Homeless - but classy?

[duggis]

It's my first post, so let me have it.

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Exposure: 1/4000 sec
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off
Focus Mode: One-shot AF
Measured EV: 8.25
Target Aperture: 4
Target Exposure Time: 1/4008
Color Temperature: 4641

Basically I was just wondering what I could of done to make this better, mind you he was sleeping and I didn’t want to wake him - ewww… stinky!

[WooD]

It will help all of us critique your image if you tell us what you want critique on.

Exif info comes in handy too.

The rules for posting in the Critique sections are listed at the top of the page.

[gdowden70]

OK. I'll critique your post. I think it's rather rude that you would use this person for a portrait, without asking mind you and then go make fun of him because he's homeless. I apologize to the moderators in advance if I'm breaking the rules here. I felt I had to say something.

[kirbinster]

Well first you should follow the rules and not post images that are wider than they should be as the mess up the page and get cut off by the adds. Second I don't get your classy comment.

As for the photo I think it is good but am not sure I like the shallow depth of field that blurs the shoes, I would have liked to see the shoes more in focus.

[AlanWillis]

I'll throw in my farthing, in part because because I did a number of images of the homeless when I was working at a newspaper in the 80s (I tended to use a rangefinder, as my Cannon was a bit intrusive). It takes a certain sensitivity.

The face could show the struggles of homelessness, but I'm not sure it does; without a title, is this just an older man asleep in the park? How would we know. It's a bright day, apparently, and the people in the background seem to be possibly enjoying the park. I would have changed my angle, eliminated anyone from the background (yes, they are out of focus thanks to the dof; but they are still noticably there) and that may also have put more even light (most likely, based on where shadows are here) on the subject. What else would tell of us of the man's plight? The shoes might help. What is his head on? It would be nice for that to be clear.

[RuthieMae]

Wow, I'm normally a quiet one and would keep my mouth shut but I personally think it's very unprofessional/rude to take a picture of someone without their permission, post it on the web without their permission and then say something offensive about them on top of it all.

[KrysLove]

I have to agree that it does seem rude. You don't know what happened to this man to make him homeless. Did his wife die and he couldn't function without her and ended up on the streets? Did he have a great paying job and do to downsizing ended up without a job or home? Did you pay him for "letting" you take a photo? He is still a person and it can happen to anyone! If you didn't want to wake him then you shouldn't take the photo.

On a lighter note. I like it but I agree I don't like how the shoes are not in focus along with him.

[duggis]

Personally I don’t care if corporate downsizing has affected his life... the bums in this city make more peddling dope and steeling then most families in the mid-west… I didn’t asked for my character to be judged... I am terrible human being ... I use the pain I cause others as a mask to hide my own harsh let down realization of existence.

But moving forward.... those of you that commented on my depth of field and composition -spanks a latte! I appreciate it. I admire all of you that have groomed such great photography skills. I look forward to evolving and learning from you.

Additionally I just recently got into the art thru a buddy of mine and I have to say, I love it... Only five weeks in and it’s the best… even all you arm chair liberals have to admit it’s good to see new faces... Regardless VIVA LA INTERNT – COMENSE THE CRITICING!

Seriously - thanks all of you... even you gdowden70!

Also, sorry about the sizing… my mistake won’t happen again…

[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.

[AFair]

So I read the thread, I looked at the picture, the picture is nice I liked it. The comments following them on your behalf I'm not sure.

I don't think there was really a 'jealousy' issue here, I think it has to do with more of a respect for human life. Yeah it's easy to mark off homeless people as nothing more than trash or eye sores. I remember going to the city as a kid, and even in high school adults always say: Don't give them money because they are people. Yeah this is my soap box. I'm not expecting you to understand unless you've had a conversation with a person, and everybody has a different story.

Some are homeless by their own choice, some through things that they couldn't help, some through addictions.

Just be careful what you say.