I don't think it's exploitative in the least, Frank. I like it a lot, in
fact.
Panhandlers/beggars as a rule *want* to be seen. You don't pick up much
change in the dark corners of alleyways, after all. And they *should* be
seen, if only to remind those of us who've been blessed with more in
life of their existence.
The image you captured conveys the man's invisibility to those who are
more fortunate in spite of his placing himself where he can plainly be
seen by anyone who takes the time to look. In that sense, the image is
much more a commentary on the commuters than it is the beggar. So, in a
way, it's the furthest thing from exploitation as far as I'm concerned.
-- Walt
n 10/31/2012 10:01 PM, [email protected] wrote:
Well, I have a dilemma here and your opinion would help me. I do take photos of beggars
from time to time but I try not to exploit them and do try to show them in a very
"human" way.
So here's today's PESO:
http://knarfinthecity.blogspot.ca/2012/10/bloor-station-rush-hour.html?m=0
Exploiting or no? It's obviously a jarring image and one that many will find
uncomfortable to look at (indeed one ~should~ feel uncomfortable).
However my thoughts are, firstly, that I take pictures of all sorts of people from
business people to firefighters to construction workers; beggars are as much a part of a
city as anyone else. Secondly, I think there's a story here that goes beyond simply,
"here's a beggar, let's gawk." I won't tell you what I think that story is; if
the viewer can't see stories then the photo obviously isn't working (for that viewer).
So if you have thoughts on this photo and whether I should display it I would
love to hear them.
And comments on the photo itself are welcome.
Thanks,
frank
"If the world were clear, art would not exist." -- Albert Camus
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