Love this! Love the spontaneity and humour, having lived in New York – this is New York – it’s so real – made me smile!
Beautiful light and colour editing.
I always love when fashion serves to support people’s personality. That’s what I call style. I would never wear sneakers like those with a skirt, simply because it wouldn’t suit my personality, but I’m amazed by the versatility of fashion and how, when worn by the right personality, it ceases to be fashion and lends its wearer style! She looks great!
All I too see is the man…and there are so many like him here in Chicago. I don’t see hope, unfortunately, I see despair. And it is a contrast to the delight of the woman with the camera. Just an observation, not a judgement. In any event, both could use a nice handknit scarf to keep warm in New York City’s mercurial weather!
I think the gentleman looks pretty stylish himself. Whether he put time and thought into it, could care less, or it’s all he’s got to his name it all works well together in my opinion. I think my favorite little detail is the way the extra length of his belt hangs down at the side.
It’s really something we all do – judge/ presume the conditions of others through our own filters of what we consider ‘acceptable’. In other words, it’s a tricky thing to assume he looks in despair. Based on what factors? His clothing? His skin color AND the quality of his clothing? There’s a 50/50 shot that he’s feeling just fine…
I dont think MB sees the man himself as in despair. Its the emotion the difference captured by the picture evokes for him. And while its one thing to be judgemental, it is quite another to be blind to deprivation.
If I’d err, I’d rather it was on the side of the former.
Also, a picture is a picture because of what it evokes…
it interpellates a viewer into a viewing position, and this picture is clearly a study in contrast.
Whether or not it was meant to be.
The camera must capture that which is placed before it.
Also, I would venture the point that the man doesnt have to feel un-fine for the viewer to be unsettled by it. And that I’m unsettled doesnt have to mean I’m racist/prejudiced/normative.
Martine
November 8, 2012 at 6:56 pm
He certainly doesn’t look anything like despair. Where do you get the idea that he is somehow in a bad way? I see nothing to indicate poverty, or even slackerness. He looks stylish and casual. You are projecting, obviously.
It appears that his pants are utterly filthy and I would say the same about the blanket(?) he is carrying. Surely he doesn’t choose to wear clothing so unclean if he’s not it a bad way.
Ohhhhhh … gee, this photo makes me feel bad …. NOT because you took it; in fact, because you saw the dichotomy of the two people, and highlighted two very contrasting stories. One the one hand, it’s “lah-ti-dah!” and on the other ….. “I wonder if I’ll eat today.”
There is a certain arrogance in this perspective that I just can’t get over. The two facial expressions (not to mention the glitter in the woman’s background) seem to epitomize the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, which goes beyond aesthetic juxtaposition.
Wow. This photo is both beautiful and provocative. There are no words to describe the effect of combining your sense of composition, light, and spontaneity, with a contemporary social realist perspective.
I am a fan of all of your photographs, but I would love to see more like this.
Beautiful light, tonality and colour palette. Very telling picture of society and the gulf of inequality. Made me feel humble and ashamed at the same time. . . .
I am not assuming anything and it certainly is not based on skin colour and, I never mentioned homeless. Look at the grime on the blanket/coat, the unshaven face and dirty upper lip and the boots without laces, and the shiny knees on the denims suggesting that they are in need of a laundry. Is it reasonable to think it smacks of poverty? Oh, and let’s not judge other comments and throw out accusations of racism!
No, because of the dirty clothes he’s carrying and wearing. If he was white I’d think the same. We have homeless folks here in Chicago too.
Maybe he’s not homeless. But if he is, it surely points to the ridiculousness of this photo and people commenting about the ‘contrast’ of her shoes (vs. say, his) and the wide difference between where they’ll each be going home tonight and what they’ll be having for dinner.
Well said Eric. It still remains a powerful photograph and speaks volumes about Western society and its values. It has also produced some thoughtful comments and observations beyond ‘awesome I need to get some . . .’
