pauper

caught this photo on my recent trip to progue. he just sat there -i

really liked the atmosphere but it was sad to see.

great...

sad...

This has to be one of the most emotional pictures on the entire site. I have been on this site for years and I have to say this is one of my all time favorite pictures. It may be sad but It also conveys love and trust readily as well.

What a nice Love shot. Please remove the cap..see attchmant.

 

 

Homelessness is a major issue in places like San Francisco and so many other underdeveloped countries. I am not a big fan of let's take a photograph of homeless people and post it on the Internet. Did you even offer him anything? A sandwich maybe?

Thanks Max and Mark for you kinds remarks-I am really humbled by your comment Mark-

Majahid-removing the cap I think changes the subject subject-maybe Haleh would be less upset w/o the cap then this could be just someone in a cold climate sitting with his/her dogs.Yes homelessness is a problem in big cities( I live in Miami and see this everyday) and small cities. I have a lot of opportunities to take their pictures but unless I see something beyond their sad condition I don't.I found this individual was different. He just sat there and didn't respond when I place change in his cap-I assume he was from Prague. At another time I saw him-same place completely prone ,head down and hands outstretch on his cap. He stayed in that postion for 10 minutes while I was talking with someone else when I turned around he was gone.All of this could be just a show for tourist on the bridge but I don't think so and I felt he is unusual and worthy of our attention. BTW I am not a photojournalist but I would think photos like this (homelessness) is not exploitive. Please check out my site and see my other Prague photos.

I think to myself, what if this was my reality? Would I like some tourist taking a snapshot of me and posting it on the web? Which is worse? Walking by them out on the cold streets trying to avoid eye contact or acknowledging them by taking their photograph and posting it on the Internet? These are just thoughts. I am not upset but I live in a city with way too many homeless people.

Haleh, I think as photographers we are sensitive people and respond to the world around us.You state what is worse"Walking by them out on the cold streets trying to avoid eye contact or acknowledging them by taking their photograph and posting it on the Internet?" I just don't think we are avoiding them-just the opposite and they, remember, are soliciting us to see them.The way I look at it I am acknowledging their plight how we as a society deal with it is another thing

I opened this image when it was first posted, directly from the critique forum yesterday. I didn't get the chance to comment on it right away but I left the window open so I could come back to it. There was only one comment when I first opened it. It's a bit amusing to see the discussion that has happened in the mean time. Paul...thank you so much for capturing this and posting it to the internet. I have had many homeless friends in different corners of the world (some very close to Prague) and have comtemplated the lifestyle myself. To those that are so convinced that it is "sad" and unworthy of posting, or something that we should look away from, or ignore...I assure you...you have no idea what homelesness is like.

 

Leaving all that aside (because this could become a rather long conversation) I feel compelled to do what I was supposed to yesterday: critique. Composition is lovely and I would leave the hat in just because that is how that moment was...the hat was there when you took the picture. That's how life is...surprising, messy and with hats in it. It's not staged, aranged or posed. Paul...I feel like you have done a great job portraying a side of homelesness that people ignore to see very often: some of the greatest freedom, loyalty and enjoyment of simple and gratuitous pleasures that people can experience. I also love the fact that the person is anonimous...which gives your image an even more representative value.

Excellent composition, light, edition...what more can I say? Perfect! Congratulation.

Czech Republic is not a underdeveloped country.

Strong social image

Powerful and beautiful. It's true...a photo speaks a thousand words. Excellent work Paul. Best Regards, Doug

I'm not a 100% certain that this IS a homeless person. Face down...well fed dog...Maybe it's just the sceptic in me.

Nice composition though!

The emotion this photo produces is just amazing.

 

For those who are upset about "taking pictures of the homeless"...had this picture been in National Geographic would you still feel the same way?

 

I'm not a great photographer by any means but I know a compelling photo when I see one. This photo is definitely compelling. I have nothing but respect for you Paul.

 

Congratulations on such a fine piece of photography.