The face tells a story
October 29, 2009 6 Comments
There are certain people who are inherently appealing to photograph. Most of my male photo buddies are drawn to lovely female models. I am drawn to faces that tell of a journey. While it is legal to shoot anyone in a public venue, I struggle with the ethics of taking these photos…of photographing them BECAUSE they are different, because their life appears to be so tragic. Everything about this man, who walks the streets of the upscale Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, speaks of hardship, disappointment and sadness. Does he get enough to eat? Where does he sleep? Is there anyone in his life who loves him? Did he lose his family? Did he serve in Viet Nam? Does anyone talk to him, or is he fearfully avoided because of his appearance? I worked part time for a non-profit organization that served people facing homelessness. The Director there said about a man who came into the office seeking support, “That man could be Jesus.” She saw him with a heart full of love, acceptance and hope. When I look at my own picture, I remind myself to treat everyone with an open heart…not just a long lens.
About jocelyncanfield
Great photo Jocelyn. You captured his eyes. Wonderful detail in the lines of his face and shadows of his clothing.
Do you speak with these guys or shot from a distance? I have similar sentiments about ‘shooting strangers’ I feel more comfortable at a county show or public event, where I feel the people are already putting themselves ‘on show’.
Wonderful image, the bench stretches away into the depths of the photo, as do his thoughts.
I didn’t talk to this man. I was out with another photographer and I was pretending to photograph my friend but was actually shooting this man in the distance. My friend then approached him and felt that he wasn’t in his right mind. Interesting your comment about the bench stretching away. This was actually a vertical and I cropped it several ways before deciding on this because it seemed to accentuate his isolation. But I do have it with his feet completely in the image.
Very nice portrait.
Jocelyn, I LOVE this shot. It’s totally my kind of photography. Yes, I love going to LW and shooting the flowers, etc. But this is what I’m naturally drawn too. No surprise that I’m a big David duChemin fan.
As a follow up to this post, this image took first place in the People category at a regional photo contest.