the dark side of the moon Photo

Photographer’s Note

Vancouver is generally considered to be one of the finest cities of the world, offering a high quality of life to its citizens.
However, like in so many big cities, there is also a darker side. Just a few blocks away from the tourist area of Gastown lies another world of the poor, the homeless, of dealers and drug addicts.
The man on this photo is searching in a waste container and I was struck by the contrast between his struggle for a decent life and the sheer beauty of this graffiti sprayed alley.

alainh, Dionysos, JudyR, bukitgolfb301, lebjohnson, JanD, bobocortis, wag, Budapestman, lrw1966, alvaraalto, LeeLoo, danos, plimrn has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Dionysos (1234) 2009-05-12 8:43

Hi Paul,
I think 'presenting' other side of the life in this kind of countries is definitely more valuable then a photo of a poor man ...let's say in India. Because, first, as you mention, nobody notice this side, second, it is a bigger shame leaving people alone in a contry which has plenty of resources.
Thanks.

JudyR (847) 2009-05-12 9:43

What a sad but true commentary on our world everywhere. Beautiful color amid the squalor. Very interesting shot. Judy

bebbetto (3009) 2009-05-12 12:53

Beautiful and colourful picture.
Dramatic contrast between the wall and the garbage container.

bukitgolfb301 (4630) 2009-05-12 13:48

Hello my dear Paul

I just now understand that vancover has also a begger, I see--.
Anyway unique photo. Bold graffiti and a begger is a very good contrast and Frankly I think this is the best shot for this one week.

Thanks for sharing and best regards,

Takero

sayeed_rahman (2277) 2009-05-13 0:36

Good represntation..the typical scene..along the lanes and by-lanes..the explosion of colours..thoughts..a lone man searching through the vats..

sad part of reality of reality as youve put..but guess what..he would have a story like no other..they want to be heard..hear their story..

you took a shot of him..maybe try and make a connection..i would be great if you can do it..not everyone thinks of it or even if he does..he will never go for it..

what the heck..we were chosen to live this life and if we have a power to choose,change patterns of life..thought..break the rules..we should exercise it..

you might never meeet him again..but you will travel like no one else say..no tourist packages..tickets..offers..travel guides..institution can give you that..

who know you might be the owner of a few photos too..that separate...but its connected..otherwise why have a camera dangling !!

very soon you wont be shooting from the back...:))

cheers
sayeed

JanD (14893) 2009-05-13 1:46

Howdy Paul!
Very interesting scene. Good dynamic picture. Superb colors.
Regards.

tedesse (13166) 2009-05-13 2:49

Hello!
Very interesting scene.Beautiful graffiti,a fine colours and good sharpness.
Nicely done.
Greetings
Tadeusz

bobocortis (14140) 2009-05-13 5:45

Hello Paul.
A schocking shot when compared to the image we have of a modern city as Vancouver is.
Strong colors catch the eye.
Best regards.
Bobo.

wag (649) 2009-05-13 12:45

Hello Paul, strong contrast between vivid colours of graffity and faded "poor world", really strong contrast moment, tfs.

Peter

batalay (20940) 2009-05-13 14:17

Hello Paul,

This is a powerful image, a masterpiece of photojournalism. The colors are rich and vibrant, part of a large graffiti art. You timing is flawless, with in the homeless man adding to the image of reality, the dichotomy of the wealth and poverty. You've composed the image well, keeping the man anonymous. I hope he pulls his life together and this image does not come back to haunt him.

Regards,

Bulent

Budapestman (41920) 2009-05-14 2:55

Hi Paul,
Very sad impression with graphic details and spectacular composition. The title is superb, excellent note and dramatic realization. Have a nice day!
George

lrw1966 (1630) 2009-05-14 8:10

Paul, Hi:

Wonderfully seen and impressively presented your Daily Life composition - with excellent notes, thanks.

Very nicely done
Larry

alainh (35367) 2009-05-14 21:08

bonjour Paul
le bon titre pour un vrai témoignage. ces tags au mur semblent vouloir egayer cette scène qui se veut triste et grave. de la pudeur dans cette image. une prise pleine de vérité et d'actualité.
amicalement
alain

alvaraalto (5231) 2009-05-15 3:11

Dag Paul,

Een veelzeggende foto, die aantoont dat ook de donkere kant van het leven kleurrijk kan zijn.
Misschien is dit een signaal van hoop die ook hier aanwezig kan zijn.

Groet Rob

LeeLoo (5038) 2009-05-15 4:48

Dear Paul Bulteel!
Very interesting sgraffiti.
Very nice murale.
Dangerous place.
Good capture.
Good colors.
Very good sharpness.
Interesting note.
TFS!

danos (32468) 2009-05-16 10:03

Hello Paul,
just returning from Vancouver i have in mind scenes like this one,but at the other side we must say,as you write in your note,is a high quality city for the habitants.Really we say that is the dark side of the city.A poignant example of photojournalism!Well done.

Have a nice weekend,danos

stevesaba (3814) 2009-05-17 11:40

Hi Paul!
I saw this one the other day and meant to leave a note. Very good! I grew up in Vancouver so I can relate. Excellent photo on many levels. Certainly the alleys in Vancouver offer another look to the place, and of course this is an extreme example! Well seen, and well framed. Crystal clear too. Nice work, Cheers,
Steve

plimrn (19656) 2009-05-17 12:55

Hi Paul,
Well seen, huge contrast between the bright grafiti and the man's posture which reeks of despair. Of course digging through garbage bins might do that. I'm not sure if warmer climates attract more homeless or if they are more able to survive in a more temperate climate. ...Vancouver is considered "The California," of Canada. I think I've seen more homeless in Canada than most other Canadian cities I've visited but whether that's because it's more liberal or warmer than much of Canada, I don't know.
HLJ, Pat

CLODO (4218) 2009-08-01 4:08

Bonjour Paul
malheureusement, c'est sur le terre.
Super tags et le clochard qui fouille dans les poubelles est bien dans ce cadre
CLODO