Square Meal?
I have seen this guy panhandling for years in this area, though the walker is more recent. I have never spoken with him. It seems like a lonely occupation, but like most people I know most panhandlers make me nervous, and so I have never made a serious attempt to engage with any of them. Street musicians are a different story and since I can approach them and chat and ask to take their picture, why not this guy? Just a lack of guts I suppose.
I am sure I could get a better picture if I engaged with him. This is another reason it does not feel good to sneak photos – the knowing that better shots are to be found in the humanity and personality of these people, or most of them anyway. One day I will be more adventurous. Till then, here is another shot from waist level.
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Olympus OM-D E-M1, m.Zuiko Digital 12-40mm f2.8 Pro lens, ISO200, f2.8, 12mm (24mm equivalent), 1/320th
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burnt embers 
Even in times of dispair he seems almost at peace in the way he sits there alone in his space. If you talked to him I can imagine he has stories to tell that nobody can relate to. He and his life have become this picture of ‘mind and soul’ something everyone owns about themselves. This picture makes me want to talk to him and hear his story. And I’m sure he wants someone to hear it.
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Hi Sara – thanks so much for a thoughtful comment. I expect he does have some very interesting stories. Some time I will stop and chat for a bit, not with the idea of taking a photo, but just to reach out.
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Street photography and personal involvement with the subjectmatter i find difficult. At times candid photography may be the better way to go. At least one comes away with a photo. I like the small figure framed by darkness between the massive stone posts.
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Hi Joseph! I thought that this photo worked pretty well because it gives a feeling of being alone. But the man has a very interesting face and it would be nice to show him in detail too. I guess I have to (a) assess likelihood of a bad reception (b) ask or walk…. The candid thing does work sometimes though, with quite a few fails due to not being able to accurately frame the shot. Working on it. I find if I am using a little film camera, like the Olympus XA, that it is easier to approach. I think the camera is less intimidating and certainly less professional looking, and thus less likely for me to get sent away??
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