FRAGILE

What a great title for this photo! I find it to be a sad image...and yes, life is fragile...nothing is to be taken for granted. Thank you for sharing. :)

Although I enjoy viewing street shots, it's not something I've tried, but

the following story (It's a long story but I make no apologies for telling it)

will perhaps explain why I happened to take this shot. I was in Liverpool

trying to get a decent shot of an building interior for a competition I was

about to enter (another genre of photography I haven't tried) when on my

travels....I happened down a side street to take a short cut. As I passed

a pile of cardboard and garbage a voice called out to me "Aye mate are

ya gonna take our picture"! I looked around and noticed these two guys

( I later learned thier names Mick is on the left and Jim is on the right) I

said "yeah ok I'l take your photo" I took a few shots and started

talking .......it turned out Mick had been divorced and lost his home, and

Jim had recently got out of prison. I must explain that the tone of the

conversation wasn't depressing in any way in fact quite the contrary,

these guy had me falling about laughing with thier banter. I asked

Mick "Did you spend the night here" ? he replied "Well yeah......but at

first we were on the other side of the doorway and we got soaked" he

pointed to large puddle ....then said "I'm gonna have a word with the

landlord ...this is a f**in disgrace!"

Myself and Jim chuckled as Mick's tirade of abuse at the imaginary

landlord. Jim then said "We had to cuddle up to keep warm last night, I

just hope people don't think we are Gay.......come to think of it I had me

suspicions about Mick last night, I felt something stickin in me back

and thought, ahhh it's probably just his mobile phone......then I realised

he hasn't got a mobile phone" Micks answer to this was to throw a

plastic bottle at Jim that duly bounced off jims head....all the time we

were laughing. We had some serious convo, but mostly we laughed. I

spent about 15 Minutes with these guys but could write pages and

pages about them. Jim had done 31 years in Jail for armed robbery, but

he didn't seem like a bad man to me. What really struck me was I

recognised immediately that "There, but for the grace of god go

I" ........these were two guys that had either made mistakes at a young

age, or circumstances had deal't them a blow that they found

impossible to cope with. But they were not despondent, they certainly

didn't want pity, in fact the only thing they asked for was to have thier

picture taken. The other thing that struck me was thier freindship and

loyalty to each other, Jim explained he could sleep in a hostel but

stayed with Mick because "Thats what mates do"....As I squatted on

the pavement with them, several people hurried past, averting thier eyes

for the most part, I'm not making any judgments about that, just

observations. I shook Mick and Jims hand and gave them the means to

get something to eat. As I walked away Mick shouted "What are ya

going to do with our photographs"! ......I shouted back over my

shoulder....."I'm going to forward them to Crimewatch" .....their laughter

was ringing in my ears as I suppressed a chuckle myself. .......Your

Thoughts and Comments are always appreciated. Thank You.

Beautiful, Alf.  I don't quite understand their situations -- sitting on cardboard boxes -- could be down and out or not.  Find myself connecting to the man in the center of the frame because there is a more direct view of his eyes.  Fantastic perspective and composition.  So different from the nature perfect scenes.   Such beautiful photography that it stays out of the realm of gritty for me.

Alf, I just read your commentary (didn't see it when I first posted).  Great reading.  Maybe that "lack of gritty" was from what is also in your narrative -- doesn't sound like pity--- more like understanding.   Refreshing to see this type of photo with a narrative that does not even unknowingly judge or look down on someone's circumstances.   I'd read a narrative by an ex-president of a college in the US who had masqueraded as a homeless person for months -- all for understanding.  He wrote an article at how horrible it is for people to avert their eyes.  You have a gentle heart and an artist's view of nature and inclusiveness.

Wonderful image, Alf...nice tonality to suit the sad mood of the picture...my best

Nice story Alf, showing your compassion for guys in this situation. Good looking reportage type shot with b/w suiting the situation admiarably...Regards

Nicely used wide angle lens, darker tones suit the theme! Well done Alf!

Cheers my friend!

PDE

I believe you shots this one with too little surrounding. while I usually prefer closer portrait/ reportage, here, I miss the environment as a part of story. their faces/ bodylanguage does not speak so much to me.

BB

Alf,

  Wonderful story & powerful portrait that tells a story just by looking at the image.  It is sad but I am sure there is a lot of this all over the world, but you are one of the few that would take the time to tell there story.  Thanks for being that kind of guy.  Take care, Patsy

Hi Alf

What a thought provoking image this is,you tell the story compassionately.  I have to disagree with Boris as I believe in some circumstances less is more and in this particular instance I think their surroundings are very much shown, as cardboard boxes and as much shelter from the elements is all these men have, apart from their humour of course.  The title is just perfect as it truely reflects just how fragile life is.  The composition and the colour tones are spot on, the black and white works so well with this image and just goes to prove that landscapes are not your only forte Alf, excellent work,thank you so much for sharing!

best wishes 

Jacqueline

I like this image for its technical quality, lighting and composition wise, the present of the men here adding a great feel of life and also the moment which issue well been utilized to serve this work, your choice of the b/w format is another remarkable idea, specially where the superb quality of contrast and tone been so well obtained here.

