So, what’s the big issue on the streets these days?
Sydney 2013 (4 images)
The Big Issue is a street newspaper/magazine published in several continents. It is written by professional journalists and was founded by John Bird and Gordon Roddick in September 1991 in the UK. It started in Australia in 1996 where it is produced fortnightly. It is sold on the streets by homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people, who keep the profits from the magazines they sell. The vendors thus have employment and earn an income to give them a helping hand, and perhaps give them a chance to leave a life on the streets.
The big issue? Why don’t we talk about it?
I don’t think there are any easy answers
The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind…
I must admit candid photography can be a bit hit and miss sometimes, but when you get a good shot… π
You have a great feeling for the right moment; very good shots. See you!
Thank you very much. Timing and luck are everything. π
Have a great day.
Love all of these. Your black and whites are always so sharp and crisp. I love the contrast!
Thanks Liz. I really appreciate it. I hope you’ve had a wonderful day.
It’s always a treat to visit your blog, Dragon! All are cool shots π Like the expressions you captured. Happy Thursday π
Thank you Amy. There’s a lot of luck involved. I have shots that don’t work on their own, but put together they form a nice story. Have a great day ahead. π
Awesome π
Thank you.
Yes, it makes it all worth it – Very interesting distribution method – a helping hand, not a hand out.
Thanks. Yes, it’s a form of employment in a way. A magazine is sold for about $6, and the vendor then pays the organisation the base cost of $3 and then keep the margin.
Perfect
Great candid shots – everyone a hit, I mostly miss π¦
Thank you. You should see my reject folder. π
Your candid shots always turn out great, at least those that you post here. I avoid taking candid photos of people, but I do have a handful of good ones.
Thanks. I don’t want to waste your time with my rubbish shots, but I might put together a bloopers special one day, you never know. π
LD Bloopers…I’d like to see that!
I’ll see what I can do. π
Excellent shots LD.
Jude xx
Thank you very much. :0
LD, I have no idea how many of your shots we never get to see; but those we do indicate something more than merely hit & miss ! You have to be the best street photog. in the blogosphere … or am I saying that only because you work in my much-loved city ? [grin]
My bad shots outnumber my good ones manifold. Trust me on that.
I’m not sure I would have posted any of these on their own, but together they make a nice storyboard. I’ve got several photos waiting for the right idea to come along before being posted.
Aww, shucks…
Oh, you great booby !!!
π
Guilty. π
Nice story, and of course shots – especially like #2. Seattle has something similar called “Real Change”.
Thanks. I’m always on the look out for something to shoot.
In think many cities do or would like to do similar.
you have an amazing eye and skill for composition for these street shots.. and I know how hard it is to compose right in the streets, where everything changes so fast… Quite a story there, the give and take in the first shot, the smile in the second one, the quiet discussion in the third shot and the argument (maybe?) in the fourth one… these are all your trademark captures of fleeting moments…
and that’s such a great song you are referring to in the end π π
good morning π
Mostly when I’m out I just walk right at people and shoot. As you say, moments are so fleeting and what I think I’m shooting may not be what I get. But I file the shots away and one day, hope to be able to string them together in a meaningful way. That song reference may not have happened if I’d posted the shot in a different series. I remember taking that last one, but I think they were just talking. π
Good morning to you, and have a great day ahead. White with one please… π
very interesting process of building stories…this shows great consistency and devotion… thanks for sharing π
good morning π white, no sugar is right next to my computer now… have a great day, Draco..
ps. it’s funny with these time differences, this way I could tell you “good night” and “good morning” in under an hour last night… π π
Thanks. Enjoy your coffee. I need to start thinking about dinner. π
I always appreciate your music references, since my head is full of them, but moreso, I appreciate a BIG, HIGH-RES shot. I hate it when I go to a blog and see a little 200 x 300 pic that I can’t enlarge. Drives me nuts! I assume these pics were taken last year when it was cold?
Thanks. Yes, they’re from various dates last year, mostly winter. They’ve just been sitting on the hard drive waiting for a reason to be posted.
That last song reference just seemed like a natural fit to the story. And I like big pictures with detail too. I’ve even printed a few and the detail on paper usually far exceeds what you’re seeing on screen.
I haven’t seen an issue of the big issue in my country, but if I do, I will definitely support the cause. What a marvelous idea! Your photos and comments have made me smile. Terrific work as usual Draco. I hope your week is going on smoothly…
Most of the vendors seem really enthusiastic and positive and if nothing else, that is a good outcome.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you Paula. π
I’m not a great fan of the Big Issue Magazine, I don’t mind people trying to sell it in the street, or that they are trying to get a better quality of life, but I’d rather give my money for free than read the magazine. I found it extremely dull reading.
Although having said that, I haven’t bought one for several years, so maybe it’s improved. Have you read it?
