The Buddha of Sparks Street Photo

Photographer’s Note

He was enigmatic and curiously attired, certainly unlike any panhandler, crouching motionless among the glass government towers beside a German Shepherd at lunchtime. I saw the plate and a bagsack behind the dog, and bent down to give her a little stroking, asking the man how old she was. This was the moment at which he, smilingly, told me he was not the master; he just helped out the person who had to leave for awhile.

I had never previously met someone who would volunteer to "step in", compassionately and with such joy, once a penhandler had to leave his usual spot...

KevRyan, Homerhomer, everlasting, wilkinsonsg, touristdidi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Homerhomer (4005) 2005-10-30 11:42

That is indeed unusual story.
I noticed many street folks have their best friends with them, their dog, easy to understand why, when noone else is left, you can always count on your dog.
My only nit pick would be that the poeple walking behind aren't seperated from his head, like the bicycle on the right.
Peter

KevRyan (22378) 2005-10-30 11:44

A really lovely story Sarolta and a real smiling 'street buddha' - perhaps a master of T'ai Chi - or an ambassador of 'random acts of kindness' - there is an organisation in the UK with many thousands of members now who routinely make a point fo committing random acts of kindness every Friday - as well as at other times - but on Fridays without fail - http://www.join-me.co.uk

best wishes Kev

don_narayan (2014) 2005-10-30 11:56

Hi Sarolta. very nice, warm shot. the man's smile exudes patience. for me that's what this photo (and your note) tells me, it speaks to patience, patience for people, patience for life... sometimes, we lack that patience, we don't have time for other people, we don't have time for life to continue on it's own, we fell like we have to stimulate it, prod it, control it... but this man seems removed from that need...

phi75 (0) 2005-10-30 12:21

nice shot, very well managed, and nice tight framed!
regards;
philippe

Zepi (22848) 2005-10-30 13:50

Hello Sarlota,
Très belle scène urbaine!
J'aime cette lumière et ce passage en sépia
Cadrage impeccable
Très bon travail
J'adore
Merci pour le partage
Amicalement
Sébastien

Furachan (0) 2005-10-30 20:41

Wow, what a perfect title, Sarolta! How apt. It'S not just his squatting position but the smile on his face whih is so right! The dog...is a dog is a dog, if you know what I mean. (They ALL have buddha nature). Then the story is astounding - this guy stepping in, this true Samaritan.
Strteet photography at its best, and top tier TE contribution.
Wonderful stuff,
Francis

everlasting (10898) 2005-10-31 0:52

A heartwarming story for a monday morning. You have an ear for a good story and an eye for a good photograph. Do you carry your D70 with you all the time:)?

flydragon (0) 2005-10-31 5:31

nice street shot Sarolta
this guy seems friendly
the dog also ,o) not my favotite one
but this one seems not dangerous
your title made me smile ,o)
and sure a nice conversion
regards
••simon••

ill be back

wilkinsonsg (8646) 2005-10-31 12:56

Nice story to go with the image - I like your POV :)

touristdidi (8561) 2005-11-01 3:38 [Comment]