed that you are 16. Bring a friend without question, as everyone else has already suggested. Given your age, I'm second guessing my own advice.

I'm curious why do you want to take pictures of the homeless?

Message edited by author 2007-04-14 20:48:25.

pawdrix

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

04/14/2007 08:35:18 PM · #5

...before you do anything...read this article first.

Photographing the Homeless

ericwoo

Nikon Z7II

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

04/14/2007 09:11:09 PM · #6

Originally posted by pawdrix:

...before you do anything...read this article first.

Photographing the Homeless

Or don't waste you time, just get out and shoot.

_eug

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/14/2007 09:11:49 PM · #7

Originally posted by pawdrix:

...before you do anything...read this article first.
Photographing the Homeless

Priceless.

boysetsfire

Canon EOS-5D

04/14/2007 09:17:55 PM · #8

my advice is listen to pawdrix

Ubersteiny

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM for Canon

04/14/2007 09:32:16 PM · #9

Originally posted by pawdrix:

I'm sorry but why should her age effect her going and taking photos of homeless? i agree to bring a friend, but saying your "second guessing your advice" is rude. How does if differ if she's 16 or 30? I really don't see a difference.

-Dustin

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/14/2007 09:47:55 PM · #10

Wow, you're a 16 year old girl. Watch yourself. If you act like you know what you're doing, you should be fine. Just make sure you can run when you have to.

You can also ask them and give them money.

Dirt_Diver

Nikon D3s

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/14/2007 09:57:15 PM · #11

Originally posted by noisemaker:

What Steve is saying is that at the age of 16 you might think that you are an old enough adult to go out on your own and do whatever you want. In some cases this may be fine but the saying goes â��if you play with fire youâ��ll get burntâ��. Given that SHE is 16, young, and cute, she really doesn't need to be going there alone. The homeless could get very upset and attack her and because she didn't bring a friend she could seriously get hurt if not die. Don't be stupid and think that just because youâ��re a guy and your 16 and someone says something about bringing a friend that it's rude or you get offended. It's not because we don't think she needs a friend because she's a child, It's because it's better to be safe than sorry.

I would bring a friend with me and I am almost 28 years old.

_eug

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/14/2007 10:04:50 PM · #12

Originally posted by noisemaker:

Originally posted by pawdrix:
*I just noticed that you are 16. Bring a friend without question, as everyone else has already suggested. Given your age, I'm second guessing my own advice.

I'm sorry but why should her age effect her going and taking photos of homeless? i agree to bring a friend, but saying your "second guessing your advice" is rude. How does if differ if she's 16 or 30? I really don't see a difference.

Some adults think that if you're grown up enough to carry around expensive camera equipment, that you're gown up enough to take a beating if you do something that they don't like.

You may not like the advice, but it's the advice that's being given. Anyone that's 16 and thinks it's a good idea to 'gain some street cred' by shooting dangerous situations, and shooting homeless people IS dangerous, is putting themselves and anyone they are with at risk.

Message edited by author 2007-04-14 22:06:50.

Ubersteiny

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM for Canon

04/14/2007 10:28:09 PM · #13

Originally posted by Lowcivicman99:

Originally posted by noisemaker:

I'm sorry but why should her age effect her going and taking photos of homeless? i agree to bring a friend, but saying your "second guessing your advice" is rude. How does if differ if she's 16 or 30? I really don't see a difference.

-Dustin

What Steve is saying is that at the age of 16 you might think that you are an old enough adult to go out on your own and do whatever you want. In some cases this may be fine but the saying goes â��if you play with fire youâ��ll get burntâ��. Given that SHE is 16, young, and cute, she really doesn't need to be going there alone. The homeless could get very upset and attack her and because she didn't bring a friend she could seriously get hurt if not die. Don't be stupid and think that just because youâ��re a guy and your 16 and someone says something about bringing a friend that it's rude or you get offended. It's not because we don't think she needs a friend because she's a child, It's because it's better to be safe than sorry.

I would bring a friend with me and I am almost 28 years old.

I agreed that she should bring a friend, my problem was taht he said he was second guessing giving her advice because of her age.

