'Sleeping on the Street in Seattle -- Awakening to Starbucks'

It seems everybody in Seattle drinks Starbucks coffee, including this homeless man

who sleeps outdoors even on a very cold night, shown here one cold morning warming

himself with a cigarette and a cup of Starbucks while leaning against a Starbucks outer

wall. Your ratings, critiques and observations are invited and most welcome. If you

rate harshly, very critically, or wish to make an observation, please submit a helpful

and constructive comment; please share your photographic knowledge to help improve

my photography. Thanks! Enjoy! john

HI John,

Thanks for sharing AND thank you for the explanation.  I think you did a good job at the visual commentary.  I think the perspective (both figuratively and literally) are good in this: the man is framed within the frame, showing entrapment; I like that you are at almost eye level so as to not "look down" on him even though he's sitting on the sidewalk; i also like that the photo is taken from within the building, placing the viewer in the safe, comfortable building while showing the divide (exclusion) of us and him.  As a viewer, however, i don't get enough visual clues as to the "keeping warm" aspect so that is a bit lost.  Also, because his eyes are closed, it is easy as a viewer, to not make an emotional connection.  I think that this would be a great shot as part of a series, but on it's own I don't think it is as powerful as i would like it to be. 

Thank you for the healthy and helpful commentary -- it's great you spent so much time and effort in critiquing this photo.  

Two points:  I didn't note that he was in the sun, warming himself, as I thought that was self-evident from the shadows showing - perhaps I should have.  As to the eyes, they are not closed, but his gaze is downward toward his cigarette and whatever he's holding just below the cigarette, but there was no way to 'connect' with his eyes from this view.

I always appreciate it when someone takes a photo seriously and critiques it thoroughly as you have -- it keeps the commentary here at a high level.

Best wishes and thanks.

john

John (Crosley)