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Hard Photo to Take (#1 in the series)


Hard Photo to Take (#1 in the series)
Photo Information
Copyright: Mark Gong (markgong) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 138 W: 41 N: 319] (2834)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-01-24
Categories: Daily Life
Camera: Canon Digital Rebel (D300), Canon 70-200 f/4L
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-03-04 4:44
Viewed: 1374
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Taking pictures of beggers and the homeless are probably the most difficult photos to take of people. Not only do they shy away from the lens, the photographer often senses guilt from taking the picture. Afterall, in their eyes, you are treating them like an animal at a zoo. Furthermore, sometimes, it hard for me to justify why I am taking pictures of them at their most vunerable and most embarrasing moment. The expression this old man's face...he holds that face for hours, everyday. Imagine the anguish, the pain, the suffering, not only physically but also mentally. I can't begin to understand how he feels when he has to ask other people for money to survive. This is the darker side of backpacking that you don't see in postcards.

This will be the first in a series I am doing on the beggers of Cuenca, Ecuador. Tomorrow I will post another.
karina, pridel, ishai, Morita has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Beautiful dark atmosphere in this one.Good sahrpness and DOF.Well captured.

  • Great 
  • seb36 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 67 W: 56 N: 104] (1016)
  • [2005-03-04 5:46]

That's so true, I have the same problem of ethics sometimes. I think however this a good testimony and as long as it's not to make fun of them, this is good to share with others as there is a lot of emotion in those photos.
Looking forward to the next ones.

Beautiful atmosphere, Mark.
Beautiful and sad. The face and the eyes of that guy are really expressive. Strong feeling.

Looking forward for the rest of the series,
Regards,
Youssef.

This is lovely Mark. Nice colours, I love all the variations of brown with touches of grey. This man has a sorrow in his eyes which is touching. Your note is true and one to relate to. I look forward to seeing more of your postings on this theme.....

Nice frame and Shaprness Mark. Picture is in fact hard to look at....well catched

Very powerful photo. Sad but on the bright side he seems fairly well groomed and cleaner then most beggars I have seen in other countries.

Nice composition. I like the multi colored wall begind him. Make a more interesting backdrop.
Thanks!
JP

  • Great 
  • ishai Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 702 W: 118 N: 309] (4070)
  • [2005-03-05 2:50]

Hi Mark
I like your note and I agree with you all the way, its difficult
Certainly when you know (realize) that what you hold in your hands can sometimes make the different (and believe me i know, I just bought the cannon 70-200 L 2.8 IS a week a go) is was a painful experience for my wallet .
I like the hands a lot

(I hope you left him some money)

Looking forward to see the rest of your series

Hi Mark, I think the photo is great and the note expresses exactly how I and I hope everyone feels. In my opinion, I think that taking photos of them and posting them is a good thing. It helps people to take time of their busy days and remember that they are unfortunate people in this world. Maiko

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