Anybody here photograph homeless people?

[Michelle Allmon]

When I was a teenager I did a few times... but I didn't try to hide it and never got what I wanted. I want some real candid shots, I don't want them to know I am doing it, but I also don't want to arouse suspicion from people around me. I'm not scared or nuthin... just don't want to be bothered. Any suggestions?

[Joe_Lorenzini]

This guy does it better than anyone I've seen:

http://www.snowsuit.net/

_/oe

[Michelle Allmon]

Well, DAMN, I had the wrong idea all along! I am TOTALLY getting up in their face! That guy ROCKS!

[johnastovall]

I have some serious questions about this as it deals with social power and possible exploitation by those with power of those who don't have it for personal gain (not money as there are other kinds of gain). Here's an interesting thread on the subject.

There are far more interesting things on the streets than the homeless and if you do deside to do it make sure you have really examined you motives and your relationship to the people in those images.

Ask your self, "Will I be willing to walk up to that person and ask them to sign a release?"

[Gordon]

I've spent this year working on taking pictures of people. Had something of a breakthrough last night and actually approached a stranger on the street and asked them. Then did it another 2 times. The pictures aren't amazing, but the liberation is ;)

I'm not particularly singling out any one group though. In many ways I think people find homeless a bit more of an easy choice which is telling in a lot of ways about society.

I'm not much a fan of the long lens, candid voyeuristic approach to street photography. I much prefer it with a shorter lens when you feel like the photographer was an acknowledged part of the action. There's a place for the long lens stuff, but it doesn't appeal so much to me.

More in my blog

[MarcoFromHouston]

Its something that I am interested in as well.

[mcphotography]

i have and i've done it both as candids with the long lens and also i've asked their permission...remember they are humans also and if you take to the time to talk with some of them their stories can be very disturbing and some can be very touching but it helps you identify with your subject....i did it as part of a photo essay and then also as part of a project for a homeless organization...at any rate, whatever point you may be in life, it makes you appreciate where you are alot more...just my .02

[AlexMorse]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

I have some serious questions about this as it deals with social power and possible exploitation by those with power of those who don't have it for personal gain (not money as there are other kinds of gain). Here's an interesting thread on the subject.

There are far more interesting things on the streets than the homeless and if you do deside to do it make sure you have really examined you motives and your relationship to the people in those images.

Ask your self, "Will I be willing to walk up to that person and ask them to sign a release?"

But John, weren't you just telling me one of the strengths of a Leica is it's unobtrusiveness for use in candid street photography? Are you walking up to them and asking them to sign a release? Is it somehow different to take someones picture without them knowing if they have a home (not that you could ever necessarily be sure without conversing with them?) I think you need to check your premises here.

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by AlexMorse

But John, weren't you just telling me one of the strengths of a Leica is it's unobtrusiveness for use in candid street photography? Are you walking up to them and asking them to sign a release? Is it somehow different to take someones picture without them knowing if they have a home (not that you could ever necessarily be sure without conversing with them?) I think you need to check your premises here.

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." Emerson - Essays. First Series. Self-Reliance.

[Michelle Allmon]

I do not have evil motives. It is an interesting subject to me, that's all. Yes, I WOULD be willing to go up to someone and ask for a model release, if I thought the picture was good enough. My original idea for candids was only because I wanted the "real" shot.

[KJ Smith]

When I first moved to Houston, I worked for a Homeless shelter.

You need to be careful about approaching the homeless as we get closer to Christmas.
Every year there is a rumor that gets started about "rich people" coming down and handing out $20, $50, $100 dollar bills.
This is also the time of year many people feel compelled to come down to the shelters and drop off food, clothes ect.
If you go down there and start to slow down, you are very likely to be totally surrounded before you can even react. From the faces I have seen in the cars, this is very frightening. Some people even bring their children, not a good idea.

I have always grouped homeless into three categories.

1. People who have a run of bad luck. They get the help they need, and move on. You never really get to know these people.

2. People discarded by society. This group includes people with mental problems, people with health problems, and criminals.

3. People that enjoy the homeless lifestyle.
Thats right., There are many people who do this just because they enjoy the total freedom of being homeless. Some of them will tell you all about it, if you know them.
They have no bills, no jobs, no responsibilities, they have total freedom.

That being said, if you wanted to do this be aware of where you are, and who is around you. The third group is the easiest to deal with, but they will try to scam you so be careful.

You could try going down to a local shelter and volunteering for a while. This is a good way to get a feel for who is who. You may also get a warm fuzzy for helping out. You may also find out this is not for you. And you may ask around and get to shoot at the shelter.

With T-Day next week, there will be several free meals. This maybe a opportunity to help also.

Just be careful. I have seen people turn and run in fear, not a pretty sight.

Kevin

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by Michelle Allmon

I do not have evil motives. It is an interesting subject to me, that's all. Yes, I WOULD be willing to go up to someone and ask for a model release, if I thought the picture was good enough. My original idea for candids was only because I wanted the "real" shot.

Not evil but just questioning issues of social status. As for a good shot, why wouldn't everyone be deserving of being ask they want to release a picture of them?

We are having I hope a Socratic dialoge here about ideas and not individuals.

This question goes a long way back in the history of photography to the work of Jacob Riis.

Another question, what is "real" shot? Ever think about doing candids like Winogrand?

[venchka]

You might want to start with one of these...



When you feel comfortable in the surroundings you can graduate to medium format (Rollie, Mamiya, etc.) or Leica equipment. Tood.Hanz does remarkable work in Houston. His subjects are just everyday folks.

H-town Streets

The most important thing, if it's something you are passionate about, is "Just do it!"

Good luck!

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by venchka

You might want to start with one of these...



When you feel comfortable in the surroundings you can graduate to medium format (Rollie, Mamiya, etc.) or Leica equipment. Tood.Hanz does remarkable work in Houston. His subjects are just everyday folks.

H-town Streets

The most important thing, if it's something you are passionate about, is "Just do it!"

Good luck!

A Rollie with a huge flash like Diane Arbus, right?

[venchka]

Nope. I doubt Todd even owns a flash.

The disposable has a flash but I was thinking that it could be taped over.

Equipment isn't important. Being there is important. Walking the streets. Getting comfortable with the people you meet. The images will follow.