"Do Unto Others"
This photo has touched my heart, like no other photo I have taken before. I captured this candid shot of a homeless man and the love for his companion, "Dog". ...
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This photo has touched my heart, like no other photo I have taken before. I captured this candid shot of a homeless man and the love for his companion, "Dog". This is truly the Mark of the our times.
This was the coldest day in the winter, and the man gave his jacket to his beloved dog, and kept him covered while they rested. Both owner and Dog look at peace and almost as if praying or in sync with each other. I later, after snapping the shot, approached to speak with him. He never asked for a thing, he spoke about his beloved companion, how friendly he was, and how he loved girls. He spoke of only happy thoughts and that he was blessed. I dropped him a few dollars after our short conversation, and as I exited, I could not help but think how he gave me more, than I gave to him. I left with such a great gift. A gift of compassion, a gift of, (even in hard times) being grateful. He taught me that we have the ability to make our own happiness.
I think of him and his companion often.
Read less
This was the coldest day in the winter, and the man gave his jacket to his beloved dog, and kept him covered while they rested. Both owner and Dog look at peace and almost as if praying or in sync with each other. I later, after snapping the shot, approached to speak with him. He never asked for a thing, he spoke about his beloved companion, how friendly he was, and how he loved girls. He spoke of only happy thoughts and that he was blessed. I dropped him a few dollars after our short conversation, and as I exited, I could not help but think how he gave me more, than I gave to him. I left with such a great gift. A gift of compassion, a gift of, (even in hard times) being grateful. He taught me that we have the ability to make our own happiness.
I think of him and his companion often.
Read less
Jun, 2015Views
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Awards
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Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
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Categories
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cmlppphotos
June 13, 2015
Wow! You captured a perfect moment in time...both man and his dog companion have their eyes closed in respite...a powerful image. Well done!
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Cynthia_Lee_Photography
June 19, 2015
Thank you so very much. This photo is near and dear to my heart. It has left an impression that I will never forget. He actualy did more for me, than I did for him. So hard to explain, but is a feeling that I will never forget.
animals
July 31, 2015
wow --what a wonderful story -and how his dog and him stick together through love -I hope they will always be safe and never go hungry:)
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Cynthia_Lee_Photography
September 10, 2015
Winter is coming up soon enough and I find myself thinking about these two. Praying they will be warm and full bellies.
DoodleFly
January 28, 2016
as you may remember, this image is what made me your biggest fan. This actually brought so much emotion, that I teared up. Still do when I look at it. You are an WONDERFUL Photographer, and now, Because of this image,An AMAZING Friend.
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Cynthia_Lee_Photography
January 29, 2016
Yes, I remember!! I admire your work as well. I cherish that we have become friends and also all the help and incentive that you have provided me this past year. This image is now about a year or little over a year old and I think of this man and is dog often. I am going to gainesville this Saturday. Hoping to go down town to see if he is still around.
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Cynthia_Lee_Photography
May 12, 2016
Thank you. This is my favorite photo, and the one that has touched my heart. Yes, God Truly blesses.
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Cynthia_Lee_Photography
May 12, 2016
Thank you! This image is my favorite. It speaks a thousand words.
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Cynthia_Lee_Photography
May 12, 2016
Thank you! Priceless it is. After I took this picture, I ventured over to speak to the man. All he could do was talk about how wonder his dog was. He kept covering the dog with the coat. Amazing man and with speaking with him, he was truly happy, even living with barely anything. I left feeling as if I gained more than he did from our conversation. I felt blessed.
beginner
May 25, 2016
Sitting in my car and this comes up, I read the story and was so blown away by the man and his best friend. Amazing photo!!!!!
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Cynthia_Lee_Photography
June 05, 2016
Thank you very much. It pleases me to see that this image can effect and touch others, just as it has touched my life. I was blessed that day, for I learned so much in kindness just from one man and his dog.
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adavies
June 02, 2017
Fantastic! Very compelling and so, so touching! Beautifully captured! If you haven't done so already, please consider joining my Random Acts challenge:)
https:// viewbug.com/challenge/random-acts-photo-challenge-by-adavies
https:// viewbug.com/challenge/random-acts-photo-challenge-by-adavies
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Cynthia_Lee_Photography
June 04, 2017
Thank you. I will join your random acts challenge. thank you for letting me know about it.
