In my opinion, the most difficult intention in photography is to invoke emotion in the viewer of a photo. I often strive for this but almost always fail. But I recently met someone who’s a master at photographical emotion. Her name is Leah Denbok, a young woman in Collingwood who, for the last decade or so, has been talking to and photographing the homeless. She shoots in high contrast black and white and some of the photos she displayed at her presentation at the Beaver Valley Community Centre in Thornbury brought a tear or two to my eyes. But it’s not just the really good photography; it’s the attention and care she gives these people. She’s published several books of which the proceeds go to help the homeless.

Too often we just walk by them on the streets acting as if they’re invisible; worried that they only want a hand-out. But Leah informs us that mostly they just want to be noticed and treated as if they’re actually human beings. Her photos, when you look in their eyes, truly humanize them. She’s a wonderful speaker; invoking much emotion, I’m sure, to her audience.

I had a chance to speak with her and mentioned that I’m an amateur photographer and have done a lot of street photography and even a few homeless. Although to me, approaching a homeless person is very difficult, not because I’m afraid of them, but because I feel that I’m intruding. But Leah has been able to break down these barriers.

I mentioned one particular photo I made a few years ago of a homeless person. This was for the Dogwood52 weekly challenge. The challenge was “forgotten” and it was just a pile of blankets on the corner of Young and Dundas. The photo was shot with a slow shutter creating motion blur on the many people walking by; looking like they’re just rushing by as if the pile of blankets wasn’t even there. But under the blanket was a homeless young woman. After I made the shot, I went over and lifted a blanket to find the young woman smiling up at me. I gave her a few dollars and asked if I could take her photo. She said yes, but of course, it was already done. The photo is shown below and it did bring out some emotion from the Facebook viewers. Leah wanted to see the photo, but I don’t have any way of showing it, so I decided to write this blog which I can show her. I’ve also added a few other street portraits that I think she would appreciate, but they’re not all homeless people.

[Click on any photo for the slideshow. Please leave comments at the bottom of the page.]

***

Forgotten

Forgotten at the corner of Young and Dundas

Not in Service

A homeless man selling CD’s in front of old city hall, Toronto.I talked to him and gave him a few dollars.

Homeless in Hamilton

Homeless man in a very good mood in Hamilton. Looks like she’s looking down at him.

Lonliness

This was another Dogwood52 challenge. I got lots of comments on Facebook about mental health, etc. I was told several times that this is not a photo you can “like”, but it got the message of “lonliness” across. I drove about 50 km to an abandoned farmhouse to make this selfie, bare feet, broken glass and -20C. I had fun that day.

The Boss – Friday 13th – Port Dover

I was talking to some MC gang members at Port Dover on Friday 13th and this really rough, scary looking guy kept looking at me like I was an undercover cop with a camera. But then they introduced me to him and he was not a bad person. He’s the president of the gang.

Friday 13th – Port Dover

A really nice ex-convict

I had a really interesting conversation with this guy in the tattoo shop in Port Credit. Then later I found out that he was just released from pridon.

Lizzy

I don’t think she’s homeless… she wants to be an artist, writer, clothing designer. I hope she finds what she’s looking for.

Jenn at Barton 541

Barton 541 is a restaurant in a poor area of Hamilton, Ontario (my hometown). Most of the employees, including the cooks, are volunteers. The food is very good and very reasonable and you don’t leave tips. The coffee is very, very good by the way (and I’m an expert). Instead of tips, you buy buttons for $1 each and put them in a donation jar right next to the cashier. People less fortunate, who cannot afford a meal, can take these buttons and use them as cash. No shame and no judgement. You just sit anywhere you like to eat. I’ve seen homeless people almost right next to suits. I love going there because aside from the great food, and conversations wih the manager, Jenn, I like the neighbourly feeling and the sense of tolerance and inclusiveness.

Inside Barton 541

Lisa

The Wayside Lunch diner, is on Beach Road, in the tough north-east end of Hamilton. It’s been closed for awhile, but a few years ago, I met with the owner, Lisa, who told me that her diner was featured in a couple of TV series, all about vampires and satanic cults. Doesn’t my hometown sound like fun?