Beggar and Phone Booth

Taken in Siem Reap Cambodia...This beggar sitting by a phone booth..
Shot on film,,negative scanned

Nikon 801s/Nikkor 70-200 f3.5
Fuji Superia 200

Jurgen
Australia

Okay, as far as the actual photograph goes, I find the background a bit distracting. I know you couldn't help that though.

Now, for personal preference on the subject, I feel awkward looking at another person in what may not be their proudest moment. I definitely do not think I could take a picture of them. I have this feeling of guilt for enjoying what I do have. I feel as though if I were to photograph a person who was begging, in my mind, it would feel like I was belittling them. Making them into a spectacle that they don't deserve to be. Does that make sense?

I disagree, honestly, I can definitely see where youre coming from, but its all about what the photographer wants to convey. To me, it doesnt seem like hes trying to be condescending in this shot. I think jurgen is a bit of a humanitarianist from the little bits ive seen on his site, or at least hes got that type of motivation. knowing that, I think I can look at these shots knowing jurgen was being respectful.

As far as the critique goes, I'd like to see what it might look like with more contrast/tonal range, but the range it has on its own certainly works. the composition is great and I dont find anything in the background too distracting. I dont know wether its just bad pixelation in the resize, a low quality scan, or a soft focus, but something seems pretty weak on the image quality.

ChowChi-Ching,,,in a way I agree with you but I no way was the image taken as a lack of respect..We who live in developed countries shouldn't put our heads in the sand at the plight of people less well of than us..We can't ignore these people...Whilst travelling through SE Asia I have seen extremely poor people with more dignity and pride than your average drunk at a football match..The problem is we harden up to these people..
Anbesol,,I agree,,it is a below average scan probably resized too many times..

If you have the time read my introduction on my website..

http://www.pbase.com/jurgentreue/root

Jurgen
Australia

Same image,,,different treatment..

Jurgen
Australia

I like the color one much better. The b/w seems less personal. Color brings life and a more personal connection for me at least.

I meant in no way to say that I disagreed with you on taking this picture, in fact, I think you PERFECTLY conveyed what you should have. Emotion. I DO feel guilty when I look at that picture because it DOES help me remember how fortunate I am. My only point on my previous post was that "I" would probably not be able to take that type of picture. I commend you actually. If it is not shown, then people do not know. I hope that this makes better sense then my last post. Good Job.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChowChi-Ching

I meant in no way to say that I disagreed with you on taking this picture, in fact, I think you PERFECTLY conveyed what you should have. Emotion. I DO feel guilty when I look at that picture because it DOES help me remember how fortunate I am. My only point on my previous post was that "I" would probably not be able to take that type of picture. I commend you actually. If it is not shown, then people do not know. I hope that this makes better sense then my last post. Good Job.

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ChowChi-Ching thanx,,,I believe it is healthy an image promotes debate..

Jurgen
Australia