UnkleFrank
November 07, 2017
A brilliantly captured image, my compliments for it and for your story. If I may...."Virtual reality is the ultimate empathy machine. These experiences are more than documentaries. They are opportunities to walk a mile in someone else's shoes." Chris Milk
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jacksonkismet
November 08, 2017
Wow! Your story of being and feeling enlighten by this man and his companion warms my heart.
sarahrobinson_7322
November 10, 2017
This picture speaks to me not in word but emotion! dogs are a wonderful companion and even tho that this man as nothing hes still smiling because he has hes dog. what this man does for his dog by simply giving him he's blanket is outstanding! beautiful capture!
ReneeBlake
March 09, 2018
Very poignant image and story. Made me cry. Kudos for capturing the spirit of this man and his special friend.
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MaryMarie
February 17, 2021
What an amazing picture! Says so much without any words. You can tell these two are in tune with each other. May GOD BLESS You and the two whom you have captured so amazingly❣😍
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Gainesville, Florida.Time
This photograph holds a special place in my heart. It captures the essence of a chilly evening during one of the coldest nights ever recorded in the Gainesville area of Florida. As the day transitioned into evening, I found myself nestled in a cozy corner of a Starbucks, cradling a warm cup of coffee in my hands. Amidst the steamy windows and the comforting chatter inside, my attention was drawn to a scene unfolding just beyond the glass. There, I witnessed a homeless man and his loyal companion, a faithful dog. The man's selflessness touched me deeply, as he relinquished his own coat to shield his furry friend from the biting cold. I discreetly raised my camera and captured this poignant moment from a distance, the image forever etching itself into my memory. Intrigued by their bond, I mustered the courage to approach the man. In our conversation, it became evident that his happiness was intrinsically tied to his beloved canine companion. He exuded a rare contentment, cherishing the simple joys life had to offer. When I offered him a few dollars in an attempt to assist, he graciously accepted but emphasized that he possessed a treasure greater than any material wealth – the unwavering companionship of his dog. Did I help him that day? In hindsight, I believe not. Instead, he unwittingly became my teacher, imparting a profound lesson on gratitude and the richness of the human-animal bond. As I walked away from that encounter, I carried with me not only the image of the homeless man and his dog but also a newfound appreciation for the abundance in my own life, just as he found contentment in his. In the quiet of that Starbucks, I learned that sometimes, the most valuable gifts are those that touch our hearts and remind us to be grateful for the blessings we often take for granted. In his own way, that homeless man enriched my life, proving that even in the face of adversity, happiness can bloom in unexpected places.Lighting
Certainly, there's something worth sharing about the lighting in this image. The remarkable aspect of this photograph is that it was entirely unplanned; the lighting seemed as though it was destined to be captured just as it was. Nature, in its spontaneous beauty, orchestrated the lighting in such a way that it lent an almost ethereal quality to the scene. As I sat in that Starbucks, sipping my warm coffee, I couldn't have anticipated the serendipitous play of light and shadow that unfolded before me. The fading evening sun cast a soft, golden glow upon the homeless man and his dog, enveloping them in a warm, comforting embrace. The light seemed to caress every contour of their figures, accentuating the selflessness and love that radiated from this unexpected duo. It transformed a mundane urban scene into a poignant, almost cinematic tableau. It was as if the universe itself had conspired to illuminate this powerful and heartwarming moment. In photography, lighting is often meticulously planned and manipulated to create a desired effect. Yet, in this instance, the lighting emerged spontaneously, enhancing the authenticity and emotional depth of the image. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling moments in life are the ones that unfold naturally, where light and life intersect in perfect harmony, as if they were always meant to be.Equipment
This was shot with a canon 5D Mark III, with my 2.8 70-200 canon lens. I might add, my favorite lens.Inspiration