Maritza, he’s carrying a grimy looking blanket. His face looks drawn in, in a way much too premature for his age. His fingers seem stiff. Even if he isnt ‘actually’ homeless, he definitely does stand in for the homeless quite well.
After all, a picture isn’t worth a thousand words for nothing.
On the heels of the US election, this is a very powerful photo. I’m an admirer of your work, Scott, and of what I believe are your professional ethics. But I have to ask: did the man agree to be photographed? I hope so, otherwise, he has been further marginalized.
Not easy to comment without offending someone’s sensibility, whether from being presumptuous about his circumstances or clueless … If I say, “I like the three button pinstripe jacket over the turtleneck and v-neck sweater plus his knit cap”, it sounds like I’m makin fun of him.
I often walk down Sixth Ave, from midtown to the village and I have seen this man before. I think he’s part of a group of men who sell used books and magazines, just south of 8th st.
thank you for your response. the context you provide helps me process the image. i don’t think you’re making fun of him – he does exude style, yes? and the sartorialist has photographed others that don’t seem to run in posh circles, because of their style, not their money. i do feel the social disparity in this image, but pretending that kind of thing doesn’t exist by “not-seeing” only exacerbates the divide of rich and poor.
The gentleman looks, to me, like someone who is trying to keep his sense of self together under adverse circumstances (the blanket and the condition of his jeans suggest those to me; my sincere apologies to him if I’m misreading). I don’t think it’s making fun of him to notice and respect that.
In that vein, I also appreciate Mr Schuman’s posting of the photo… it’s a pointed reminder of the greatest challenge facing the US: its appalling economic inequities.
Nice image, very Paul Graham, which is the best compliment when it comes to street photography!
Wish more fashion blogs would do great quality photography like that.
another mind blowing picture sart – when pictures make me feel this way – i just don’t know what to do with myself… lol (and I can’t tell what he’s holding in his hand – toiletries (?) potatoe chips??)
My comment is in regards to the man in the photograph that, “Sevan” first mentioned.
I believe that he was the subject in a photograph I made a couple of years ago. Though his face is not shown in my photo, his face is familiar as I remember he lifted his head for a brief moment in the frames following this shot:
I found an irony in this seemingly homeless man wearing an “I ❤ NY” t-shirt. At first I felt terrible, thinking that he is wearing an affectionately toned shirt for the very city where he calls its streets ‘Home’; a city that may have turned its back on him. Then I realized how wrong I could be. How speculative I was being…how maybe this is his choice and that very likely, (given that he was also carrying a bag with the same logo), that a shop owner could have given him these items out of pure kindness. After all, it’s difficult for me to view NYC in a negative light for long if ever, as it was Home for me as well for a wonderful while.
THE STEL STYLE
November 7, 2012 at 8:08 am
amazing picture!! It has a big contrast…
I like her comfortable outfit!!!
http://www.thestelstyle.com
TEST/model magazine
November 7, 2012 at 11:19 am
Agreed!
victor john penner
axeaboutme
November 7, 2012 at 12:14 pm
great shadow in the shot!
http://www.axeaboutme.com
andreea
November 7, 2012 at 3:03 pm
big contrast alright
http://lilaesthete.wordpress.com/
Suzanne Nelson
November 7, 2012 at 8:09 am
Love this! Love the spontaneity and humour, having lived in New York – this is New York – it’s so real – made me smile!
Beautiful light and colour editing.
Irene's Closet
November 7, 2012 at 8:11 am
this shoot is intense!
xx
http://www.ireneccloset.com
Susana
November 7, 2012 at 8:12 am
Amazing picture. A great study in contrasts!
I always love when fashion serves to support people’s personality. That’s what I call style. I would never wear sneakers like those with a skirt, simply because it wouldn’t suit my personality, but I’m amazed by the versatility of fashion and how, when worn by the right personality, it ceases to be fashion and lends its wearer style! She looks great!
xo,
Susana
http://www.akeytothearmoire.com
Charlie
November 7, 2012 at 8:30 am
The photographer phatographing the photographer photographing the photographer, ad infinitum. Great shades and hair!