Rebecca

Nikon D80

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

04/14/2007 10:43:40 PM · #14

I think pawdrix is probably less concerned about what she would do than he is about what a crazy homeless guy might do when faced with a young and tasty-looking teenaged girl. Forget the level of maturity of the photographer - remember that she's young, looks young, and is cute, and therefore simply looks more like a victim.

muckpond

Nikon D200

Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX Diagonal Fisheye for Nikon

04/14/2007 10:45:40 PM · #15

i took some shots for a publicity campaign for a food rescue organization i work with. i was a little nervous, but i just approached them and told them about the place and what we were doing and offered to pay them if they let me shoot.

the three guys that i worked with were great -- they're used to being looked at funny i guess? -- and i paid each $20 and got a model release.

you probably don't have to go to that extent for personal shots, but i think it would be best to ask their permission and offer to pay something.

just remember that they're people too. :)

petrakka

04/14/2007 10:46:54 PM · #16

I'm not sure the reason you want to photograph them, but regardless ...

you need to remember they deserve the same respect anyone else does, don't look at them as a novelty of sorts. If you want to photograph them to show who they are to people, it would serve you well to actually talk to them and get to know them before taking a portrait. This will also show in your portrait and will probably end up in a better picture...showing the person at ease.

I would not try to sneak pictures of them, unless you wouldn't mind someone shooting photos of you.

Just remember to show respect for them like you would anyone else, and if you really want to photograph them, try to show who they are, not what they are (homeless).

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/14/2007 10:50:36 PM · #17

Okay, my 2 cents....

There are a zillion images out there of people in unfortunate situations, including homeless. Some are amazing, but most are mundane, boring snapshots of people confronted straight on and photographed with no thought to light or composition or environment. If you feel you can shoot portraits which are unique and genuinely interesting, then with due diligance, I'd say go for it. But, if you plan to just walk up to them and pop a shot or two and hope for the best.. you're probably wasting your time. Better to practice on friends or family first if that's the case.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/14/2007 11:07:09 PM · #18

Originally posted by noisemaker:

I agreed that she should bring a friend, my problem was taht he said he was second guessing giving her advice because of her age.

At 16, it is very unlikely that this young person has had any extensive experience with some of the more unsavory aspects of daily life, and I would think that any advice proffered would would be graciously accepted.

I am not that old that I do not remember the bravado of the young male, but old enough to remember those instances where I failed to heed the words of experience.

You might be better served to heed the advice given.

Ray

Message edited by author 2007-04-14 23:10:27.

pawdrix

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

04/14/2007 11:39:27 PM · #19

The fact is...NONE of us know exactly why any one person is homeless and advising a person 16 years of age on how to approach one of them can be dodgy advice. It could go wrong very easily but I should mention that almost all of the homeless I have spoken with have been very nice... keep in mind I'm a 44 year old guy who doesn't dress much better than they do, sometimes.

I have no idea how streetwise she may or may not be, how she looks or how she carries herself and if she misreads a situation and then gets hurt, I would feel somewhat responsible.

I'm not comfortable telling a girl 16 years old how to approach complete strangers especially ones that may have some serious problems.

In fact, I wasn't sure whether or not to delete my own post so I edited in that comment.

Message edited by author 2007-04-14 23:55:21.

_eug

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/14/2007 11:50:50 PM · #20

Originally posted by pawdrix:

...keep in mind I'm a 44 year old guy who doesn't dress much better than they do, sometimes.

OMG! If only I had taken a picture of you in the rain in Times Sq. when I was up there in November. They'd know how true this statement is.

Thanks for the chuckle, Steve. :)

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/15/2007 12:16:37 AM · #21

when i read the OP, the first thing i wanted to know was, "why do you want to take photos of homeless people?" the second thing is, "what do you want to do with those photos?" if you have an idea for putting them to good use, there's some good advice here and there are some excellent threads about shooting street candids. if you want to do it just because, well, i would take cindi's advice and not do it.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/16/2007 01:51:37 AM · #22

heh, wow.
I'd really neglected the thread, thinking I was going to get one response and that was fine.

I will try to respond to everyone.

Originally posted by pawdrix:

*I just noticed that you are 16. Bring a friend without question, as everyone else has already suggested. Given your age, I'm second guessing my own advice.

I'm curious why do you want to take pictures of the homeless?

Thank you for the concern. I am only 16 [almost 17, though I know that is still young], and I definitely would take a friend. I don't go on any outings without a friend, unless it is to the park right by my house. Anyway, I pass this group of homeless men everyday when driving to school, and everyday I see an opportunity. There are so many unfortunate souls living in my town. Many without legs, and arms. They all seem to have such interesting stories, and are perfect subjects. College is right around the corner, and there are quite a few scholarships for portfolios I plan to enter. The stories of these men, that could be captured in a photograph are exactly what I want.

Thanks again for the concern, I understand where you are coming from.

Originally posted by noisemaker:

Thank you, I can understand the point of view of both sides, and the concern some may have.

Originally posted by Nullix:

It's funny how surprised everyone is by my age. Very good advice. I would definitely offer money. My mother's main concern with this, though, is that if they know I have money, they may want to know much much MORE money I have... Again, I would definitely have someone with me, and a phone ready in case of an emergency.

