Boy, this was a difficult picture to take, and to submit. It was the first picture I took after seeing the challenge, but it wasn't my first opportunity. I'm on vacation in Thailand, and taking pictures of these homeless people is very difficult. I passsed by so many before I got up the nerve to take a picture of this man. I just turned my camera on and whatever setting it was on I used. I didn't want to take the time to fiddle with any settings. I just made sure it focused then snapped the picture, and put money in his cup and moved on. I felt horrible. But the assignment was poverty and I'm sure there will be some photos equally or more heart-wrenching than this one. I put more money in his cup again as I passed him on my way back without taking a picture. He was happy about that.
It was taken in Bangkok. I'm still in Thailand now in an internet cafe in Chiang Mai. This may be my only chance to submit the photo.
I just cropped and changed the size for submission.
Hopefully this challenge raises awareness of the plight of those less fortunate. I haven't had a chance to read any threads about this challenge, but I'm sure there were some about the topic of raising awareness.
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Update:
Oct 29 2005
A year later I'm back in Bangkok, and the subject of this photo is still hanging in there. I saw him the other day. I should have given him some money, but I wasn't looking for him, so when I came upon him it happened so quickly, before I realized it was him I was passed him. And I didn't think to turn back. If I see him again I will give him some money.
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I think as photographers we're basically takers. We take a photo of this, snap a picture of that. The experience is pretty voyeuristic. But we do give something back at some level; We shed light, educate, bear witness. And whenever subjects of poverty, suffering, Death and war are concerned,the price we pay can be quite high; guilt is but the tip of the iceberg.
Why, you ask?!? How could we exercise compassion otherwise? It is not only to be thankful, but to have the priviledge to give or do something else for the poor (love). Didn't you feel compeled to do something other than taking this great picture?
Great picture. I just came back from Thailand today and one of the reasons I stayed away from Bangkok is all the poverty on the streets. This picture makes me thankful for what I have.
Out of respect for the gentleman you were hesitant to take the picture. This picture reminds us that we are not all blessed with happier living conditions. I appreciate you showing this picture. Good luck with all your future entries.
really great, amazing shot. I'm not sure of the moral issues you're having with taking it in the first place. For the sake of spreading awareness I think what you did was right, and I don't think you did it with the intention of winning a ribbon or getting recognition.
Congratulations on the Blue. I understand it wasn't easy for you to photograph a person in that situation. But someone has to capture those images and show the world. Now it's there for the world to see. Well done.
Wow, a bittersweet victory. After I took the photo--and got over the guilt of actually taking it--and thought about the challenge, I knew it would be a powerful entry. I figured top 20, maybe top 10. I never thought ribbon until the votes and comments started coming in.
Thank you to everyone for your great comments.
Hopefully I can win a ribbon in a less opportunist, and more fun challenge. As you can see from my other entries, I still have a lot to learn about photography. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time for this challenge. Thailand is a beautiful country, but it is riddled with poverty. There were so many pictures I could have taken that would have been equally or even more powerful than this one. It's not all bad though, there is a lot of affluance and beauty there too. And most of the people there were very nice and helpful.
One of the best illustrations of true poverty in this challenge. It made me stop and think how lucky I am to be healthy. A moving picture, nice color and composition.
There's something inherently peverse about clicking this '10' button for an image which displays such tragedy. This is just so desperate and, despite frequently reflecting on how lucky I am and helping a few charities, this really pricks my conscience. Very difficult shot for you I'm sure.
This is heart-wrenchingly honest and the image you've captured, even though it's brutal to see, is so compelling, I can't help but look & look. Thank you.
Is this from the Philippines also? GREAT SHOT. How sad that Phiippines have many things to show about poverty if this is really taken from this place... 8 for YOU
THIS is a great shot (and caption) for the poverty challenge. No "model" or "staging" going on. Real life. This picture hurts me to look at, but I/we need to not forget his story. Nice capture. I gave you a (9)
Heartwrenching and 100% on topic. Whilst I would normally suggest to be on the level as your subject, in this case it only reinforces the point you are making. Almost makes me feel guilty to be sitting here at my nice computer.
This is a great submission. If this were taken closer to eye level of the man, it would look a bit less condecending. As it is now, you are looking down on him, not seeing him at his level. Great shot.
very moving pic, and I respect you actually going to him to take the pic, too many images of a similar nature in this challenge have been taken from afar. - 9
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