Sevan
November 7, 2012 at 8:41 am
All I see is the man………
I still have hope……
Jane
November 7, 2012 at 10:33 am
That’s exactly what I was about to write. Who is he? From where did he come? And where is he going?
MB@YarnUiPhoneAppv2.7
November 7, 2012 at 11:06 am
All I too see is the man…and there are so many like him here in Chicago. I don’t see hope, unfortunately, I see despair. And it is a contrast to the delight of the woman with the camera. Just an observation, not a judgement. In any event, both could use a nice handknit scarf to keep warm in New York City’s mercurial weather!
Gina Clark
November 7, 2012 at 1:12 pm
I think the gentleman looks pretty stylish himself. Whether he put time and thought into it, could care less, or it’s all he’s got to his name it all works well together in my opinion. I think my favorite little detail is the way the extra length of his belt hangs down at the side.
ruby
November 8, 2012 at 1:20 am
It’s really something we all do – judge/ presume the conditions of others through our own filters of what we consider ‘acceptable’. In other words, it’s a tricky thing to assume he looks in despair. Based on what factors? His clothing? His skin color AND the quality of his clothing? There’s a 50/50 shot that he’s feeling just fine…
seeta
November 8, 2012 at 1:21 pm
I dont think MB sees the man himself as in despair. Its the emotion the difference captured by the picture evokes for him. And while its one thing to be judgemental, it is quite another to be blind to deprivation.
If I’d err, I’d rather it was on the side of the former.
Also, a picture is a picture because of what it evokes…
it interpellates a viewer into a viewing position, and this picture is clearly a study in contrast.
Whether or not it was meant to be.
The camera must capture that which is placed before it.
Also, I would venture the point that the man doesnt have to feel un-fine for the viewer to be unsettled by it. And that I’m unsettled doesnt have to mean I’m racist/prejudiced/normative.
Martine
November 8, 2012 at 6:56 pm
He certainly doesn’t look anything like despair. Where do you get the idea that he is somehow in a bad way? I see nothing to indicate poverty, or even slackerness. He looks stylish and casual. You are projecting, obviously.
Lanita
November 8, 2012 at 9:30 pm
It appears that his pants are utterly filthy and I would say the same about the blanket(?) he is carrying. Surely he doesn’t choose to wear clothing so unclean if he’s not it a bad way.
Gian Luca M
November 7, 2012 at 8:43 am
two different elegance, a single contrast
Gian Luca M
http://gianlucamarinoblog.com/
Laura
November 7, 2012 at 8:45 am
The light on this photo is so beautiful! Great style!
http://www.laurablogmode.com
Lindy702
November 7, 2012 at 8:51 am
Beautiful light and incredible juxtaposition in this image.
Simbarashe
November 7, 2012 at 8:55 am
The dichotomy of NYC.
http://lordashbury.com/
LIZPR
November 7, 2012 at 8:59 am
Ohhhhhh … gee, this photo makes me feel bad …. NOT because you took it; in fact, because you saw the dichotomy of the two people, and highlighted two very contrasting stories. One the one hand, it’s “lah-ti-dah!” and on the other ….. “I wonder if I’ll eat today.”
Thank you.
http://www.lizpr.com
Martine
November 8, 2012 at 6:58 pm
Ok. Look carefully. What do you see to indicate financial privation? I am not seeing it.
Derek Washington
November 8, 2012 at 9:14 pm
I think maybe you do not want to see it….
lucia
November 7, 2012 at 9:01 am
great photo!
http://itscassolie.blogspot.de/
Mariatru
November 7, 2012 at 9:10 am
He looks cool. No, really. And she looks comfortable. I like it.
chrsitne
November 7, 2012 at 9:16 am
Very sad, I feel good that you took it, a huge statement on what is so wrong, the great divide.
