'Family Matters'

Is she legit? I usually give the homeless the benefit of doubt and assume that they are truly in need, which, I think in most cases is the truth. What's that saying, let God sort em out? Anyway, this is obviously a great photo due to all the discussion it has generated.

 

Cheers!

A very well captured photograph! What struck me instantly is the disparity between the woman and the child in the photograph – The woman crying out loud, so pathetic in her condition and the child so innocent; peacefully sleeping, unaware of the sad reality that might soon grip it too.

Interestingly, this disparity has become the major topic of discussion here. Whether it's the mother's life-goal to protect her child from the harsh cruelty or a smart staging to evoke sympathy leading to monetary gain, the photograph certainly achieves its goal – to create ripples in our minds, to remind us of the shameful inequalities of human society and remind those who are fortunate about their duty towards the poor and downtrodden.

 

Yes, that was my initial reaction as well, she is yawning. The kid is tired and asleep as the woman seems to be as well. Very nice picture all the same. But isn't emanating conflicting messages best form of photography? :)

 

One constructive criticism: Contrast could be slightly softer but that's just me.

I will trust my first instinct. It's the plight of people everywhere...getting tired. She's yawning. Plain and simple. I also agree with the oversharpened comments.