For Some, Life is Tough

[Ricardodaforce]

Hay Que Tener Esperanza by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


Fast Food. No Food. by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


26 de Julio by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


Pidiendo Limosna by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr

 

[StringThing]

These are compelling images, thanks for sharing these. The first one really tells a story of despair. I don't speak Spanish but can make out a few lines of the sign. Sad.

 

[The_Traveler]

While these are good pictures, there is a definite ethical issue about using the vulnerability and bad circumstances of others for impact in casual photography without bringing more to it than just another picture of a poor person.


I call it 'homeless porn'

Lew

 

[imagemaker46]

Photo three says alot, especially with the couple on the other side walking away, looking content with each other. I find it to be a very strong image.

 

[klbphotography]

I agree. It shows how some can be so happy together, while others an only worry about themselves

 

[bobnr32]

While these are good pictures, there is a definite ethical issue about using the vulnerability and bad circumstances of others for impact in casual photography without bringing more to it than just another picture of a poor person.


I call it 'homeless porn'

Lew

You read the title before you viewed the thread. Take some responsibility for your actions.

 

[LaFoto]

The_Traveler

Photography is for grownups

Lew, with this signature you ought to be able to also view photography like a grown-up and not pass disparaging comments about some very compelling photography! The world is not only beautiful, it has its ugly sides, worst if they are ugly for people (!), and those NEED TO BE SHOWN. It is necessary and important to also show those sides, even if it provokes unpleasant feelings in the viewer. And the photos we get to see here are FAR from any kind of ... I won't repeat the phrase you used! So please watch your words.

 

[ghache]

While these are good pictures, there is a definite ethical issue about using the vulnerability and bad circumstances of others for impact in casual photography without bringing more to it than just another picture of a poor person.


I call it 'homeless porn'

Lew

:thumbdown:

 

[The_Traveler]

I am surprised that people don't think there is an ethical issue here that one should consider.

I feel the same way about a reporter who had peeked into the home of a grieving family and sneaked a picture of them

The pictures might be good or great but has the photographer exploited the family's situation, not for any purpose but his or her own, without bringing any more knowledge about the situation but certainly emotion.

A homeless person or even one in very straitened circumstances has a vulnerability that the rest of society doesn't have, they are forced to do much of what they do in the view of the public without the protection of walls that we enjoy.

So I think that any picture I take must bring something new to the issue, something that isn't obvious, and not just use their situation, exploiting their life for my sake.

I thought through this issue several years ago when I read a long discussion in an 'ethics in photography group' and have my opinion as others have theirs.

You read the title before you viewed the thread. Take some responsibility for your actions.

A completely incomprehensible statement.
I have an opinion about the ethics of shooting the homeless or the poor that predates this posting by several years. Like selective color, it should be done rarely and only when there is a really good purpose.

Lew, with this signature you ought to be able to also view photography like a grown-up and not pass disparaging comments about some very compelling photography! The world is not only beautiful, it has its ugly sides, worst if they are ugly for people (!), and those NEED TO BE SHOWN. It is necessary and important to also show those sides, even if it provokes unpleasant feelings in the viewer. And the photos we get to see here are FAR from any kind of ... I won't repeat the phrase you used! So please watch your words.

Oh, LaFoto, I didn't say the photos weren't good. I think the third one is terrific.

But at what cost to the people photographed? Shouldn't we, as grownups respect others' human condition and not take this picture when they are in their darkest place - unless the picture serves some other good.

If you fell down a hill, went head over tails, and landed with your dress up around your ears, showing your bottom to the public, how would you feel if someone took a picture of that and put it on a website for the world to see? You would probably feel angry and embarrassed that your fall had been exploited to arouse cheap sensations - for no real good.

Well, I feel the same way about pictures of the poor and homeless.

There is always a balance between capturing a moment that will inform the viewers and exploiting a situation for your own sake and where a photographer comes down on any particular situation should be, again my opinion, a result of consideration about the ethical issue involved.

I think that, at least, a photographer should think about this issue before seeing every situation as an opportunity to make pictures.

 

[The_Traveler]

For those who are interested in this issue, here are two quick links to supplement the one above.

Are There Any Ethics in Street Photography?
Is it Ethical to Photograph the Homeless?

 

[LaFoto]

Where is any of these four photos in any way comparable to the situation you're describing about me tumbling down a hill and landing with my skirts round my neck?
They show PEOPLE, in their daily situation, and make us, the viewers, realise that there is such a problem as being without a home. Particularly these four photos are anything BUT "photo porn". They don't show anyone in a drunk situation, an embarrassing situation - they only show what life can be like for some! No more. But fortunately no less, either. They make us think. In how far would that be "for the benefit of the photographer" or "in exploitation of the photographed"?

 

[bobnr32]

What part of my statement did you not understand? You knew what the thread was about but still chose to shoot your mouth off before engaging your brain, as usual.

 

[ghache]

this guy is great, takes pictures of crack addicts and the prime ministers.


Ottawa photographer Tony Fouhse

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Interesting debate.

 

[cgipson1]

I am surprised that people don't think there is an ethical issue here that one should consider.

Lew, I agree with you.. but I think we will be swimming against the current here!

People.. think of it this way.... if YOU were homeless, would you want someone splashing your misfortune all over the internet? Possibly even profiting from the photo? Would you want everyone seeing you at the bottom, when that is an image people would never be able to erase, even if you managed to get back on top again?

I would also like to know if the photographer was kind enough to slip the homeless people he shot a few bucks to help them out (not that it could be verified :/ ). It might be different if he asked their permission first... and they would probably give it for a "donation".