Diva In Me
November 7, 2012 at 9:20 am
I like the layering. Sun shining on her looks good too =)
Susie
November 7, 2012 at 9:22 am
Wow – such interesting juxtaposition. Amazing shot.
Sea and Swank
livia
November 7, 2012 at 9:23 am
There is a certain arrogance in this perspective that I just can’t get over. The two facial expressions (not to mention the glitter in the woman’s background) seem to epitomize the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, which goes beyond aesthetic juxtaposition.
Lisa
November 7, 2012 at 9:26 am
Wow. This photo is both beautiful and provocative. There are no words to describe the effect of combining your sense of composition, light, and spontaneity, with a contemporary social realist perspective.
I am a fan of all of your photographs, but I would love to see more like this.
Liz
November 7, 2012 at 9:32 am
such an awesome picture!
http://lavieenliz.com
Rachelle
November 7, 2012 at 9:33 am
love the lighting in that pic.
xo
Rachelle
http://pinksole.com
Michael
November 7, 2012 at 9:40 am
Beautiful light, tonality and colour palette. Very telling picture of society and the gulf of inequality. Made me feel humble and ashamed at the same time. . . .
Maritza
November 7, 2012 at 9:53 am
Why are you assuming the gentleman is homeless or has nothing to eat? Because he’s black and maybe in his late 40′s? Let’s not judge.
Kiera
November 7, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Thank you! I thought the same thing. We don’t know.
michael
November 7, 2012 at 4:07 pm
I am not assuming anything and it certainly is not based on skin colour and, I never mentioned homeless. Look at the grime on the blanket/coat, the unshaven face and dirty upper lip and the boots without laces, and the shiny knees on the denims suggesting that they are in need of a laundry. Is it reasonable to think it smacks of poverty? Oh, and let’s not judge other comments and throw out accusations of racism!
Eric
November 9, 2012 at 12:18 am
No, because of the dirty clothes he’s carrying and wearing. If he was white I’d think the same. We have homeless folks here in Chicago too.
Maybe he’s not homeless. But if he is, it surely points to the ridiculousness of this photo and people commenting about the ‘contrast’ of her shoes (vs. say, his) and the wide difference between where they’ll each be going home tonight and what they’ll be having for dinner.
Michael
November 9, 2012 at 4:32 am
Well said Eric. It still remains a powerful photograph and speaks volumes about Western society and its values. It has also produced some thoughtful comments and observations beyond ‘awesome I need to get some . . .’
KRH
November 7, 2012 at 9:59 am
Hands down for the gentleman!!
Charlotte
November 7, 2012 at 10:00 am
The dark and light in this picture has a whole new dimension because of the story behind it. Excellent piece of photography.
this is Belgium
November 7, 2012 at 10:03 am
maybe they just exercised their right to vote ?
LOLA ROSE
November 7, 2012 at 10:04 am
very very New York City!! Love xo
http://www.tokyofaces.com
comme fraiche
November 7, 2012 at 10:06 am
they’re close to each other on the sidewalk but totally worlds apart
Denisa
November 7, 2012 at 10:08 am
Wow. Perfect picture. I love pics from real live. Great job.
http://www.fashiondenis.com/
Seeta
November 7, 2012 at 10:12 am
Maritza, he’s carrying a grimy looking blanket. His face looks drawn in, in a way much too premature for his age. His fingers seem stiff. Even if he isnt ‘actually’ homeless, he definitely does stand in for the homeless quite well.
After all, a picture isn’t worth a thousand words for nothing.
Masha
November 7, 2012 at 10:16 am
Sasha is amazing! So strong and so sweet. She’s the most incredible girl I’ve ever seen.
