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One of the sad things about any good size city is the way we all go about our business and turn our heads from the less fortunate. The first shot shows a man begging whilst kids skateboard around him (I have no idea if he really needed to beg, not all do) and the second shows people going about their business, others chatting and laughing while an unfortunate sole tried to sleep. By his state of cleanliness I believe he was genuine.

Glen - these would make great pics for advertising the fact that we do have poor in this country and should not ignore them

Good shots Glen but I would like to see front on images. A bit more in your face I guess.

Not every one is comfortable with street photography though and it make take awhile to get used to it.. Try it next time you will be suprised how much more engaging the images can be. Even if it means you have to throw a $1 coin in his direction.

Street photography is very cool, it takes alot of confidence to take a candid shot of a stranger not knowing how they will react. You should do a series of the compelling issue of homelessness.
I used to take pictures of people on stair escalators, they are very interesting , some peoples expressions are priceless whilst travelling up or down.

Hey Greg, I love street shots. These are great! They capture the mood and setting brilliantly.
I'm no Pro but maybe they could be enhanced a little with crop or B&W?
I hope you don't mind, please pardon my boldness to suggest:





Just a slightly different feel?

Bloody hell Marcus, we don't see you for weeks and then you pop up changing people Pics, geez I don't know, The Nerve

well captured GLEN not Greg Marcus you ninny.

Mic,

Remember me

HA! Sorry Glen, I think I was up too late to post anything at all!

I've been really busy lately and have not had much of a chance to visit the sight, so when I had the chance I could'nt help myself.....

At least I did'nt invert them Mic

A Lonely Life.

I hope that you do not mind Glen. I hummed and hahed about posting this. For what I have done, I think that a bit more empty space around the subject would have been good just to emphasise the isolation.

Thanks Guys for the feedback. Great suggestion Chris. Embi and Wendell you are spot on, I should have engaged them directly. Interestingly, I am drawn to taking photos of the disadvantaged, especially when overseas, but whilst away I will be in there face, I feel slightly embaressed here. The good side of that is a few people will get flipped a few dollars while I salve my guilt. Thank Mic. Marcus and Matt, I prefer both of your crops to my framing. Interestingly I did think about cropping the bottom photo, but liked the one way sign pointing away from the poor soul. See how we all see different messages in the same photo?

Glen
A current affairs program recently did a story on these "beggers". They go to the TAB after they have collected a few bucks and it has been estimated that some of them earn $300 a day. It is a scam. Some of them even work the same corner in pairs...taking turns. The real poor will always remain invisible.....they live in the shadows. You have to get up very early in the morning to find them sleeping under cardboard sheets. But anyway...now that you have done "the poor"...how about you do a selection on the "filthy rich". I love contrasts!

Matt, I think you are spot on which is why I mentioned that in the first one. Next time we meet in the flesh let me tell you a story about a "beggar" from ten years ago. Will do a few filthy rich, was down in Mosman this morning, you have to be rich to live there, I was charged (upon daughters instructions) $132 for 4 21st balloons!!! They are a metre high but geez. Makes Nikon gear look cheap.

Glen wrote:Matt, I think you are spot on which is why I mentioned that in the first one. Next time we meet in the flesh let me tell you a story about a "beggar" from ten years ago. Will do a few filthy rich, was down in Mosman this morning, you have to be rich to live there, I was charged (upon daughters instructions) $132 for 4 21st balloons!!! They are a metre high but geez. Makes Nikon gear look cheap.

Glen,
That what made you pay for all "your fines & dues" after you have had a good lust! and proud of Nikon gears you have.

Birddy, that is why I have learnt to underquote prices You have my technique worked out.

Good shots Glen.

The whole issue of people begging is very tricky. Personally, I have a strict policy of not giving money to people on the street just because they ask for it - and when you work in the city, that happens a fair bit. Quite a few years ago, Rosanne and I were approached by a guy asking for money, her first reaction (being a kind soul) was to get her purse out. We had a long talk - that should be the last thing you would do. What happens if the person grabs your purse and walks away?

We now also have a lot of people working for legitimate organisations asking for money - but it is often a monthly donation arrangement. Some of their comments are unacceptable, I don't appreciate being asked why I don't care about whatever their thing is. By people on commission, what's more.

As I am sure many of us do, we make donation choices in an orderly manner, to organisations (hopefully) which are honest and effective.

I agree with the comment above about the street beggars - I have seen them being dropped off and picked up!!

Sorry - pet peeve. I hate seeing people's good nature (or guilt) being taken advantage of.

Thank god they are only 21 once But then there is the 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th - a never ending story

Great shots Glen. You captured the essence of street light well in these shots. How did your daughter's 21st go? Did you take many snaps there with the SB-800? Would love to see some shots .

Geoff wrote:Great shots Glen. You captured the essence of street light well in these shots. How did your daughter's 21st go? Did you take many snaps there with the SB-800? Would love to see some shots .

Geoff,
I don't think he will release those photos to us cos he'll receive ton of PM of inquiries: how and when the opening date of the submission form to be lodged

Nic pics Glen...

Personally I never give money to this sort of street beggar, but I have been known to buy them a sandwich or a hot coffee if they look really forlorn... The only exceptions I make are for the guys selling the Big Issue.

I don't give money as you never know how they are going to use it... and besides it will only encourage more & more of them to appear...

I've been to cities in the US, where there are 3 or 4 on each block... I also came across kids offering to do stunts, throwing themselves in front of moving cars for cash (very sad).