This was one of my shots from our SF GTG this past weekend. I usually shoot in RAW but for some reason, I guess I had my settings to the automatic modes.
I saw this guy sitting in front of Saint Mary's Church on Saturday morning. What struck me was that he was literally "invisible" to everyone. I took a few shots of him and what I liked was the fact that he seemed to be behind the barricades adding an extra layer for my composition.
After a few shots, I walked up to him and chatted for about 5 minutes. I told him I remember him from when I used to work in the City. He smiled and wished me a Happy Chinese New Year. Throughout the conversation, he never even looked at me in the eye. He always had his head down and kept on scratching his head.
What struck me next was that he didn't even ask for money. He just commented on how beautiful the day was and how festive the streets were that day.
After our brief conversation, I reached for my pocket and pulled out a bill. I don't know how much it was but I just put it in his paper cup. He smiled which I hope was directed to me as he never looked my way. He said "God Bless" and I turned and walked away hoping to catch my DPC friends walking up the street.
I wasn't planning of entering this challenge. I didn't really have an idea but once I got home and looked at my photos, I knew this was the one to enter. I'm not certain how this will be perceived by the voters, but for once, I am entering an image that truly has a deep rooted meaning in my heart.
I wish him well and hope that he sustains himself through the cold San Francisco nights. Life is simple and precious. It's as simple as that my friends. I hope this image moves you as it affected me in ways I cannot express.
"Patience and Fortitude Conquer All Things" Ralph Waldo Emerson
IMG_1198.jpg
Disqualification Details
Any attempts to alter the point totals in any way for any photograph will result in immediate loss of account and a ban from the site. Photographs by any participating parties may also be removed from past or current challenges.
Statistics
Views since voting: 1526 Views during voting: 334 Comments: 19 Favorites: 3 (view)
Great photo Rikki. The scratching was probably a side effect from chronic use of something like Crystal Meth - they scratch at 'Crank Bugs' which is the euphemism for the bugs that they feel like are crawling under their skin. A good friend of mine went through rehab 3 times before he finally kicked it, and he's got the scratching scars as a lifetime reminder. Looking people in the eye is hard too, partly because of the photosensitivity (if you're standing he has to look up at you into the sun) and partly because of the hallucinagenic effects that come with the drug.
Good on you for spending some time with him. He'll remember it - maybe not for as long as you will though.
Critique Club:
A story makes a picture. Before reading the story behind the picture I thought it was great. Now I like it even more. I like these kind of shots. Real people in real situations. Not a detailed setup shot with some model posing. The black and white adds to the picture. The contrast is good. His face is in the shadow but we can still see the expression on his face. The poeple in the background tell the story. They don't see him and maby they don't want to see him. People find it hard to see people that don't have as good a life as they do. And you've caught that moment really well. Great job.
You just brought tears to my eyes Rikki. I don't think there's anything you honestly could have done to make this better but that's just me. It has heart.
He looks so dejected! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story, Rikki.
I'd love to see this done with some grundge tones, but it stands as a touching image as is.
:)
Had the people in the background been blurred out a bit, this would place the focus more on the homeless man, at least in my opinion. I like the use of black and white and good contrast.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
