I was in downtown looking for a shot for this challenge and I came across these two individuals who were homeless. I normally eye my subjects before asking them to give me some time for photograph them and I saw that this man. He had a big gash over his eye and he was a bit bruised. The first thing that came to mind was "Poor Tom".
I politely asked him if I could take a couple of pictures and to my surprise he was very nice and full of life (many homeless turned me down). I asked him what was the story behind the gash and he politely said "I had a run-in to the wall last night". I guess it was his way of saying that he was beat up by someone. The whole time I photographed him he cracked jokes and was very upbeat. This was a lesson learned for me. No matter how hard you have it, being negative never helps.
This guy was homeless, beat up, cut up and bruised and yet he managed to keep a smile on his face. I know many who cant keep a smile just because they woke up on the wrong side of the bed. This guy kept his smile and should be an example to many.
Statistics
Place: 9 out of 139 Avg (all users): 6.8531 Avg (commenters): 8.1250 Avg (participants): 6.8462 Avg (non-participants): 6.8571 Views since voting: 11180 Views during voting: 363 Votes: 177 Comments: 24 Favorites: 6 (view)
Jaime, this is SO powerful! Thank you so much for sharing the story. It is equally as strong as your amazing photograph! Congratulations on 9th place! And congratulations on being such a great photojournalistic photographer!
Hey Jaime...looks like I will have to get myself an 85mm lens in Singapore next week. I have been craving one, but here is good reason...excellent image...would make a great album cover in a quirky sort of way
I like how the post-processing has made the little white hairs pop and emphasized the shadows on his face. I think you've dodged the eyes in an unnatural way -- they look washed out. Interesting straight-on comp and crop, like a mugshot!
Remarks: although manner and treatment are entirely consistent with a photojournalistic approach (emphasizing an event), the subject's focus and expression reveal an intensity that go beyond the event and suggest a portrait.
What we have here (IMO) is a shot that stands between these genres, poignantly reminiscent of the turmoil it evokes. This is a remarkably provoking photograph, a great find and realized opportunity, I awarded it an 8, instead off rounding the stats (above), as I usually do.
Nicest portrait I have seen in a long time. Simply Fucking Brilliant!!!
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10. I can't get enough of looking at this photo. I want to by a print, but I would love to get it signed. Let me know if we can work this out.
Interesting photo. That's a nasty looking gash. Would like to hear the story behind it. Kind of looks like a mug shot. Don't like the way the hair at the top was cropped off.
Ohhhh....I really love this one!!!! The expression on his face is so amazing!!! And the black and white choice matches so nicely! Great picture. 10
Good luck!
I hope we see this one on front page!
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