My personal inspiration for the theme came from the series “Life after people”, which docu-drama’d the world if people were suddenly (and thereafter), just ‘not there’.
The series delved into the many canines and felines left behind, and what would happen to them. How many poodles would die? How many pit-bulls would make do? How various feline critters would retake up mousing, and reclaim those roots?
I do understand what you’re asking. But consider:
What a compelling image to find a dog abandoned on some lonely highway or rural road, matted, starved, dehydrated, and capture that moment on film…then post it in a contest.
Not for me. At least not in this venue–and it may violate some of the TOA in fark.com, in general. I’d have problems voting for such an image without a clear history of that animal’s rescue, and a continued and better life among caring people, providing a happy ending. I roll that way. If this were for National Geographic from something shot in a 3rd world country…another story, perhaps.
And there are homeless vets here (and abroad), and others. People abandoned by the rest of ‘quote unquote’ humanity. It’s not a light subject.
I’m reminded of a picture U-Man had a short while back; I don’t know if she was homeless, I remember him writing about how he told her she was beautiful, and asked to take her picture, and she smiled–it won the contest (the Stat’s Mgr is down for me right now, or I’d repost it); but that image gave me the feeling of abandoned, yet with hope. I don’t know that she was even homeless–but that’s the feeling I got from the image.
Because of that hope, I don’t think that sort of thing fits the theme (though, U-Man, to me it’s one of the best images I’ve ever had the joy of observing).
And without that hope–I don’t personally feel it’s appropriate for a contest in this venue, whether–God forbid–real, or ‘staged’.
In summary, I guess I’m saying “Abandon All Hope: Life After People” shouldn’t go there.
I’ll consider the mods’ weighing in, but I’d rather keep it inanimate.
//mean no offense.
Well said! I, too, felt the theme called for things not people, but the idea was ticking around in my head, so I asked.
Regarding the photographing of homeless folks, I don’t do it. OK, strike that, I do it, but only with their permission and that only rarely. There a subset of homeless in NYC that kind of make their living off being photographed by tourists. (Yeah, weird right!) They put on a big show for them and then ask for money. A few of these guys have given me a good enough show that I will take their photo and give them a few bucks, but for the most part I don’t.
That being said, I would actually like to do a serious piece on homeless vets. The guys I am used to seeing are all Viet Nam era, but a few younger people are showing up in the stream. I can speak the language but the thought of doing it damn intimidating. There but for fortune, you know.
Any way, I am good with the ruling, basically if I am asking I am expecting the answer “No” because if I think it might fly, I’ll go ahead and do it! 🙄
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