LIving in streets

[AJHingel]

<p>Yes, I know! the homeless living in streets are for street-photographers something like sunsets in nature-photography. It is overdone and, in the case of homeless, mostly rejected as unwarranted intruding voyeurism.<br>

And yet, for those living in streets, it might be that photography is one of their ways of being seen and 'heard", so that actions are taken to help them out especially in the periods of the year where living in the streets become a serious health hazard due to frost.<br>

The question is, how to shoot such images respecting the dignity and privacy of the people in question and not whether to shoot and show such images or not. </p><div></div>

[Norma Desmond]

<p>I don't agree with Anders. I think we can ask both questions, based on our own sense of humanity and our own desires. I can ask both "how to shoot such images respecting the dignity and privacy . . ." and also "whether to shoot them or not." I have answers to both, for me. My answer to the second question is signaled by the fact that I won't include a photo with my response here.</p>

<p><<<<em>And yet, for those living in streets, it might be that photography is one of their ways of being seen and 'heard</em>>>></p>

<p>It might be, but if you are taking a photo of them, particularly asleep on the street, then it is NOT "their" way of being seen and heard, but rather YOUR way of making sure that they are. Unless you have provided them with your camera, or allowed them to direct your shooting, or at least engaged with them extensively, I doubt very much it will be "their" way of being seen or heard.</p>

[AJHingel]

<p>""it is NOT "their" way of being seen and heard, but rather YOUR way, but rather YOUR way""<br>

You know nothing of the sort, Fred, but just try to impose your vision of things on others - me in this case. I'm not impressed, as you know.<br>

I'm sure there are many ways of using photography for supporting homeless as a group. My example, might be one approach among others, whether Fred agrees or not. Giving cameras to homeless might be another. I don't know if it has been tried.</p>

[AJHingel]

<p>I don't know how many of you know the Canadian, Toronto based, photographer, Mark Lewis, mainly known for his film-installations. His is mostly known, I think, for his "<a href="http://www.riff.it/php/show.php?id=6267">No-where land</a>" film.<br /> He has made a video of a homeless guy who has been sleeping on a hot air aeration on a street corner of Toronto during a freezing cold winter. You see the guy, or rather you only see his lower body, and not his head, while he arranges his few belongings and folds his blanket. Meanwhile, in the corner of the frame you see, at the same time, two pigeons that have found the same way of heating themselves on a smaller hot air aeration, just beside.</p>

[leslie_cheung]

<p>I treat the homeless like everyone else on the street, with respect and courtesy. I don't go out of my way avoiding them. They usually aren't too interesting, just like most folks with a home...</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>Giving cameras to homeless might be another. I don't know if it has been tried.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I think I read somewhere that it has been done on more than one occasion...with disposables. </p>

[Norma Desmond]

<p>Anders, I disagree with your suggestion that the the question is not whether to take photos of homeless people (which I suppose I could have taken as your imposing your views on others). And I disagreed with your characterization that shooting homeless people is their way of being seen. If you want to see that as me imposing my view on others, that's your right and your mistake. By doing so, you give me way too much power. I was expressing my opinion, which is what you seemed to invite by starting this thread and posting more than just a photo.</p>

<p>I have little interest in discussing it further, myself. I said what I thought and have now clarified it. I'm interested to see and hear what others have to show and say.</p>

[Spearhead]

<blockquote>

<p> for those living in streets, it might be that photography is one of their ways of being seen and 'heard",</p>

</blockquote>

<p> <br>

The problem for homeless people isn't being "seen and heard." You have to live pretty far out in the forest to not see homeless people, and often hear them. There is no need for more photos unless they show something truly new. The problem for homeless people is a lack of services, typically because there is little funding available. Many have problems that aren't "get a job" problems and need resources that aren't available to deal with their problems. But almost everyone has seen and/or heard them.<br>

<br>

What would be more useful, if you are looking for a way to help people, is to shoot the much more difficult situations that aren't easily seen and heard, like child labor and sex trafficking. But that's a lot more dangerous and can be difficult to find. </p>

[spanky]

<p>I spent Xmas day several years back on Skid Row (aka Tent City) taking pictures. It all began early morning when I was driving to meet up with a few friends for breakfast. I was listening to the radio when a newscast came on. There was a story about Father Chase who was on skid row handing out money to the homeless. I had heard about Father Chase before; he was something of a LA icon. He did this every year I believe. </p>

