Scared

[JohnMF]

Saw this old man today at a bus stop. I've never seen anyone looking as scared and vulnerable as he did. I could see his eye looking up at me from below the brim of his hat, and then quickly glance down and tilt his head when he knew i noticed him. I gave him a smile to reassure him, but he just looked so meek and fragile.

It was quite saddening

 

[farmerj]

I just like it. Has a lot of impact.

 

[twozero]

Strong photo, but I totally agree about how saddening it is.

 

[turnbeaugh5]

That is a great photo. It makes you want to sit down next to him and just talk to him about his life's experiences.

 

[manaheim]

He looked more sad than scared to me.

Was he scared... of you? Kinda rough to stand there and horrify the dude, no?

I think I'd like him more to the right of the frame, personally. Nice capture, though.

 

[LaFoto]

But he didn't mind you taking his photo at all, John?
Too weighed down by life to bother, was he? Maybe?
It is a sad sight, makes you wonder what it is that's on his mind.
But I agree with Chris: the photo could have been even stronger if it had been composed slightly differently. But in street photography - how much choice do we have on the occasion, hm?

 

[JohnMF]

thanks for the comments.

Don't worry, i didn't intimidate any OAP's in the making of this shot I'd never do that to anyone, especially an old person. It all happened in a split second as I walked past, and he didn't notice the camera at all, I shot from the hip, hence the the slightly wobbly composition.

I'm not sure why he looked so sad/scared, who knows.