Thank you my friend for sharing it and wishing you all of the best.

A really beautiful shot, very nicely composed too, Alf!

i smiled all the time reading your story. really well documented in black and white.

Hi Alf, A great story which really enhances the photo very nicely. I think the title speaks volumes in accuratley describing their state of mind and situation. All people have pride and in some ways I suppose it helps to laugh at bleak situations. Alf, a very touching story and a fine photo to go with it. Whats next from you, a book? Take care my friend.

Sincerely,

Holger

Alf, I think you very much captured the essence of these men, whether it is me projecting your story on them, or not, I'm not sure. I like the irony of the fragile tape on the boxes in several respects—the men don't look particularly fragile, though there situation is, but also that they are using these boxes as beds or shelters or both. 

It's also interesting Alf that this has a similar sensibility to much of your landscape photography with definite foreground, middle ground and background interest, just the depth of the space is limited to the wall. The variety of horizontals, verticals and diagonals and the fine detail are equally present here as they are in your landscapes. 

I think the foreshortening of the figures works very well and helps to point up the differences in size of the two figures. The different positions of the men, the slight differences in the way they wear their hats, perhaps showing one more "fragile" and protected than the other. 

It's a great image and I hope you continue to explore this, not necessarily as an alternative to, but perhaps as a diversion from landscape photography.

Great shot, and a better story to go with it.  Thanks for sharing.  Aloha!

As you say.  Wonderful story and image.  Good camera position, but you aimed a little high, making the feet too big and the heads too small.  Staying in the same position, but placing the heads at the top of the frame will make them bigger and more natural, simultaneously making the feet smaller and more natural.  best, j

Was a great read and a great shot.  Life is fragile, and all too short, its a reminder to find the best in everything and is a testimony to the human spirit.  I don't see any problem with the composition, the angle taken enhances the lounging positions, in my humble opinion. If you wanted too, I guess you could fix the perspective in ps using  the distortion filter?

TRISHA

Many thanks for your interest and kind words. I know you wrote your thoughts before I had a chance to write the narrative. But as you will see from the above, even though these men had met with misfortune, they were not despondent, nor did they seem bitter, they retained humour in the face of adversity, and although the image may seem sad on the face of things, the story above kind of illustrates just how deceiving appearances can be.

Best Regards

Alf

DONNA

You are so right, these guys wouldn't thank anyone for pity, what seemed to be more important to them is that they were regarded as human, and spoken to as equals, just something simple like guys sharing a few stories, a few laughs. I walked away feeling good, not because I thought I had done them any favours, more because thier humanity enriched my life that day.

Sincere thanks for your interest and compassionate thoughts.

Regards

Alf

KALLOL

Many thanks for your feedback and kind words, much appreciated.

Best Regards

Alf

KEITH

Many Thanks!

In a different time, in a different world, these could have been the lads you spoke to in the pub, or at the football match, even at the supermarket, but twists of fate can alter anyones lives, and sometimes irreparably.

Cheers Keith!

Alf

PIERRE

Thank you so much my friend! Initially I quite liked the wide angle view, it gave me a chance to get close and still include thier environment. Recent comments have made me question the wisdom of using that lens now though. I really appreciate your imput Pierre.

Cheers!

Alf

BORIS

Many thanks for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated. Thier wider surroundings was pretty much a repetition of what you can already see, cardboard and litter. As for lack of body language and facial expression......In my experience it is the people who show little on the surface, that have a deeper burning passion beneath. Suffice to say, I can only photograph what there was to see, and these men will only show you what they want you to see.

Best Regards

Alf

PATSY

You are very kind, but I guess we all have our stories to tell......and I like to tell stories...I count myself as being very fortunate to be able to tell a small segment of thiers.

Sincere Thanks Patsy

Alf

JAQUELINE

Sincere thanks for your positive feedback and observations, much appreciated! The "Scousers" (Liverpudlians) best resource is humour, it cant be bought or sold, but it can be shared and sometimes used in dark times, times when it would be easy to give in, times when self pity come calling, and times when we stand very close to the edge of the abyss.........tis here when this particular brand of humour seldom fails....the last contact with humanity ....the last link with reason, and inevitably the last saviour wrapped in laughter. I mean.........you try feeling bad about yourself when you just made someone else howl with laughter......it just won't happen......humour is a priceless commodity. : - )

You are observant about the title too, it does reflect the delicate balance of life so well, and yes I did steal the idea from the cardboard boxs : - )

Best Regards

Alf

RASHED

Many Thanks for your visit and positive feedback, much appeciated. I'm very pleased you enjoyed viewing my work.

