Brad ... you obviously have a heart for these people. They will sometimes welcome help when there are no strings attached and they feel you are offering assistance to them in a way that doesn't offend their dignity. Cash is rarely the right answer unless you know the person very well. Cash can be used for destructive behavior by some. Don't be afraid to offer to buy a hot meal. By the way "hot" is important, especially this time of year. There is absolutely nothing more terrifying than being cold and hungry with no way to get warm. The body continues to burn nourishment to warm itself and the hunger and cold are brutal. A warm meal and some light friendly communication about anything is usually welcome. Ending it with, "I hope to get to talk with you again some time" helps. Make it all about the conversation. Touch is important to some. If you can tell they are comfortable with you, a handshake means a lot. They know they need help but are often afraid to accept it. Asking politely to take a pic or two is ok. Have someone take one of the two of you together if you have a friend with you, but don't hand your camera to a stranger. Don't be afraid to talk. Go in pairs or threes but no more, could be intimidating to them if they are approached by a group. Be compassionate but careful. Take interest in them and their lives. Everyone has a story to tell and hearing some of theirs will both amaze and sadden. It really helped me to learn how close I am to being in their shoes.
Glen -----Original Message----- From: Brad Dobo [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, December 16, 2002 11:25 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: My new Pentax-A* 300 f/4 and an interesting shot Last winter I spent a week in Toronto right downtown. I was thinking of homeless shots, but asked around first, the friends I stayed with were artistic and employed as such. They said it was common, but paying a sum of money for a good hot meal at least was generally the custom. I had my reservations beforehand, and once there, seeing them, I could not shoot pictures of them. Brad ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dan Scott" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Dan Scott" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, December 16, 2002 12:03 PM Subject: Re: My new Pentax-A* 300 f/4 and an interesting shot > > On Monday, December 16, 2002, at 07:34 AM, T Rittenhouse wrote: > > > IMNSHO, having been there a time or two in my life, I can tell you the > > down > > and out really like people sniping them with a 300mm lens. It helps > > keep > > their paranoia at a high level which is probably a survival factor. > > But, as > > a former street (road, actually) person I do so like to snap yuppie > > photographers when I find them in embarrassing situations, and posting > > them > > on the web. Make no mistake, unless they are far gone into insanity, > > drugs, > > or alcohol, street people are embarrassed by their situation. > > > > I never have figured out the faciation of photographing the destitude, > > unless it is the feeling that they can't afford an attorney and > > therefore > > will not wind up sueing the photographer. > > > > Ciao, > > Graywolf > > http://pages.prodigy.net/graywolfphoto > > > > Couldn't have said it any better myself. > > Dan Scott > >