Originally posted by Lowcivicman99:

Don't be stupid and think that just because youâ��re a guy and your 16 and someone says something about bringing a friend that it's rude or you get offended. It's not because we don't think she needs a friend because she's a child, It's because it's better to be safe than sorry.

I would bring a friend with me and I am almost 28 years old.

I agree, I would definitely bring a friend. I do not believe I am an adult ready to brave the streets alone. I just believe that many people in my town do not realise the extent of what is going on in the lives of others in my town. Everyone is so focused on what new car their neighbor got, to realise what is going on in my town. I want to tell these stories.

Originally posted by _eug:

You may not like the advice, but it's the advice that's being given. Anyone that's 16 and thinks it's a good idea to 'gain some street cred' by shooting dangerous situations, and shooting homeless people IS dangerous, is putting themselves and anyone they are with at risk.

Thanks for your concern. However, I am actually not looking for "street cred". I am looking to share the stories I see everyday, that many people seem to overlook. I understand it is a risk, which is exactly why I wanted any tips that others have to share with me. I understand that I am 16, and that it seems absurd for someone my age to actually care about issues at hand. I do, though, and there are many powerful images awaiting the streets of my town.

Originally posted by muckpond:

you probably don't have to go to that extent for personal shots, but i think it would be best to ask their permission and offer to pay something.

just remember that they're people too. :)

Thank you very much for the advice! This is what I wanted, clear advice, and past experiences. My whole point in photographing them, is showing that they are people, too. As I have mentioned earlier, many people in my town overlook them, as I'm sure happens most places. I'd just like to shed the light a little on what I see quite often. I will probably have them sign a model release. I'm not sure how much I would give, as my mother worries that they will want to know how much I have other than what I am giving, etc...

Thanks again for the words of advice.

Originally posted by petrakka:

Thank you! Great advice you have. That is exactly my purpose, and I will certainly remember that. :]

Originally posted by idnic:

How embarrassing. I feel as though you skimmed my profile here, and assumed I have very little knowledge of light or anything of the sort. I'm sure that was not your intention, but I feel that way, since I know my dpchallenge page is lacking quite a bit. I definitely plan to be diligent in photographing anyone, as always. I am not looking for snapshots, I am looking for human emotion. I do infact have photoshoots every weekend with my friends, practicing lighting, and composition. I would not be looking for advice if all I was planning to do was run up, shoot, and leave. Thanks for the concern.

Originally posted by Skip:

I think I have stressed enough to earlier questioners as to why I want to take them, if you still have questions, feel free to ask me, though. I plan on putting them towards college scholarships, and college portfolio. I feel as though many people have wrongly judged me, and assumed I am just looking either for a thrill? or looking to just run, snap away, and leave. I do have a purpose.

I hope everyone better understands my purpose.
I will take any and all risks into strong consideration before I go about doing so. Thanks for the concern. I will post what I shoot, when and if I decide to do so, so perhaps you can see my vision. Then maybe you can see I'm not some stupid kid with a camera. But a person aware of social issues, and willing to assess risk responsibly, to tell the stories of the overlooked in my town.

Thanks again for the advice, I appreciate all of the response.

jackal9

Canon EOS-50D

04/16/2007 02:11:05 AM · #23

Originally posted by nerdynotdirty:

heh, wow.
I'd really neglected the thread, thinking I was going to get one response and that was fine.

I will try to respond to everyone.

Originally posted by pawdrix:
*I just noticed that you are 16. Bring a friend without question, as everyone else has already suggested. Given your age, I'm second guessing my own advice.

I'm curious why do you want to take pictures of the homeless?

Thank you for the concern. I am only 16 [almost 17, though I know that is still young], and I definitely would take a friend. I don't go on any outings without a friend, unless it is to the park right by my house. Anyway, I pass this group of homeless men everyday when driving to school, and everyday I see an opportunity. There are so many unfortunate souls living in my town. Many without legs, and arms. They all seem to have such interesting stories, and are perfect subjects. College is right around the corner, and there are quite a few scholarships for portfolios I plan to enter. The stories of these men, that could be captured in a photograph are exactly what I want.

Thanks again for the concern, I understand where you are coming from.

Originally posted by noisemaker:

I'm sorry but why should her age effect her going and taking photos of homeless? i agree to bring a friend, but saying your "second guessing your advice" is rude. How does if differ if she's 16 or 30? I really don't see a difference.

-Dustin

Thank you, I can understand the point of view of both sides, and the concern some may have.

Originally posted by Nullix:
Wow, you're a 16 year old girl. Watch yourself. If you act like you know what you're doing, you should be fine. Just make sure you can run when you have to.

You can also ask them and give them money.

It's funny how surprised everyone is by my age. Very good advice. I would definitely offer money. My mother's main concern with this, though, is that if they know I have money, they may want to know much much MORE money I have... Again, I would definitely have someone with me, and a phone ready in case of an emergency.

