Homelessman in gutter

Take the shot and spin it any way you like, but when you post it on the internet it is something else. Its a crap shot of a person in an exposed position -- why the car, why the post on the right, why the mundane angle , was that the most interesting thing he did whilst shooting him -- and you've posted it on the internet compounding his condition. If I were him I'd be pissed. Maybe he wouldn't mind but you don't know because you didn't ask him if it was ok. This is on par with posting nude shots of ex lovers without permission, except you've wrapped this in some entangled social awareness nonsense.

Sorry.

I'm happy to see the amount of negative response that this photo has received. As Vic says "there but for the grace of God go I".

TEX

youi have gotten many many responses at very deep levels.

i would say a successfull photograph. any photo that creates feelings is a good photo IMO.

i fuind it very interesting how many people are uncomfortable with photos that they themselves are would not take for what ever reason. similar photos that envoke similar responses are nudes, birth, war, mourge, death, and even street photos.

all that has been said can be applied to ALL photographs! no matter the subject!

In my previous comment, I did say I was glad the photo was posted. However, I am concerned about the lack of permission and JD is absolutely correct about that. The fact that spontaneity and authenticity ("nature of the image", "the message") would have been lost by asking for permission comes a distant second to the dignity of that person. So, I was wrong by saying what I said.

I would go so far as removing the photo from the gallery. Going beyond respect for the man in the photo, there could be legal issues, too. If, for some weird set of circumstances, the subject finds out about the photo and that it was posted publicly, you, Stephen, could get in a heap of trouble. Or, some enthusiastic lawyer could see this photo, find the gentleman and, well, I think you know the rest.

Marc

I have no intention of removing the photograph. I'm in no way profiting from it. and im not casting my own judgments on this man. I'm simply showing a very real moment in a very public space.

If all photographers like all artists bowed down when lawyers raised their head then a lot of great work would be gone from the eyes of the masses.

This image has so far been great in raising such issues. I am glad we are all discussing this in a professional manner.

Thank you.

I too find this image distasteful. I feel that the image has a major disconnect from the stated purpose - the image looks like a part of an expose - "major sources of public litter and what can be done about it" rather than "the disgraceful side-effects of failing to care for the homeless". I think as an image, the eye contact between the homeless guy and the camera is very successful because it is very compelling and off-putting. There is a definite sense of communication back from the subject to the viewer - it seems like he's saying, "Yeah, you look at me, bastard... see that I'm just like you inside".

I think shining a light on these hidden or ignored least fortunate of our brothers is important.
I've been wondering how people feel about Sebastiao Salgado's photos of Ethiopia?
Or Larry Clark's images of active drug addicts shooting up?
Are they acceptable because they had the subjects permission?
If so, were they in a position to make rational decision ?
Is it because their work is more 'arty', being accomplished B&W images?
Does ability and experience make that much of a moral difference?
Did the photos benefit these people? If so, did it do so when they first started?

Well Stephen, for better or worse, you've certainly struck a nerve with some viewers.

I'm not ready to dismiss this image as a "crap shot...", but overall my concern with being able to fairly evaluate an image like this, is it's lack of context. Where are the other photos that connect/ground this image into a meaningful cohesive statement. The only other image in your postings that could vaguely relate, might be the groping couple. In my mind this is a disqualifier for one-off images displayed as singular objects, like you've done. Present this image as part of a cohesive body of work,...well, then there'd be a context within which to make a valid assessment of the merits of this particular individual image.

Sitting there on it's own, my tendency is to see this image as a voyeuristic and opportunistic. There's no way that I'm going to buy your pitch that you "created it to reflect an attitude of the masses. not my own personal attitude" I don't believe for a moment that this is a "created" image. At this point it's nothing but a random snap shot, of unsavory street life. Your statements that YOU CANT bring YOUR emotion, and YOU CAN'T ask permission, etc..." are complete bullshit, to put it simply. These are nothing but your unquestioned assumed beliefs & biases that YOU have framed/contextualized this "message" with.

If you're serious about pursuing more images like this random grab shot, then I'd suggest you first examine what it is you're really wanting to do. Draw up a written proposal for the project, start making many more images. When you've finally got some shots that are ready to look at, then start getting them critiqued, either here in the critique gallery, or from a local photojournalist, who's opinion you respect.

I think it needs to be asked even if i had gotten this man to place a marking on model release form, in a court would it be valid? as this man could be considered of no mental capacity to make such a decision. As Dave miller said about england so the law applies in australia that in a public place I have broken no law by shooting this.

As for making an unthoughtful grab image. very few images are made by me without prior though. The one of the couple i last upload is a spontaneous shot. The Murder I shot wa spontaneous "grab". but this image of the homeless man. I saw him I contemplated. thought composed and shot. I went to such degree in making this image that I waited till he looked at me. I shot 35mm and wished I had my blad (which is why i later cropped it to square.) This image was no cowardly fluke.

but when a grab shot does happen I will let you know.