Photographing Homeless Downtown Dallas

[bcornett72]

Auddii,

I read something here recently close to what you where talking about, though the photographer handed out McDonald's gift cards to them. I think he did this do to not wanting to contribute to those who had issues (ie: drugs, etc.). I liked his idea, as well as, yours that you read.

Would you happen to know the link for this article by chance. If so can you post it so I could read it. Also, I thought about taking old hats I had and shirts etc. to hand out as a gift of appreciation for them if allowed to shot them. Just a thought.

[shaunanicole]

I agree with Patrick. They're homeless people, not zoo animals. Why would you want to photograph them any more than you would average people walking out of a grocery store? You would ask the former to sign a model release... why not the latter? I guess the general question is, why? why? why??? I don't hope to understand.

[arich]

Originally Posted by shaunanicole

I agree with Patrick. They're homeless people, not zoo animals. Why would you want to photograph them any more than you would average people walking out of a grocery store? You would ask the former to sign a model release... why not the latter? I guess the general question is, why? why? why??? I don't hope to understand.

That's a lot of why's lol. I have thought of doing this before because of the journalism value and storytelling and because of the interesting people you could meet. I like the above poster's friend who gave out mcdonalds cards though because I think its important to do what you can to help people who are less fortunate.

[bcornett72]

Shauna,
Why don't you read my intent on wanting to do this. I once was homeless once again as previously stated, and want to show what its like to those who haven't the faintest idea about it. There's your reason weather you wanted one or not. Next time read mote before commenting please.

[bmurman]

I went downtown one Monday to catch the "gritty" street life of homeless people. I was walking down a street next to a tram when a guy came up to me from the side. Very friendly... personable... we chatted for a few minutes... I gave him a few bucks. He walked on and it occured to me that I wasn't so interested in photographing him. I'm sure I could have. Seemed like the kind of guy that wouldn't have minded and after all he saw camera in hand. It was something about meeting the man face to face and making small talk for a few minutes. I didn't see him as a subject any longer. Dorothea Lange took amazing photos of very unfortunate people during the depression era... she approached it personally to give real feeling and some insight to what was going on. I don't know how she could look through the viewfinder and do it. I guess what she saw made her all the more sympathetic in wanting to present America the way it's lived by many to this day. It's so easy to look from a distance and form a hateful view of it all but when you look into their eyes... if your viewers have a conscience it will leave a lasting impression.

[auddii]

Originally Posted by bmurman

I went downtown one Monday to catch the "gritty" street life of homeless people. I was walking down a street next to a tram when a guy came up to me from the side. Very friendly... personable... we chatted for a few minutes... I gave him a few bucks. He walked on and it occured to me that I wasn't so interested in photographing him. I'm sure I could have. Seemed like the kind of guy that wouldn't have minded and after all he saw camera in hand. It was something about meeting the man face to face and making small talk for a few minutes. I didn't see him as a subject any longer. Dorothea Lange took amazing photos of very unfortunate people during the depression era... she approached it personally to give real feeling and some insight to what was going on. I don't know how she could look through the viewfinder and do it. I guess what she saw made her all the more sympathetic in wanting to present America the way it's lived by many to this day. It's so easy to look from a distance and form a hateful view of it all but when you look into their eyes... if your viewers have a conscience it will leave a lasting impression.

I agree; I think it's easy to take pictures of the homeless as you are walking by, but once you get to know them after talking to them they aren't just a camera subject. However, I think that provides you with a unique opportunity to photograph the person, not the stereotype.

But, that's not longer a quick street shot either. It becomes more of a mobile photo shoot. I have a feeling that may not interest some photographers, but personally it's something I'd love to see, but not something I'd want to shoot.

Not sure how the OP wants to approach this project, especially since he had been homeless himself. I'm hoping he is not discouraged by some of these comments because I think it could be a wonderful project.

[bcornett72]

http://www.pixtus.com/forum/members/...ple-shots.html

[auddii]

Originally Posted by bcornett72

http://www.pixtus.com/forum/members/...ple-shots.html

Nice start to your series.