I'm just having a go...

Posted by Andrew Gould (Sydney, Australia) on 28 October 2007 in People & Portraits and Portfolio.

I took this yesterday, in Sydney's Pitt St Mall outside the department stores and clothes shops. The title comes from the words on his sign.

I'm normally very wary of taking candids of street people, as I feel that the result could appear too detached and cold -- and even insulting. In this case, I feel that the result is actually ennobling, but I'd welcome any opinions on that, as well as on any other points.

Saturday 28 October 2007, 16:33pm
Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC OS

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Comments (8)

Lost Valley from Gorgeous Sunsets, Canada

This image touched my heart!! It really reached out to me on different levels. Thanks for posting it!! I think it speaks volumnes!!!

29 Oct 2007 12:59am

@Lost Valley: Many thanks for your words, and sorry for the late reply.

Mandy from South Africa

WOw Andrew - it's such a moving image - his board, the look on his face...it speaks volumes about the place he's at in his life - I think this is an awesome shot - not cold and detached at all, but a very real glimpse of how life is for some people. It works so well in Black and White

29 Oct 2007 1:33am

@Mandy: A bit late, Mandy, but thanks so much for your opinion on this.

DaveB from Exeter, United Kingdom

Lovely shot Andrew, I've often thought about photogrphing homeless people myself, but I'd struggle to do it in a way that doesnt feel either exploitative or degrading. Well done here!

29 Oct 2007 7:49am

@DaveB: I'm a bit late, but I wanted to respond to what you'd said, Dave. Firstly, thank you for your approval. About the photograph, I have taken a few candid shots before of street people, but they've never come out as I've wanted them to. In this case, I suppose it's worked out better because this man is not in a really pitiful situation, compared to those who merely sit on street corners begging. That makes for more equality between the photographer and the one photographed. At least, that's my explanation for it, after thinking it over for a while.