Begging for money is a common sight in Sydney these days. Anyone who follows my blog knows I photograph these people often, usually sitting against some wall disconnected from the world around them and hoping for a coin or two. Charity organisation warn against giving money directly to these people and donating to charities, which help the real needy. This was recently highlighted when one of the career beggars revealed he makes $50000 a year.
However, sometimes it is hard to ignore their pleas, especially as in the case of the man photographed here he kneels on the hard pavement in obvious pain and discomfort. Interestingly in this photograph almost everyone has their backs to the man and is walking away. Just a coincidence but makes the photograph a little bit stronger.
There are numerous construction sites through out Sydney city at the moment. Actually that is an understatement – it looks like most of the city is being under construction. Safety fences, road closures, restricted pedestrian strips are to be seen everywhere. This also means there are many builders and tradesman visible everywhere. Pitt Street Mall at lunch has a particularly high number of builders. I was lucky to photograph this man today as he emerged from the shadow, where he was resting during lunch with his mates. Caring a chair above his head he displayed his quite impressive physique.
I like the dynamic nature of this photograph capturing a man running along George Street pedestrian crossing near the Town Hall. With tilted perspective to fill in the frame and the tall city buildings behind him adding a spacial effect. It is one of these unplanned candid street photographs that turned out very well.
The blue sky behind him is also somehow significant as we are having unseasonal warm start to spring with temperatures today reaching 31C.
I was passing this man in the Martin Place. He noticed my camera and said: “Sir, I hope you are not talking photos of me!”. Naturally I raised my camera and photographed his smiling face in a single move. I had no intention of keeping the photograph. I knew it probably was badly blurred due to motion and I did not expect it to be in focus. I kept on going as the man’s intention was simply to engage me in a conversation which led to some marketing.
When I uploaded all my street photographs from today’s walk I have noticed this man’s photo turned out to be quite a catch as his smiling and blurred face is nicely complemented by a smiling woman from a poster behind him. Definitely a keeper.
When I took this photograph of a couple of young people dressed in bright red Adidas track suits, caring sky blue Adidas shopping bag I wasn’t sure if they genuinely liked the brand so much or was it a publicity stunt.
I have noticed them from a proverbial “mile away”. It was hard not to see them with all the vivid red clothing. They crossed the road and as they approached me I took a couple of photographs. The knew they were generating attention and seemed to love it.
When they were really close to me I hear them talking. They were Italian tourists, enjoying their holiday in Sydney.
