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maxlake2 — just John
Published: 2005-07-16 18:46:51 +0000 UTC; Views: 1261; Favourites: 54; Downloads: 92
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Description
is how he introduces himself . . . John was, and still is homeless.Even though it was 85 degrees when this picture was taken, John was wearing a very heavy jacket, rather than having to carry it around.
Pigtown,
Baltimore
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Comments: 29
I see you have been to Baltimore, I go there often. John has the biggest, most soulful eyes, and wears his life on his face. I guess "just John" is an OK name, but I wonder how he thinks of himself-as "just" another homeless guy? That makes me sad, but this photo is superb.
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Actually, I'm from Baltimore. I just live in Annapolis.
I think I addressed John as "sir" when we met, which is probably why he said "just John."
He really was a nice fellow. . .
Thanks so much!
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Yes, I remembered that you live in Baltimore. From some other comment, no doubt
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very strong and moving portrait... his eyes are so sad but also so beautiful, that i can't stop staring. just can't stop.
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G -
Thanks so much! I'm really glad you like it, and thanks for the 
R
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True. And I remember him being a kind, polite person. . .
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He seems like a cool guy.Nice picture he has a good face for a camera.
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The clarity of that shot is stunning. I love it.
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just beautiful... This one is perfect... It means a lot, his eyes said everything to make this picture unique.
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This is a lovely portrait - I love his eyes especially, the lines on his face, the fact that he is wearing his jacket so he doesn't have to carry it.
I do some outreach work with the homeless. You meet the most amazing people when you actually take the time to talk to them.
Well done, beautiful piece of work.
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A -
Yes, you would! He was just the nicest fellow!
Thanks again!
R
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Wow.
This picture..
I want to say so much but Im not entirely sure where or how to start... it evokes so much emotion in me Im don't think my words will express how I feel..
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This is a very strong photo and it feels like I've met him in real life.
I have a question though. Do you know that person or did you just went up to him and asked "Can I take a photo of you?" Or the other photos in gallery "Baltimore"? I'm just curious, because I would love to take photos of people I meet in the streets but I don't know how to approach them and I'm a bit shy too..
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Dear Eliise,
I am SO sorry to take so long to write back to you! And let me start by thanking you for your very kind comment.
I am so glad you asked about how I took the photos in the Pigtown neighborhood in Baltimore. I am from Baltimore, but was somewhat unfamiliar with that neighborhood. Pigtown is a neighborhood that is very hostile to people who are not from Pigtown. I am not . . . I knew that I wanted to photograph that neighborhood. Anyway, I spent almost a year there getting to know people before I ever took my camera. So people knew me as the "picture guy" and they wanted their picture taken by me. The only problem is that there are many violent drug dealers in that area who hate cameras. So I had to learn who the drug dealers were as well.
Eliise, if you have any other questions, please ask me.
You are very kind . . .
Richard
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Thank you for explaining this to us. I'm very apprehensive about going out and taking shots of people but absolutely love this type of photography and the stories that go with it. I live in a neighborhood a couple of steps up from this and almost never take my camera out on my front lawn because of the activity across the road and the fear that blowback will get my kids one day. I did head out one day and take shots of the accident and ambulance helicopter that landed a street over but the reaction of the people was not encouraging so I turned tail and ran. I think your idea of getting the people used to you first is a good idea but I think I'll try it outside of my neighborhood.
Would you mind sharing some technical information? This shot was taken later in the day but the light is so soft that I have to wonder if you use a filter and if so which kind. I'm in Florida where the sun is brutal for photography even at that hour most days and I'm looking for a solution so any and all suggestions are appreciated as I'm new to photography.
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Richard, I'm very glad you answered my question. Thank you. 
P.S. I took my old account into use again and I'm soon leaving this one, if you don't mind I would add you to my watch-list with the other account (~vihmavesi )
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I love how you capture the true emotions in people, instead of a fake smile. This picture is one of my favorites!Thumbs up**
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This photo is fabulous for many reasons. Technically the range of tone is quite strong. The photo tells a story too. I can almost imagine his voice and the way he moves. His eyes are so expressive. You can really see a lot in them. The wrinkles around his eyes show that he's done a lot of living.
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You are very kind. Thank you!
R
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the sharpness emphasizes the emotion you so expertly captured. i didnt need to read the caption to feel that emotion. this is a very powerful and moving piece!
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Ive seen a few like him myself, if you imagine a homeless guy in your head that is what he can sometimes look like
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How captivating! I also like the break in the background...great job!
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Wow, I'm taken aback at just how incredibly sharp this picture is. It just comes right out of the screen at me. Possibly one for the best portraits I've ever seen.
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