Sialsiquiero
November 7, 2012 at 10:17 am
The coat is totally stunning! We love her style!
http://sialsiquiero.wordpress.com/
Chahrazad
November 7, 2012 at 10:24 am
Stunning picture. That man looks like a actor.
x
http://www.cherryfactor.blogspot.com
Anouka
November 7, 2012 at 10:26 am
Amazing shot!
LUXESSED
sergio_loes
November 7, 2012 at 10:28 am
I really love those sneakers. flyknit technology
Jualferx
November 7, 2012 at 10:31 am
Fotos fotos!!!
Margherita
November 7, 2012 at 10:32 am
I like the contrast but not ihn love with it!
http://www.theironyou.com
Lelli Family
November 7, 2012 at 10:33 am
Interesting contrast …. suggestive pic …
Lelli, italian fashion family
http://leolelli.blogspot.it/
Lauren@Styleseer
November 7, 2012 at 10:34 am
Cool shot and interesting social commentary.
http://styleseer.blogspot.com
paxton
November 7, 2012 at 10:39 am
yes..he might be a writer or
painter, or relaxed academic…who knows? We do know though that he has an interesting face….
stylewaffle
November 7, 2012 at 10:55 am
A moment… 2 different people, 2 different lives. Who knows which of them has the more interesting one??
Angela
November 7, 2012 at 11:00 am
I had to smile when I saw this photo, great contrast!
le petit plastique
November 7, 2012 at 11:01 am
Diggin the kicks!
lepetitplastique.blogspot.com
charlotte
November 7, 2012 at 11:14 am
On the heels of the US election, this is a very powerful photo. I’m an admirer of your work, Scott, and of what I believe are your professional ethics. But I have to ask: did the man agree to be photographed? I hope so, otherwise, he has been further marginalized.
Sara
November 7, 2012 at 11:22 am
PICTURE PERFECT.
http://greentea-saragoldar.blogspot.com.es
Nina, ensamstående mamma till Hugo & tvillingarna Max o Vincent
November 7, 2012 at 11:22 am
åh new york!!
monkeyshines
November 7, 2012 at 11:35 am
wonderful layering!
Bises,
monkeyshihes
http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/
Kris
November 7, 2012 at 11:55 am
Beautiful photo, beautiful NY, beautiful Sasha!:)
JV
November 7, 2012 at 11:55 am
This is a powerful photo. I’m wondering, and not in an accusatory way, but I’m assuming you got her permission to publish this. Did you also get his?
teresa
November 7, 2012 at 11:55 am
Love this pic
xoxoxo
http://thefashiondiet2.blogspot.com/2012/11/rider-ballerina.html
Monsieur Marcel
November 7, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Not easy to comment without offending someone’s sensibility, whether from being presumptuous about his circumstances or clueless … If I say, “I like the three button pinstripe jacket over the turtleneck and v-neck sweater plus his knit cap”, it sounds like I’m makin fun of him.
I often walk down Sixth Ave, from midtown to the village and I have seen this man before. I think he’s part of a group of men who sell used books and magazines, just south of 8th st.
melanie
November 7, 2012 at 2:59 pm
thank you for your response. the context you provide helps me process the image. i don’t think you’re making fun of him – he does exude style, yes? and the sartorialist has photographed others that don’t seem to run in posh circles, because of their style, not their money. i do feel the social disparity in this image, but pretending that kind of thing doesn’t exist by “not-seeing” only exacerbates the divide of rich and poor.
une chatte grise
November 8, 2012 at 1:43 pm
The gentleman looks, to me, like someone who is trying to keep his sense of self together under adverse circumstances (the blanket and the condition of his jeans suggest those to me; my sincere apologies to him if I’m misreading). I don’t think it’s making fun of him to notice and respect that.
In that vein, I also appreciate Mr Schuman’s posting of the photo… it’s a pointed reminder of the greatest challenge facing the US: its appalling economic inequities.
Desiree Choo
November 7, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Love those Nike Dunks!
http://thosefuzzyfeelings.blogspot.com/
Kate
November 7, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Love this! Would be a great shot to ask everyone to tell a story about!
