Homeless - but classy?

[Bellalilyphoto]

I've got to say, I agree that the majority of these posts are unnecessarily harsh. It was obviously an inappropriate joke, but I don't think you were trying to be evil.

I agree that if the shoes were in focus, it would distract me from the focus of the photo...the man and his plight. As for the people in the background, there may have been a way to use them to tell the story in your photograph. If they had been a little more prominent in the photo, they could have told more of the forgotten ones having to sleep in the park, while others live on happily. A wider crop may have shown more of the overall scene to get the feel of what it is like to be him, living amongst everyone else in the park.

Just some ideas! Overall, not bad for your first try (aside from the jokes of course)!

[duggis]

Originally Posted by Bellalilyphoto

I've got to say, I agree that the majority of these posts are unnecessarily harsh. It was obviously an inappropriate joke, but I don't think you were trying to be evil.

I agree that if the shoes were in focus, it would distract me from the focus of the photo...the man and his plight. As for the people in the background, there may have been a way to use them to tell the story in your photograph. If they had been a little more prominent in the photo, they could have told more of the forgotten ones having to sleep in the park, while others live on happily. A wider crop may have shown more of the overall scene to get the feel of what it is like to be him, living amongst everyone else in the park.

Just some ideas! Overall, not bad for your first try (aside from the jokes of course)!

thanks a lot.. appreciate the suggestions too!

[Lakitu]

Shoes and background detract from the subject a bit too much for my liking. There are loads of candid shots here at DPS, why does this guy get hassled for one?

[slugger]

I wonder what the responses would have been if it was Brittney Spears in your photo.

I don't really like it though. I don't know why....maybe living in Toronto for a few years and seeing homelessness up close turns me off. I don't know. A lot of the homeless people I knew chose that way of life...cuz as you said, they made more money than if they had an honest living. Or they just plain and simple hated conformity.
DOF is spot on though.

[PnwGuy]

Originally Posted by alexandros

Hey duggis,

I'm new to DPS so bare with me.
Though I have used other photography forums; I am still a bit ignorant on how things work around here.

After reading the replies to your post I am having second thoughts about posting here.
Considering this was your first post. I think the comments were very harsh.
If anything; I would say that these people are either jealous or very stuck-up.
(it apparently happens to all photographer when they get the "pro" icon next to their name on flickr)
Sorry you had to experience that.
I promise you that there are many other forums that actually offer constructive criticism.
And I am sure there are people on here that are equally positive.

My take on shooting people on the street is simple "if you are on public property; you are mine".
It might sound harsh to some; but I find a lot of comfort in the fact that one of my favorite subject-matters while shooting out in the city is other "photographers".

I also agree with Alan Willies about the background. A different angle might have been better. Do you have any other shots of the same scene? Or did you just take one?

In contrast; I really like the fact that the shoes are out of focus.
I think it would have been distracting if they were not.
Good use of dof!

Overall I say well done!
Next time I suggest you just post the photo and the exif data only.
No titles or personal comments.
Seems like if they can't trash your photo they will try to find something else to attack you with.
Good luck!
Hope to see more from you.

WOW! A little overreaction here? I'm sure if you had spent any time at all reading anything on this forum you'd quickly realize how wrong your comments are. Duggis didn't follow the guidelines for posting, then he made a disparaging remark about a homeless person. I don't think he meant any harm by it and he seems like a good guy but I agree with the comments about his insensitivity.

I live in Seattle and my first thought was that he is not from around here. And you being from Seattle, surprised to see you on that side of the fence with your uninformed and insensitive comments about the people on here. In fact, your comments are definitely more out of line than his.

"If you are on public property you are mine". Yep, that's the type of attitude we want to have as professionals when dealing with people on the street. That'll help our reputations. It doesn't sound like you're originally from here either.

I appreciate and respect Duggis' follow-up comments and I think everybody realizes he didn't intend to be insulting and all is cool.

[dan.will60]

Photo what Photo?

Boy did that touch some raw emotion.
Funny if I'm not mistaken that is what art is all about.

LOOK,LISTEN,LEARN.

The photo I'm not sure now,will need to look again when this emotional cloud lifts from my vision.

Good one Duggis.

[duggis]

Originally Posted by dan.will60

Photo what Photo?

Boy did that touch some raw emotion.
Funny if I'm not mistaken that is what art is all about.

LOOK,LISTEN,LEARN.

The photo I'm not sure now,will need to look again when this emotional cloud lifts from my vision.

Good one Duggis.

I do believe you just compared my portrait to art... thanks! I just bought myself a new lens, so watch out!!! here it comes