Tom Brott
May 2025 - Man on park bench
About the Image(s)
This image was taken in Washington Square in New York City a couple of years ago. This gentleman was sleeping on a park bench with all of his belongings at his feet. There were lots of trees along the pathway creating a mostly shady environment with a few spots of bright sun passing through the branches.
Canon 5D Mark IV, f/8, 1/250 sec, ISO 1600, 28-300 lens @ 160mm
2 comments posted
The issue of homelessness is always contentious in Photojournalism and it can cause problems in judging. There are judges who believe that we should not photograph them based on a belief about abusing the dignity of the person. There are others that believe that this is life and it's important that we tell the world about this through our photography.
I sit with the latter, we should never hide what is happening in the real world, but we do have a responsibility to do so with integrity.
I do think you have captured the emotion and difficulty of life on the streets, he looks so uncomfortable and is surrounded by the debris of his life.
I can see you have taken this at a distance which I think is a good thing and I actually agree to show his face which holds the emotion to the story.
I do hope this image will generate some good discussion. Everyone is entitled to their options and no opinion is right or wrong. Lets hear what others think. Posted: 05/06/2025 16:35:43
I sit with the latter, we should never hide what is happening in the real world, but we do have a responsibility to do so with integrity.
I do think you have captured the emotion and difficulty of life on the streets, he looks so uncomfortable and is surrounded by the debris of his life.
I can see you have taken this at a distance which I think is a good thing and I actually agree to show his face which holds the emotion to the story.
I do hope this image will generate some good discussion. Everyone is entitled to their options and no opinion is right or wrong. Lets hear what others think. Posted: 05/06/2025 16:35:43
It is definitely a sad comment on our times, and maybe not just our times. This sort of photo could have been taken in any era. I think you did a very good job of depicting a growing problem of homelessness, and/or alcoholism in our society. Posted: 05/06/2025 17:01:06