Down & Out In Sydney by Andrew Kalpage
Andrew Kalpage

Down & Out In Sydney by

This man sat on George Street in Sydney begging for money. He rolled up a cigarette and smoked in the sun.

He was also selling some of his material possessions. One of his possessions was a fold up bike; he was asking $60.00 for it. Four Japanese backpackers took it for a test ride and made a counter offer of $40.00. He agreed, they shook hands and the Japanese backpackers departed down George Street, one riding the bike.

He then rolled this cigarette and had a smoke.

As all this was happening, an older woman stared with anger, (See “The Stare of Disgust”) I assume because to haggle a person who has nothing is quite disgraceful.

Unfortunately I was standing with a 200mm prime lens so was unable to capture the full scene of the haggle. Also I contemplated offering the man $60.00 for his bike; I regret that I did not do so.

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Tags

candid, street photography, homeless, sydney, canon 40d

Comments

  • Berns
    Bernsover 1 year ago

    Brilliant image of a sign of our times!

  • Thank you for comments. I agree, we live in sad times where we are only concerned for ourselves.

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • missterryw
    missterrywover 1 year ago

    another great b&w and it is the thought that counts. I’m sure you would of gave this man the $60.00 he was asking if you weren’t so caught up in this moment captured in an image for a lesson to be shared with thousands of people, which actually touched more than just one man. thanks again for the whole story on this. I don’t know about anybody else but makes me want to GIVE & FORGIVE!!!

  • When I ever go out and take photos and if it is the homeless, I always go home and give my daughter a hug and I cherish what I have :-)

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • Catherine Berger
    Catherine Bergerover 1 year ago

    Very poignant image and story.

  • Thank you I really appreciate your comments :-)

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • James  Leader
    James Leaderover 1 year ago

    Rwo excellent shots that tell a sad tale that could be all to common all over the world. Well done.

  • Thanks Mate:- Unfortunately with the GFC allot of people are hurting. If I had to feed my daughter would I sell my beloved camera? The answer would be yes :-)

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • James  Leader
    James Leaderover 1 year ago

    That should be Two…sorry about the fat fingers!

  • :-) Cheers

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • Angela King-Jones
    Angela King-Jonesover 1 year ago

    Excellent story and what a thing to witness and capture.. thank you for sharing part of the “human” side of things..

  • Hi Angela:- I think if I had a 17-85mm zoom it would have been interesting to capture the whole scene, however had a 200mm prime lens…but I suppose to me the story was sad that speople can haggle a price from someone that could not afford it..

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • Dariusz Gudowicz
    Dariusz Gudowiczover 1 year ago

    Excellent shot, beautiful tonality and contrasts. It really tells the story.

  • thanks for your comments :-)

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • Ainsley Kellar Creations
    Ainsley Kellar...over 1 year ago

    Heartbreaking story and image. Brilliant work.

  • Thanks again. It is mind boggling that with so much wealth that we have that there can be so much poverty…

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • Winston D. Munnings
    Winston D. Mun...over 1 year ago

    Stunning!
    Well Done…

  • Thanks Winston much appreciated :-)

    – Andrew Kalpage

  • John Linton
    John Lintonover 1 year ago

    Fantastic.

  • Thanks John really appreciate it :-)

    – Andrew Kalpage