<p>Anyway, without a second thought I turned the car around and gathered up my Mamiya and some film, called my friends to cancel and set out to find him. When I got to The Row as it's sometimes called, it didn't take long for me to find him by asking around. When I caught up with him he had already finished for the day but I still got a couple group shots of him. As I was trying to find him as well as after I was heading back to the car, a funny thing happened. Several of the homeless I passed by asked me to take a picture of them. While this happens occasionally when I'm out in other parts of town, I would never have expected it on the row simply because I am aware of how some photographers exploit the homeless by taking pictures here and then heading back to the suburbs. </p>

<p>So I obliged and started taking some pictures of those who asked while listening to them talk. A few asked for money which I gave to them; I only had a couple of fives and a few singles. Most did not though and maybe they just wanted someone to talk to being that it was Xmas morning. One guy I photographed told me that a toy give away was taking place at The Midnight Mission several blocks away and that I might want to check that place out for photo ops. So I headed down that way, found someone who works for the mission and got the OK to take pictures. I took shots of the families waiting in line, and shots of a few of the kids with their new toys. I talked to more people as I photographed. One guy paid me one of the greatest compliments I've ever received He told me that when he saw me walking down the block toward the mission he could tell right away that I had grace.</p>

<p>The whole experience was one I'll never forget and when I think about it it is one of the reasons why I love photography. It's not about the pictures, it's about the experience and what learn about humanity in the process. I made very few prints since I had other things to get to but I've never showed these pictures to anyone that I can recall; I know I didn't upload them here or elsewhere.</p>

[saintelmo21]

<p>I agree with Fred that both questions should be asked. I think Leslie's simple statement,</p>

<blockquote>

<p>I treat the homeless like everyone else on the street, with respect and courtesy.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>is brilliant. And, of course Jeff is spot on, saying: many have problems far beyond the "get a job" solution. Mental health issues exacerbated by drug and alcohol abuse are foremost. The city I live in is largely populated and governed by very liberal, well-educated people with lots of disposable cash. Hence, the public spaces, bridge underpasses, and street corners are <em>overrun </em>by pan-handlers, addicts, and mentally ill people who are provided the basic necessities to sustain life by the local NGOs. Spare change collected is spent on consumable items. A few weeks ago, I was driving during rush hour, and saw a man laying on the median looking dead or nearly so. No one else even slowed down. I didn't stop either, but I called EMS to report the poor man. If I had a camera with me, I would have liked to get a photo of that awful scene, and if it came out decent, I would post it as my social commentary on why people suck.</p>

<p>We shouldn't be too thin skinned on here. Everyone is expressing their opinion and attempting to back it up with facts or reasons behind it. I think we can do that with out getting angry?</p>

[rick_m.]

<p>I agree with Jeff 100%. I work with homeless men at a cold weather shelter. The last thing they need is yet another Flickr picture. It does nothing for them. It might even do damage. As much as we might look at these pictures and feel compassion I can assure you that a great many people don't feel it at all. </p>

<p>When I bother to tell people I work with homeless men the usual comment I get is, "Why can't they get a job?" as Jeff pointed out. There is little compassion for homeless men and even fewer services. They are not just ignored they are actively and deliberately abandoned to a large extent. </p>

<p>If anyone here wants to really help homeless men they should get involved in the local soup patrol, shelter or other charity aimed directly at the homeless and specifically homeless men. Also speak up for them politically.</p>

<p>I know a lot of these guys and the cause of their homelessness is all over the map. But a great many can be helped and want to be helped. It is not hard to wind up on the street. It is devilishly hard to get off of it. </p>

[shutterbud]

<p>I don't think photographing homeless people is likely to do anything to improve the lot of those with no home. There is simply little will in most "civilised" societies to do anything about it. We all have the opportunity to photograph very real poverty, but when I go to places where people on a very low income live, I try to ensure my shots show some positivity. I am most decidedly not into extracting 'integrity' from the suffering of others. I mean, realistically, you'd need to be in very special situation for a few of your shots of homeless people or street working girls to effect anything other than a cursory statement of sympathy. </p>

[leslie_cheung]

<blockquote>

<p>It might even do damage.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>How might that be? The chances are, it will neither do any good nor harm.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>As much as we might look at these pictures and feel compassion I can assure you that a great many people don't feel it at all.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I agree that many people probably don't feel much, but it might inspire someone from the wealthy suburbs or "forest" as Jeff put it. I know numerous well to do people that don't have <strong>ANY</strong> contact with the homeless. For me, It'd simply would be enough just to make them feel the uneasiness. Maybe, just maybe it would inspire (or wake up) someone, somewhere from the 'burbs...</p>

