Portraying homelessness is a very difficult and sensitive subject to tackle. Shoving a camera in a vulnerable person's face is not usually the answer. However, it's not a subject that should be ignored either. This photograph of what I presume is a makeshift shelter in urban Paris speaks to the issues in a more elegant and respectful way.
A wonderfully seen scene that plays to the theme in an elegant and creative way. The word 'help' is a great anchor for the image and it has been artfully placed in just the right part of the composition. The rest of the composition and the mono conversion have been artfully considered too. good work!
Trying to express ideas around inner angst and the struggles that sometimes bubble around behind a cool, calm and 'normal' veneer is a real challenge to capture photographically. However, in this instance, the photographer has used a cunning mixture of performance and photography skills to do just that. Good idea, well executed.
I really like the idea of using the urban landscape as a way to reflect the 'life is tough' theme of this assignment. There is something deeply desolate and sad about Sandy's derelict mini-market isolated in this stark topography. Of course, as a metaphor, this may also reflect the way some people feel about life. The skilful mono conversion emphasises this. Good work.
The temporary shrines that pop up under often tragic circumstances are a common feature in the contemporary landscape. They can be an interesting subject in their own right and can speak to the viewer on many levels. The arrangement of the composition and handling of light and colour in this image is great. Well done!
As a metaphor for 'life being tough' this dead bird on the side of the road speaks volumes. There's a tragedy to the delicate, fragile bird which is positioned in stark contrast to the hard, harsh surroundings of pavement and gutter. The black and white conversion artfully helps emphasises this. Good work!
What an amazing concept. I love the skill and creativity that's gone into this image. Packaging and labelling a portrait in such a way that it feels like a piece of commodified meat is an inspired way to address the tough issues around how we 'should' look. Looks that are all too often driven by crass advertising, photo filters and social media pressures. Excellent work!
I love the simple arrangement of the elements of this confident composition. The lone dark figure, shuffling up the street with a walking aid feels like a poignant metaphor. The figure is also perfectly positioned in the frame. The flowers on the doorstep slowly reveal themselves when looking deeper at the photo and add another layer of intrigue to the narrative.
Gosh, there's a lot going on in this image, which takes a while to process. The abundance of flesh colours and tones dominate the scene, mainly coming from the advisement, however, the slow reveal comes from the feet of someone sleeping rough. Naturally, the juxtaposition of luxury and poverty in such close proximity raises myriad questions about the 'society' we live in.
At first, I thought this was an odd photo to see amongst all the other images entered into this assignment. However, despite the polished veneer, there is a haunting sadness in the subject's eyes, and the position of her hands and a sense of quiet, contemplative angst add to the narrative. The titling of the image "First Month of the War" anchors the photographer's motivation and adds nuance. Aside from the content, the photograph has been expertly crafted, lit and composed. Excellent thought-provoking work!
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What scenes of human hardship, distress and difficult lives have you photographed with your camera? Often the most challenging imagery to shoot, the power of the camera has lost none of its potency in drawing our attention to lives less fortunate than our own.