There are no words...

[Michael Fanelli]

When it comes down to it, feeling sorry for someone and snapping his picture hasn't made the slightest difference in this man's life. This is what bothers me about photography of the homeless: it makes photographers feel good without doing anything more substantial than those who avoided him in the first place. This is not a personally-directed observation Charles, just a sad feeling I get whenever I see photographs such as these.

[Mig]

While I can understand your POV Michael, I have to say that I believe it does make a difference -- perhaps not in the life of the subject, but maybe for someone else. Every photo like this puts one more face to the situation. While the subjects themselves may not benefit directly, photographs such as these certainly help to remind people of the plight of others -- and perhaps they will think twice the next time they are confronted with a similar situation. Now of course you can say that everyone should already be well aware of the homeless situation in our country, but there are many people who have never even been to a large city or a poor rural area, let alone lived in one, and sometimes people need to see to understand.

This is what bothers me about photography of the homeless: it makes photographers feel good without doing anything more substantial than those who avoided him in the first place.

I can't imagine why you would automatically say that it makes the photographer feel good to take photos such as these. Even if they're taking them for the reason I stated, which I do see as a good cause, I certainly don't think actually taking the picture makes anyone feel good. Unfortunately I have seen people (and I'm sure we all have) who take these photos just because they think they "look cool," but I would have to say that the number of photographers who take them out of genuine concern for what is going on in our world far outnumbers those who are looking for a "cool homeless shot."

I know you weren't directly addressing Charles with this, but I will (please forgive me Charles ). While I'm not sure about this particular man, I know in other instances Charles has commented about the time he has spent chatting with some of his subjects. To me that's made a difference right there. Would money and a home help a lot more? Of course, but being treated as a fellow human being is certainly a start. Steve has also mentioned in this thread the amount of time that he spent interacting with people on the streets while he was a photojournalist. I think for me what's important is the motive behind the shots, and I don't think blanket statements about this type of photography are fair.

Just my two cents of course.

Danielle

[Charles Hess]

I understand your feelings, Michael, and for me, it certainly does not make me feel good. Rather, I feel that it does more good to get the plight known to as many as possible than it would be if I were just another of the faceless hoard who look, shake their head, sneer, laugh, whatever.

I know your thoughts weren't directed at me personally, but if you look at photojournalism as a whole, this really is no different. Does a photojournalist feel good publishing an image of a limbless child injured in a war zone? I hope not. But, images like that stir the emotions of many who may react in a way that could bring about changes. Others could care less and go about their everyday lives as if images like this aren't real.

Bottom line for me is, if 1 person sees these images and decides to donate $$ or time to a shelter, or work to improve the plight of the homeless, or try to improve the mental health agencies, then posting them was worth it, I did make a difference, and I could care less what others think. Posting images like this, for me, has always been a very personal, painful, yet necessary part of my life. Opinions will vary, and while I respect yours, Michael, I feel that unless one knows the true motives behind taking these kinds of images, rather than sit back and react behind a computer, go out and help make a difference. Thanks.