<p>Actually, seeing a picture (a video or movie) isn't enough, actual meeting and chatting with a homeless in person does much more...</p>

[leslie_cheung]

<p>...that isn't saying let's go and seek out the homeless to photograph. No, no...</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>There's no ethical or moral problem with photographing the homeless, as long as <em>you</em> don't mind being photographed by random strangers in your bedroom... or if <em>you</em> can retain your dignity and privacy while you're sitting in your front yard after you've pissed your pants and haven't bathed in a month... or while you're in so much physical or psychological pain that you can't even think straight... or if you don't mind carrying on a conversation with a random stranger while voices are shrieking in your head and the random stranger seems to be using the same words as your language but what he's saying makes no sense...</p>

<p>Or you could give them a cigarette or a hug, if they're okay with that. Cigarettes are very expensive now. Hugs are free.</p>

[AJHingel]

<p>As you might have noticed, my intention of asking the question on "homelessness" and photography was not to have yet another exchange on whether to shoot the subject matter at all, but HOW to shoot it and HOW to define the matter as a photographical theme. </p>

<p>I had expected that most arguments would turn around individualizing the subject matter: engage in contact with him/her; shoot photos like he would like to be seen; do portraits etc. The argument would be, that there is no such thing as homelessness in our cities, there are only homeless people with their individual histories to tell.</p>

<p>All very well, but there is another approach in my eyes which would influence how photography on homelessness was made. Shoot the human conditions of homeless people: the coldness, the filth, the human/animalistic relationship (example the pigeons); the alcohol, and drugs, the social groups, the public kitchens, their dogs, the cardboards and covers, the shelters (Each winter you see numerous tents in the streets of Paris given to homeless people who refuse to go to the hospices), , etc. etc. </p>

<p>My reference to Marc Lewis and his film on a homeless guy and the pigeons in a Toronto street, seems to use this approach. My modest shot above tried to go in the same direction.<br>

<br>

I know, that in most of our cities a lot is already being done to address the problem of homelessness. Also I have had the strong human experiences of speaking to homeless people or people who have had experiences during periods of their lives, where they had been confronted to homelessness. I know that much can be done, and is being done to help them back into society; a roof over their head; a job; a family; healthcare ... Despite these many things that are being done, we still find homeless people (mostly men) in the streets, and in increasing numbers during the present economic and social crisis. Maybe, one thing we can do is to find ways and means, as photographers, for shooting homelessness so that the problem is not hid away as so many other subjects, that<em> </em><em>everyone has seen and/or heard</em> of.</p>

<p> </p>

[Brad_]

Excellent post, Lex. Also, in the past I've thought of carrying a pack of smokes with me because I get hit

up so much for one. Still not totally good with the idea though, but may try it....

[lex_jenkins]

<p>I haven't smoked in years but noticed the prices at the store this weekend. Yikes. While I'd rather not feed a bad habit, the last thing most folks who are homeless due to psychological or physical disability need is a lecture about smoking.</p>

[MarieH]

<p>I've asked if I could have a photo. I usually flip them a looney or tooney. Most say god bless, or have a nice day, some will pose with a proud smile. But I have only kept one or 2 because they seemed too happy in the photos lol. They aren't supposed to be happy right?</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<blockquote>

<p>"...HOW to shoot it and HOW to define the matter as a photographical theme ... Maybe, one thing we can do is to find ways and means, as photographers, for shooting homelessness so that the problem is not hid away as so many other subjects, that <em>everyone has seen and/or heard</em> of."</p>

</blockquote>

<p>There is a way to do that. But it's very time consuming. It can consume your emotional, physical and even financial resources.</p>

<p>Homelessness as an abstract generality cannot be fixed with photographs or newspaper feature stories. If those made any difference, the problem would have been solved by now.</p>

<p>You can help, perhaps, one person. Or if you're fortunate and gifted with enough time and resources, you might be able to make a difference in the lives of a few people by working in your community. You can help them negotiate the bureaucratic maze to qualify for disability benefits, housing and food allowances, medical and psychiatric care. You can deliver meals from various charitable organizations, or your own kitchen, to people who are too far from soup kitchens, or too wary of being trapped into lectures and sermons in order to get a meal.</p>

