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02 The Scholar
02 The Scholar
SandyP


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Collection: Character
Date Uploaded: May 2, 2008

Viewed: 553
Comments: 27
Favorites: 2 (view)

 This was taken a couple of weekends ago when I went with some friends from my church to this downtown urban bridge that lots of homeless people live under. We take a big pot-luck meal to feed them all twice a month, and we hang around and talk to the ones who are needing someone to talk to -- or a hug or a prayer.

What struck me about this "moment captured" is the serious, studious look on this woman's face as she studied, read and diligently wrote on her pad. I wondered so much what she was studying and writing, but she was one that was very proud and did not want to be approached.

I pray she was finding a way to make her way out of the circumstances she was in.

I hope y'all don't mind, but I want to share a few of these with you over the next few days. One because they mean alot to me, and two because we have friends coming for the weekend, and tho, I'll prob'ly be capturing lots of moments (We're doing Sea World and all sorts of things), I won't have time to get on my computer and edit them. I hope that's okay.



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AuthorThread
 05/15/2008 01:23:22 PM
Wonderful shot, and a great thing your church does. I wish more would "put legs on their faith."
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/10/2008 02:13:10 AM
I love the wonderful soil we see in you and this is a wonderful loving thing that you and yout people do..... \

I am in awe of the way you do this, and kind gestures in helping the community like you do.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/05/2008 05:09:24 PM
Please do share Sandy..you have capture the moment so well. I can't wait to see more. This photo really tells a wonderful story....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2008 06:50:30 PM
Sandy, on so many occasions I am left confused as to what I admire most about you, your photography or your humanity.

I also love the way you can talk about some of the great things you do with a 'no biggie' attitude.

As for the shot, well I love the heavily muted colours that you have used and this is another incredible candid portrait. As ever I love that you have captured the spirit of this person, rather than just taken a photo of her. Straight away you can see that although life has obviously dealt her some hard cards she is intelligent and focussed and the only thing that she lacks is money

Anyone looking at this shot should realise the truth in the old saying 'There but for the grace of God goes I'

Another image that is filled with pathos but which has no bathos in it at all

Incredible
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2008 04:40:32 PM
No matter what compelling circumstance we have in common, each path taken to reach that circumstance is unique. Looks like she's taking notes from a phone book. Each path away from that curcumstance is unique, too. I'm not easy in my mind about the propriety of taking photographs of the homeless for display to those who have homes, so I don't do it, & I rarely click open the thumbs, but I clicked this one open. It's not the usual homeless shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2008 02:38:38 PM
i love these sorts of shots, people really trying to do whats best for them in the situations that life has given them. I think what you guys are doing is really great, and i hope and pray also that this women will find her way.beautiful b&w processing too
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2008 12:21:33 AM
Please keep sharing these, Sandy. This is a tremendous thing you do and thank you for sharing. The photo really shows how wrapped up she is in the reading/writing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/03/2008 12:52:36 PM
Sandy, I love photos with stories, keep them coming!! This woman indeed looks very intent on what she is doing and it's very eye opening to see someone like this in these circumstances. We all have preconceived notions on what a homeless person "should" look like and this woman doesn't fit the stereotype I had in my head. Thank you for this wonderful image!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/03/2008 02:57:06 AM
Very nice shot. I would love to see the color version also.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 10:53:12 PM
You're such an amazingly talented photographer, and I've yet to see something you do not come out perfect. But it's the human essence that is my favorite from you. Never a disappointment.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 10:18:04 PM
Very nicely done Sandy, to capture this woman's plight and yet retain her dignity so well. It's a sad state that the countries of the developed world feel such a need to help everybody else except those within their own boundaries. Looking forward to more of these.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 09:44:18 PM
Wow, I like desat colors, a great image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 05:34:17 PM
Very dignified photojournalism Sandy. Looking forward to more.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 03:49:04 PM
you knoe, I never understand why folks "admit" to the picture not being taken today...post away your photos are always so interesting and good! I am stuck right now in the airport so not much else to say...
your image here is great and poignant; the plight of the homeless is such a muddle. I just hope she's safe no matter where she is...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 03:39:27 PM
Your photo is beautiful and moving. Love the sharp detail and the shallow dof. It's a good thing you do.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 12:56:20 PM
perfect sandyP :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 11:16:23 AM
Sandy, nice portrayal of reality here. AND what a great deed your church does taking meals to the homeless.. Have always wanted to do that on a Holiday instead usually end up doing the holiday for my family..
Recently have noticed homeless people in our town and we have not had them b4 which speaks loudly of the economic crunch ..
I do wonder about the circumstances which leads someone to live like this.. They seem like they are in their own world and there's a comoradity sp. amongst them...
Great depiction and story..
I hope you put in more...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 10:12:08 AM
This story and photo really makes you break down your pre-conceived notions about homeless people. The stereo-types, and wonder how they got to be in this position. It is wonderful to hear about your pot luck parties and that you go the extra mile to not just help them out with food but to help them out as friends too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 09:37:33 AM
A very telling image indeed! Non explotive and something the whole country needs to see. Nicely processed too!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 09:22:52 AM
its very sad and sometimes seems unfair that there are people like this lady and other people with so much .. a wonderful photograph sandy and i love reading the comments you make about your images .. always something uplifting and inspiring .. it may not seem uplifting that this woman is in this situation, but the fact that other's like yourself are there to help and offer comfort is .. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 09:11:03 AM
I really love this. Without even reading the description, the story it tells is poignant.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 08:09:24 AM
This is a lovely image Sandy and I look forward to seeing more of this experience of yours.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 06:31:19 AM
Sandy, this is so powerful and emotive. Such beauty, in even dire circumstances, can be found when people take the time to look. She's in my prayers. What a great experience and opportunity you guys have to minister to them and fellowship with them twice a month. I look forward to seeing your other images! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 06:15:42 AM
They story and photo is very lovely. Before I even read the story I could tell she was homeless and very proud. You have captured the moment perfectly. I really like the soft subtle tones. They work well with the photo. Awesome what you and your friends do. Look forward to seeing and reading more.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 02:03:55 AM
The image is very powerful. It drives a spike in the sterotype that homeless people are ignorant, lazy, apathetic, etc.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 01:50:23 AM
Call me sexist, but nothing grieves me more than the site of a homeless woman (well, except a homeless child). This is a very poignant image. Very compelling without feeling exploitive. God bless ya, Sandy and her as well.

Originally posted by Lazy Sandy:
I hope y'all don't mind, but I want to share a few of these with you over the next few days. One because they mean alot to me, and two because we have friends coming for the weekend, and tho, I'll prob'ly be capturing lots of moments (We're doing Sea World and all sorts of things), I won't have time to get on my computer and edit them. I hope that's okay.

Ok by me, I understand. :P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/02/2008 12:34:57 AM
Nice image. And yes she looks very serious about her work/study. I like the duotone or whatever it is you did to the pic.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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