I bought some a few years ago, but I’m not sure if the style/form has changed recently. I understand your point, but it can be difficult deciding who to help out. Sadly, some of the people you see on the street may not be legitimate.
It’s good. I like it. I usually don’t get results when I shoot candidly. As you say, very hit and miss β¦ but there’s the odd one that’ll make you light up when you discover it.
Thanks. Yep, when it turns out right, it’s a great feeling.
I really like this series, Lignum!
Thank you Lisa. I’m always on the lookout for something to shoot. And sometimes I can string individual shots together like I’ve done here and it makes it worthwhile. π
I truly enjoyed your street images. Real and feeling it!!
Thank you very kindly. I’m glad you liked them.
It seems to me that you have more hits than misses! I’ve always liked the Big Issue, it’s a great concept and vendors that I’ve spoken to are generally really positive and always ready for a chat.
Thanks, but you haven’t seen my trash bin. π
Yes, I find they generally are keen to talk and are quite positive. I think they do get advice from the background organisation which helps them.
Your work continues to amaze and inspire, you are One Special Dragon!!
Thanks kindly. I hope you have a wonderful weekend coming up.
Ditto
π
Cool shots!
Thank you. π
Like others have already commented, I love these candid shots, and how your could capture the moments. We have Big Issue sellers in Japan too, and I personally feel it’s very important for their story to be told. You’ve motivated me to try candid photography π
Yes, it’s a problem in all countries. I wish you luck with the candid. You’ll have your share of misses, but the hits will be very rewarding. Have a great weekend.
What great shots, great contrast for black and white. Loved how you capture the strands of the lady’s hair flying in the wind – it comes across as very sharp. And it’s very bold of you to photography people. I shy away from it as they people I’m taking photos of might catch me in the photography act
I’ve never had a problem with those selling the Big Issue. Not too sure if it’s something I would want to read and hence buy, but some of the sellers can be quire entertaining π
Thanks, I was lucky to get hair in the focal zone, but practice makes perfect. π If you get caught photographing it’s not the end of the world – just have a pre planned spiel.
The magazine isn’t for everyone, but they have gainful employment and that’s always worthwhile.
Good shots indeed:) Thank you for posting:)
Thank you and you’re welcome. π Have a great weekend.
Thank you so much π Have a wonderful weekend and take a lot of awesome shots!
Thanks. π
Hit or miss? These came right together!
Thank you.
I love your posts because they are thought provoking and inspiring! I know I don’t often comment and for that I apologize. The reason is because I don’t always feel well enough to comment or I just don’t what to say. Anyway, thank you for another thought provoking post. I hope you have a great weekend. π
Thanks very much. It’s good to hear from you but I understand completely. For me, time or lack thereof is a major factor in my participation here. Have a great weekend too.
Hi LD!!! I love all of them!!! If I had to choose one I would take the third one…It is absolutely great, specially when confronted with your imaginated dialogue…
I believe you when you say you have a lot of shots that are not perfect….But you ALSO get the pecfect ones!!! And practice is everything!!! Wonderful job!!!! My congrats!!!!
Thanks very much. It took me a while to decide a caption for that 3rd one. π
Have great weekend.
Fantastic street shots, I love how each one tells a story.
Thanks very much. Have a lovely weekend. π
Great shots! I hope you have a wonderful weekend π
Thanks. Have a great weekend too! π
Thank you!
π
I love your black and white shotsβ¦i enjoyed looking at them!
Thank you. Have a wonderful weekend.
I envy you your ability to shoot like this. I just cannot…but the yellow coat and pink boots may have something to do with that π
Perhaps, unless everyone else is wearing the same. π
I loved the 3rd photo “I donβt think there are any easy answers”. It really conveyed the message about the difficulties one feels (in whatever situation). Such emotions invoked by your sharp photos and captions. Love this post! Have a great Sunday Draco π
Thank you. It does have a bit of a raw edge to it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Or are you busy “planning the big day” ? π
Busy with two old folks my mom and now my uncle also got admitted to hospital, brain hemorrhage. He had his surgery, recovering. Managed to squeeze time for macro Fri night. Snakes! posted on my gallery. π
Sorry to hear about your uncle. Otherwise just another typical weekend. π
I’m impressed with how well the shots of people actively talking turned out. Mine usually look awful (or at least I’ve caught the subjects at an awful time!)
Thank you.
Fantastic candid shots Draco! And, I hadn’t heard about The Big Issue, very interesting!
Thanks Elina. I think it gives these people some purpose and dignity which can only be good.
That’s so true.
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I like B&W photos, they can be very expressive. I like the contrast in the third photo with the two men sitting on the stairs π
Thank you. Their expressions really tell a story. π
Marvellous black and white photos. Truly evocative atmosphere.
Thanks for sharing, best regards, Aquileana π
Thank you.
Perfectly written with pictures to match.
Thank you.