The inspiration behind capturing this photo was deeply rooted in the compassion and selflessness displayed by the homeless man towards his faithful companion, his dog. It was a profound and touching moment that stirred my emotions and impelled me to document it. As I observed the man's actions, his willingness to sacrifice his own comfort to ensure his dog stayed warm in the harsh cold of that Florida night, it struck a chord within me. This simple act of kindness spoke volumes about the strength of their bond and the unconditional love that exists between humans and their animal companions. In a world often characterized by indifference and self-absorption, witnessing such genuine care and concern was a powerful reminder of the goodness that resides in humanity. It was a testament to the enduring connection between people and their pets, one that transcends circumstances and defies societal norms. In that moment, I felt compelled to capture this act of compassion, not only to document it but also to share it with others. I wanted to convey the message that even in the most challenging of circumstances, love and empathy can thrive, and they have the capacity to touch our hearts and inspire us all to be better, more compassionate individuals. So, what inspired me to take this photo was the profound demonstration of love and selflessness that unfolded before my eyes, a moment that served as a poignant reminder of the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places and the extraordinary connections that exist between humans and their beloved animal companions.Editing
Yes, I did perform some post-processing on the image, although it was minimal. The scene I captured was at quite a distance, beyond the effective range of my 70-200mm Canon lens. To enhance the clarity and sharpness of the photograph, I applied a modest amount of sharpening. Additionally, I cropped the photo to make it appear closer to me. This cropping was done with the intent of bringing the homeless man and his dog more prominently into the frame, allowing viewers to feel a stronger connection to the moment as if they were right there with me in that Starbucks. However, I want to emphasize that aside from these adjustments, there was no further manipulation or alteration of the photo whatsoever. I aimed to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the moment as it unfolded before me, ensuring that the image conveyed the raw emotion and genuine connection between the homeless man and his dog without any artificial enhancements. The post-processing, including the cropping, was simply a means to enhance the composition and visual impact of the photograph while preserving the sincerity of the scene.In my camera bag
Typically, when I'm out seeking to capture candid and unmanipulated street photography, my equipment bag is kept relatively simple to ensure I can seamlessly document the "in the now" moments. In the past, I carried the following gear, but please note that I've since upgraded to the Canon EOS R6 mirrorless camera: Camera Body: Canon 5D Mark III (Note: I've since upgraded to the Canon EOS R6 mirrorless camera). Telephoto Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 II (This lens provides versatility for capturing distant subjects and compressing perspective). Wide-Angle Lens: Canon 28-70mm f/2.8 (For wider angles and a broader perspective, allowing me to capture scenes with more context).Feedback
Absolutely, capturing authentic and emotionally resonant moments in street photography is about more than just technical quality; it's about conveying the essence of the moment and evoking a genuine emotional response from your viewers. Here are some pieces of advice to help others capture similar moments: Be Present: The most crucial aspect of street photography is being fully present in the moment. Pay attention to your surroundings, observe people, and immerse yourself in the environment. The more connected you are to the scene, the better you'll understand the nuances and emotions within it. Empathy and Connection: To capture the feel of a moment, you must connect with your subjects on some level. Approach your subjects with empathy and respect. Try to understand their emotions, their stories, and what's happening in their lives. This connection will translate into your images. Observe Body Language: Much of human communication is non-verbal. Pay close attention to body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These subtle cues can reveal a wealth of emotions and stories. Timing is Everything: Anticipate moments. Street photography often requires split-second decision-making. Be ready to click the shutter at the precise moment when the emotion or action peaks. Composition: While the emotional content is paramount, good composition enhances your storytelling. Pay attention to elements like framing, leading lines, and the rule of thirds. These compositional techniques can help guide the viewer's eye to the emotional focal point. Patience and Persistence: Street photography can be challenging. Don't be discouraged if you don't capture a powerful moment every time you go out. Be patient, and keep shooting. The more you practice, the better you'll become at recognizing and capturing those special moments. Respect Privacy: Street photographers should respect people's privacy and boundaries. If someone is uncomfortable with being photographed, it's best to move on and find another subject. Storytelling: Think about the narrative you want to convey with your photograph. What is the story behind the moment you're capturing? A great image tells a story or sparks curiosity. Editing with Care: When post-processing, be mindful not to over-edit. Maintain the integrity of the moment you've captured. Subtle adjustments can enhance the image, but avoid excessive manipulation that distorts the truth of the scene. Remember that street photography is an art form, and it's subjective. What moves one person might not affect another in the same way. Trust your instincts and capture the moments that resonate with you emotionally. Over time, you'll develop your unique style and voice in this captivating genre of photography.