Originally posted by Lowcivicman99:

Don't be stupid and think that just because youâ��re a guy and your 16 and someone says something about bringing a friend that it's rude or you get offended. It's not because we don't think she needs a friend because she's a child, It's because it's better to be safe than sorry.

I would bring a friend with me and I am almost 28 years old.

I agree, I would definitely bring a friend. I do not believe I am an adult ready to brave the streets alone. I just believe that many people in my town do not realise the extent of what is going on in the lives of others in my town. Everyone is so focused on what new car their neighbor got, to realise what is going on in my town. I want to tell these stories.

Originally posted by _eug:

You may not like the advice, but it's the advice that's being given. Anyone that's 16 and thinks it's a good idea to 'gain some street cred' by shooting dangerous situations, and shooting homeless people IS dangerous, is putting themselves and anyone they are with at risk.

Thanks for your concern. However, I am actually not looking for "street cred". I am looking to share the stories I see everyday, that many people seem to overlook. I understand it is a risk, which is exactly why I wanted any tips that others have to share with me. I understand that I am 16, and that it seems absurd for someone my age to actually care about issues at hand. I do, though, and there are many powerful images awaiting the streets of my town.

Originally posted by muckpond:

you probably don't have to go to that extent for personal shots, but i think it would be best to ask their permission and offer to pay something.

just remember that they're people too. :)

Thank you very much for the advice! This is what I wanted, clear advice, and past experiences. My whole point in photographing them, is showing that they are people, too. As I have mentioned earlier, many people in my town overlook them, as I'm sure happens most places. I'd just like to shed the light a little on what I see quite often. I will probably have them sign a model release. I'm not sure how much I would give, as my mother worries that they will want to know how much I have other than what I am giving, etc...

Thanks again for the words of advice.

Originally posted by petrakka:
I'm not sure the reason you want to photograph them, but regardless ...

you need to remember they deserve the same respect anyone else does, don't look at them as a novelty of sorts. If you want to photograph them to show who they are to people, it would serve you well to actually talk to them and get to know them before taking a portrait. This will also show in your portrait and will probably end up in a better picture...showing the person at ease.

I would not try to sneak pictures of them, unless you wouldn't mind someone shooting photos of you.

Just remember to show respect for them like you would anyone else, and if you really want to photograph them, try to show who they are, not what they are (homeless).

Thank you! Great advice you have. That is exactly my purpose, and I will certainly remember that. :]

Originally posted by idnic:
Okay, my 2 cents....

There are a zillion images out there of people in unfortunate situations, including homeless. Some are amazing, but most are mundane, boring snapshots of people confronted straight on and photographed with no thought to light or composition or environment. If you feel you can shoot portraits which are unique and genuinely interesting, then with due diligance, I'd say go for it. But, if you plan to just walk up to them and pop a shot or two and hope for the best.. you're probably wasting your time. Better to practice on friends or family first if that's the case.

How embarrassing. I feel as though you skimmed my profile here, and assumed I have very little knowledge of light or anything of the sort. I'm sure that was not your intention, but I feel that way, since I know my dpchallenge page is lacking quite a bit. I definitely plan to be diligent in photographing anyone, as always. I am not looking for snapshots, I am looking for human emotion. I do infact have photoshoots every weekend with my friends, practicing lighting, and composition. I would not be looking for advice if all I was planning to do was run up, shoot, and leave. Thanks for the concern.

Originally posted by Skip:
when i read the OP, the first thing i wanted to know was, "why do you want to take photos of homeless people?" the second thing is, "what do you want to do with those photos?" if you have an idea for putting them to good use, there's some good advice here and there are some excellent threads about shooting street candids. if you want to do it just because, well, i would take cindi's advice and not do it.

I think I have stressed enough to earlier questioners as to why I want to take them, if you still have questions, feel free to ask me, though. I plan on putting them towards college scholarships, and college portfolio. I feel as though many people have wrongly judged me, and assumed I am just looking either for a thrill? or looking to just run, snap away, and leave. I do have a purpose.

I hope everyone better understands my purpose.
I will take any and all risks into strong consideration before I go about doing so. Thanks for the concern. I will post what I shoot, when and if I decide to do so, so perhaps you can see my vision. Then maybe you can see I'm not some stupid kid with a camera. But a person aware of social issues, and willing to assess risk responsibly, to tell the stories of the overlooked in my town.

Thanks again for the advice, I appreciate all of the response.

I don't know this may not be relevant but Joey Lawrence shoots homeless/street people quite often and is 17 granted a male not female but still, PM him and ask how he approches the subjects he shoots...just a thought...

Message edited by author 2007-04-16 02:13:49.