troyrustykeesee

Michael---Homeless

A homeless man I befriended years ago and learned his story and by talking with people at a shelter found him a victim of PSD from Vietnam. He is in the proces...
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A homeless man I befriended years ago and learned his story and by talking with people at a shelter found him a victim of PSD from Vietnam. He is in the process of getting back on his feet.
Read less

NIKON D300S

settings

Aperture f/11 ISO 800 Shutter 1/125 Focal Length 820/10

upload_date

Mar, 2018

Views

1049

Likes

+66

Awards

Creative Winter Award

Top Shot Award 21

Legendary Award

9Teen Award

Community Choice Award

Peer Choice Award

Contest Finalist in The Fluid Self Photo Contest

Peer Award

+11

Superb Composition

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Outstanding Creativity

Superior Skill

All Star

Genius

Virtuoso

Magnificent Capture

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 20 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank week 2

Wonderful portrait in B&W and I love the story with it.

Congrats of beeing finalist Troy! it´s such an impressive portrait! . Very well deserved!!

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Same photographer See all Behind The Lens

Behind The Lens

Location

Michael is a homeless man in my area that stays, mostly in the downtown area of Knoxville, TN. He is a Vietnam Veteran that came home with PTSD and has had trouble dealing with people in general. He is pretty much a loner though he sells a newspaper printed for the homeless to sell for whatever a person wishes to contribute. I love shooting in our downtown area as there is always plenty going on and that is where I first saw him. I went up to him not knowing what kind of response I would get and introduced myself and asked if I could photograph him. He always had his hair in a ponytail but this day it was lose and the wind was blowing. Shooting digitally, I always see the color version first and it just did not pop and I thought "what to do?" When I went to B&W on his images the whole persona changed and his image projected his state in life. We became casual friends and we always enjoyed seeing each other when I was there. After sometime he started to trust me and even ask one day if I would watch/sell his papers for him while he excused himself. I later found out that a diner in the area gave him coffee and food. He even signed a Model Release for me and I would try to give him some money each time I saw him as our relationship was very casual and fun. He had become afraid of life, in general, and trusted no one. He has since disappeared though other homeless in the area say he is still around and living in small efficiency that is funded by local organizations and is now trying to get back on his feet. I miss seeing him and keep hoping he will show back up as I wish to photograph him again. Sadly while we look after so many people coming into our country we are forgetting our Veterans, especially from Vietnam as they were ignored then. The stories that Michael has shared about his life since serving is one of distrust, turmoil, loneliness, trying to stay alive while living in the public eye as an outcast. We found a friend in each other!!

Time

About 10am, late spring with ambient light.

Lighting

The background was dark but there is added vignetting to darken the background more than it was naturally.

Equipment

Nikon D300s, 18-200mm Kit Lens with natural light. White Balance on Auto. No filters.

Inspiration

I love to take candid people photo's. Most are just good grab shots but in this particular situation I felt I would be safer to ask than to assume.

Editing

Vignetting

In my camera bag

No bag. Just one camera in this case.

Feedback

Be honest with people if you question whether you should shoot. Do not assume it is OK. Otherwise have fun. People will surprise you and in this case life lessons were learn by me through the small friendship gained with Michael.

See more amazing photos, follow troyrustykeesee

troyrustykeesee

troyrustykeesee

Michael---Homeless

A homeless man I befriended years ago and learned his story and by talking with people at a shelter found him a victim of PSD from Vietnam. He is in the proces... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow troyrustykeesee

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes. Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

A homeless man I befriended years ago and learned his story and by talking with people at a shelter found him a victim of PSD from Vietnam. He is in the proces...
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.