<p>But be prepared for the burden you assume. Almost everyone I know personally who does help in this way eventually encounters emotional burnout. Inevitably they'll adopt someone who is so needy they become like ticks and leeches. Sometimes it's a manipulative person, someone who's already burned through every supportive family member, friend and local charitable organization. Occasionally it's an extremely dysfunctional person who'll thank you profusely one day for your help and the next day report you to the police because he thinks you stole his prescriptions, or she thinks you stole her wallet while you were giving her a hug. But in many cases it's someone suffering the onset of senile dementia or Alzheimer's and doesn't realize she's knocking on your door at 3 a.m., or for the ninth time today because she's lost all track of time.</p>

<p>That's the kind of commitment it takes.</p>

<p>And even with that level of commitment, eventually you'll need to establish some boundaries in order to recharge. One of my favorite neighbors gives to others who are less fortunate even when she has very little. And she's learned to establish boundaries. I've learned to get a sense of her mood and whether she needs a little extra encouragement by, literally, reading her signs - like this on her apartment door:<br>

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7453632650_042f9b6254_z.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="640" /></p>

<p>Personally, I have no ethical or moral objection to other people photographing "the homeless" from a standpoint of pure aesthetics. Some photos in this genre are quite good, even if they are not easy to look at.</p>

<p>But rarely do these photos change anything in any significant way, any more than a photo of an untended rose bush in the dead of winter or a photo of an oil slick in a city street pothole puddle changes anything. Our sense of identification with the emotions suggested by these photos does not prompt us to tend to every neglected rose bush we see, or to demand better road maintenance.</p>

[leslie_cheung]

<p>I think people are pre-judging the homeless by stereotyping them a bit much here. Many don't piss on their pants, many think straighter (street smart) than most folks with a home, many are cleaner than my college aged friends etc...</p>

<p> <br>

</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>Delivering bread and baked goods donated by the local Fiesta Mart to an apartment complex where residents are all age 55 or older, most of them disabled and on incomes well below the poverty level.</p>

<p>Unfortunately I didn't have a camera handy to snap photos of another neighbor feeding a dozen folks from a gigantic pot of rice, a fairly regular occurrence here.</p><div></div>

[leslie_cheung]

<blockquote>

<p>Homelessness as an abstract generality cannot be fixed with photographs or newspaper feature stories. If those made any difference, the problem would have been solved by now.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Maybe, Lex. But all it takes is one photograph by one caring someone in that particular right frame of moment, no? We will never know the cumulative effect (boy, I'm feeling hopeful today, huh;) There are ways to shoot people (home or homeless) with humility, or, say, sniping from around the corner...</p>

<p>But I'd agree on most days...it does nothing, much like war photography. It'll never stop the warring...</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<blockquote>

<p>"I think people are pre-judging the homeless by stereotyping them a bit much here. Many don't piss on their pants, many think straighter (street smart) than most folks with a home, many are cleaner than my college aged friends etc..."</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I've never met any chronically homeless people like that in Texas. There are, of course, people who experience transient or temporary homelessness due to unexpected financial disasters such as job losses and residential fires.</p>

<p>Chronically homeless folks can be more difficult to find. They're not often found in the same areas as the transient homeless, intersection panhandlers, couch surfers and day laborers who rent a room when they have money but otherwise have no fixed address. You won't often find the chronically homeless in popular urban or suburban areas because the authorities move them out to preserve the desired image. In my neighborhood they live in open fields under trees, under bridges and overpasses, behind dumpsters in concrete walled niches that help deflect the cold wind. They're not particularly "street smart". They don't need to be because unlike Brazil we don't have police going around secretly killing and disposing of the bodies of the homeless and street urchins. They're street smart only in the sense that they can sometimes find another place to hide from the cold wind after being chased away from the spot they slept in last night.</p>

<p>And they're not clean because there's no place to wash up unless a local business owner is kind enough to let them use the outside water tap. For many folks bladder control goes to hell after age 50 or so, particularly with poor diets and lack of clean drinking water.</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>Here's a typical bedroom in my neighborhood. Not everyone has a mattress.</p><div></div>

[MarieH]

<p>And many want and seek attention. Spend a bit of time on a summer day in downtown Montreal. Sun bathing in the parks, knowing what restaurants hand out unsold food at the end of day. Waiting for the mission truck to deliver water bottles sandwiches or coffee and blankets. I wonder if the 'helpers' are just enablers..hard to say. Its a vicious circle, help them or not?</p>