Best Regards

Alf

RUUD

Well I've got a long way to go to match your powers of observation Ruud, but my sincere thanks for your vote of confidence

Best Regards

Alf

DROR

Many Thanks for your thoughts and positive feedback. These guys really could have been people you'd have met in the pub and started chatting to, and a few drinks later you would realise that you had spent hours talking with them, they were a pleasure to meet.

Best Regards

Alf

HOLGER

Many thanks for taking time to read the stroy and for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you about the title, just ironic that it happened to be printed on the box's too. Your right too about laughing in the face of adversity, sometimes it's the last line of defence. As for a book.........well I've already done some writing...I'd love to do more, but time is the main constraint......but a book about the various street characters of Liverpool is something I'd love to do....maybe one day.

Cheers Holger!

Alf

TONY

Your observations are very accurate, these guys did sleep on that cardboard, in sub zero weather, they huddled together on a night that left frost on car windscreens and on the ground. And your right again they don't seem fragile at all. They don't come across as negative or bitter either, they accept what life has thrown at them and deal with it.

I'm really not sure if my approach to taking street shots is correct Tony, I probably need to think in different terms other than the self impregnated rules of photography that I naturally adhere to for landdcapes for the most part.

My position to these guys, my proximity, my radius was crucial to starting a conversation on equal terms. If I'd stood over them, I don't think I'd have got the same feedback and easy exchange, as I did when I sat on the pavement facing them.

I did enjoy this experience immensely, and It's something I will do again, though my heart stays with my first love.........landcapes.

Sincere Thanks Tony!

Alf

DOMINIIC

Sincere thanks for your interest and positive feedback, much appreciated!

Aloha!

Alf

JAMIE

Very different yes, and as such I have many things to learn....and I shall enjoy every minute of that learning process.......I'm glad you enjoyed the story and the image, and your tip about the perspective / camera angle is another one for me to remember!

Cheers Jamie

Best Regards

Alf

CATHERINE

I'm really pleased you enjoyed the read and the image. You are quite right, life is fragile.........we all walk a fine line.....it's just that some of us are more aware of it than others. As for perspective filters .......well suffice to say unlike my landscapes, this wasn't a well planned or well thought out shot, it was spontaneous, and as such will remain as it is, not least because my skills with perspective control are limited.

Sincere thanks for your invaluable imput Catherine.

Best Regards

Alf

Fantastic!! Great story also, I like it.

Cheers.

This image is a window to reality of the world we are living in...a flashing sight on the human fate...Very well done, Alf!

the fragility of life in general is a cliche; true, but still that (the end of life is implicit in its very meaning)... boxes are endurable things - as documented in this photograph - and what's put in them are the fragile things...

i like your pov, slanting in diagonally, but not so much the composition... a square crop would eliminate the carton - which is not really the subject here, the people are...

what impressed me, reading the story and seeing the photograph, is their attitude... their grit, their preserved sense of humor... not seeking pity, just company and conversation

the photograph shows both Mick and Jim in repose, relaxed and comfortable amidst the remnants of discarded cartons... neither of them appears fragile, they don't need protective shells...

the fragility is the viewer's... the self-protective framework he has built-up around himself

an interpretation for your consideration, Alf...

I just read your narrative, before looking at the photo & I think that your decision to present the photo this way was an excellent choice on your part. It gives the viewer an extra piece of information, which enables one to look at the photo and recognize the situation and personality of these two men more clearly.  I think that your photo is a telling photo, depicting their challenging living circumstances.

However, I agree with some of the comments above re: the shooting angle and use of lens (and I don't know if you cropped the photo at all). After reading your narrative, I personally wouldn't mind seeing Mick & Jim in a more close-up setting; seeing their faces more clearly --  more of a classic portrait of sorts, with slightly less distortion, unless they would have been shown a bit further away, with more street included maybe...

I quite like Rajat's approach & crop -- even maybe with a tad more space over their heads...

That being said, I think that you succeeded very well in showing the 'laid back attitude' of these two guys -- their casual demeanor comes across beautifully..!    BTW, using the lettering from the box, is a perfect title choice here, I think too.

FYI, Alf: I recently looked at this portrait taken by Steve Gubin, depicting a man in similar circumstances to those of the 2 subjects in your photo. (I'm just putting this here as an interesting variation on this sensitive theme...) 

Wishing you a good WE, Alf -- Kind regards, Marjolein

I do not agree with Marjolein. I do not know a reason why a good photo needs text. I did not read the text. However I just violated that rule with a title of my last post.

Meir, I do agree with you that adding text to a photo is not necessary, and it will undoubtedly influence the viewer in his or her way. (and /or at worst, it can be very counter-productive in getting a 'sincere first impression'  from the photo...)   However, given the particular and sensitive circumstances of Alf' s photo above, I actually welcomed his piece of BG information on Mick and Jim.  It made me look at the photo more intensely, by focusing on their individual faces and characters.

I like wide angle view here and way you composed this,all elements here come to show the story you said better,and what a story,I am wonder how many in this world are like this one,a world with such life contrast,a world where things look to go faster an faster to where?All my best Alf.

RC