Kate
http://www.thrillofthechaise.com
alexx
November 7, 2012 at 12:19 pm
This may be one of my favorites yet.
Elena
November 7, 2012 at 12:33 pm
New York New York!!! Such a huge contrast! Great shot!
Kisses
Elena
http://dcinstyle.com/blog/
Larissa
November 7, 2012 at 12:35 pm
the girl looks plain to me, but the guy is amazing. my heart goes out to him.
Fashion Bags
November 7, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Awesome look, love the tights
Anthony
November 7, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Such pathos. That is masterful.
Florian
November 7, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Nice image, very Paul Graham, which is the best compliment when it comes to street photography!
Wish more fashion blogs would do great quality photography like that.
EVa
November 7, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Amazing photo, love the contrast between the two people and great light!
http://www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com
eugene
November 7, 2012 at 1:44 pm
one of these kids has running water, one of these kids is not the same. i can’t get that electric company tune out of my head!
fashionisserious
November 7, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Beautiful. The light is a strange instrument. Sometimes less is more. The man…
clara
November 7, 2012 at 2:02 pm
love parkas!!
Jennifer
November 7, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Interesting photo…
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
suzy
November 7, 2012 at 2:37 pm
another mind blowing picture sart – when pictures make me feel this way – i just don’t know what to do with myself… lol (and I can’t tell what he’s holding in his hand – toiletries (?) potatoe chips??)
Daisy Nguyen
November 7, 2012 at 3:40 pm
LOVE the TOTALLY different expressions on their faces – so TOTALLY New York!
XOXO
-Daisy Nguyen from PS BANANAS fashion blog:
http://psbananas.com
Gussie
November 7, 2012 at 9:49 pm
nice. love the contrast. it looks like a coincidence but they actually both look awesome
Martine
November 7, 2012 at 10:45 pm
What an incredible picture. Beautiful light, beautiful shoes, beautiful composition. Lots to think about in many ways.
Yongjin Cho
November 14, 2012 at 5:07 am
Do you know those shoes
Lynkez
November 8, 2012 at 2:38 am
I love NY. Hope you celebrate Obama’s victory…beautiful pictures though.
JS
November 8, 2012 at 11:39 am
is the woman in the photo st. vincent?
eleanor
November 8, 2012 at 8:23 pm
This is my favorite game to play: hip or homeless
Betsy
November 9, 2012 at 9:36 am
oh my goodness her outfit! perfect shoes!
http://www.suspironews.blogspot.com
Jennifer Childs
November 9, 2012 at 11:46 am
My comment is in regards to the man in the photograph that, “Sevan” first mentioned.
I believe that he was the subject in a photograph I made a couple of years ago. Though his face is not shown in my photo, his face is familiar as I remember he lifted his head for a brief moment in the frames following this shot:
http://www.jennifer-childs.com/Travel/New-York/14175347_7fCjXx#!i=1076635590&k=Q6QBqbh
I found an irony in this seemingly homeless man wearing an “I ❤ NY” t-shirt. At first I felt terrible, thinking that he is wearing an affectionately toned shirt for the very city where he calls its streets ‘Home’; a city that may have turned its back on him. Then I realized how wrong I could be. How speculative I was being…how maybe this is his choice and that very likely, (given that he was also carrying a bag with the same logo), that a shop owner could have given him these items out of pure kindness. After all, it’s difficult for me to view NYC in a negative light for long if ever, as it was Home for me as well for a wonderful while.
Yongjin Cho
November 14, 2012 at 4:55 am
what’s her shoes
julius
November 14, 2012 at 8:44 am
i still use my olympus mju II too :-)
Paris in Penryn
November 19, 2012 at 9:48 am
Very beautiful and stylish people ~ beautiful jacket and beard ~ and fabulous energy this woman has …
Carla Bispo
April 26, 2013 at 9:37 am
The Best! Your my hero!