The Homeless Face

[I started writing this after my trip to the Pacific Northwest in the spring but didn't finish it until today.  But since I've moved downtown the central theme has raised it's conundral (made up word) head.  So here it is.]

I believe it was a Thursday in Vancouver.  I was killing time at a Starbucks, as I often do when I just need a place to sit and grab some WiFi.  Outside the front door was a homeless man; just standing.  He looked to be in his late 60's, long grey beard, and a look that made me believe he had been on the street for a long time.  I contemplated asking him if I could take his picture for a few dollars. I even had the money in my pocket.  Something held me back, maybe it was my own shyness, or maybe something else.

One morning, about a week later in Seattle, I was sitting in another coffee shop. (It's what I do)  A thirty something man walked up and leaned against the wall just outside the door of the coffee shop.  He was ruggedly handsome and had clear eyes. At first I even wondered if he was even homeless or just interesting, but as I saw him pull off two mismatched gloves, one a cycling glove, the other what looked like a baseball batters glove, I assumed he was on the road.  He went through a side door and laid down to sleep on a bench where he would not be seen by the baristas.

I so badly wanted to take both men's photograph. At the time, it was a lack of gravitas that kept me from even asking.  But after I got home I began an internal debate that I still have not resolved.  Is it OK to take a photograph of these men, even if I pay them?  If I give them money they are in essence getting paid for their service, street models. It would appear to be a win/win. The subject gets much needed money for food or whatever.  And I get a photograph to use for art.  A photograph that could maybe inspire people or at least make some aware of this growing problem, not only in this country but everywhere.

Still, something feels wrong about the transaction.  Sure, artists pay models all the time, to pose for drawing practice or a painting.  Sometimes the models are even sans attire.  Likewise, the model may be desperate for funds; a college student or fellow artist who needs to make the rent or buy food.  So what's the difference.

Could it be that the homeless man is not just a starving artist, but might be in a desperate state and would do something they would rather not do for even a small amount of cash.  Does that level of need make a difference in the morality of me asking for them to pose and then making use of their image for artistic glory mediocrity. Is it akin to prostitution, where the one party is getting paid but looking at the ceiling and waiting for it to end.

And does distance make a difference.  If I take a picture of a man, sleeping on concrete across the street or down the block, is that OK?  If he is unrecognizable does it take the matter of dignity out of the equation.

I still don't know. For now at least, I do not take these type of photographs.  I may never.  This could change down the road, but for now when I weigh all the elements on a scale of dignity and compassion it just doesn't feel right.  For the time being I will draw the faces of these homeless men and women. The're just to beautiful to ignore.