This is Tony, he currently resides around the area of Old Street tube station, in east London.
He told me it was through the loss of both his mother and daughter to Cancer that caused his downfall into homelessness.
While we were talking to each other he was threatened with arrest for begging, and told to ‘move on’ by a community police officer. He told me this happens all the time. This time though, he was not arrested.
As with many homeless people this guy needs help with drink and drug abuse, he is an alcoholic and addicted to heroin. – It comes with the territory when your long-term homeless.

By the way, he is on the front cover of this weeks Big Issue magazine. Also, a 6×6 photograph of him is on its way to Boris Johnson (Mayor of London) at City Hall, courtesy of moi!

paulyrichard - Tony, A Homeless Portrait

[causey]

Excellent and meaningful photography. Good work--"good" in many senses.

[Ben_Edict]

Paul, this is a strong portrait. You do the story behind the face justice. Also your technique is spot on, wonderful work. It really made me instantly click on the link to your blog, which sports even more perfect images.

Ben

[paulyrichard]

Thanks, guys. Ben, thats where I post all my Homeless Project images.

Did you know, that these guys have less help, rights and privileges compared to 'killers' and 'paedophiles' in our prisons.
I ask, why should our money be wasted on these scumbags' welfare in prison, when they're only fit for the hangman's noose or lethal injection?

[drifter]

Thanks, guys. Ben, thats where I post all my Homeless Project images.

Did you know, that these guys have less help, rights and privileges compared to 'killers' and 'paedophiles' in our prisons.
I ask, why should our money be wasted on these scumbags' welfare in prison, when they're only fit for the hangman's noose or lethal injection?

That's true in the states as well. Prisoners are only required 2 hours of work a day, the rest of the time they can do pretty much whatever, including getting a college education, playing video games, and generally being left to pursue crooked goals instead of being trained to reform.

Stunning shot that goes beyond simple photography!

[Mike.P®]

Nice one Pauly .. good to see you posting these again.

Excellent thought provoking image.

[wildman]

It works and it works well.
My compliments.

[devisor]

strong image and story!

[Sailor]

Striking - really striking. You've outdone yourself, my friend.

Jer

[sam1989]

Fantastic portrait. Also, I've just been reading your blog and am a big fan of your work - can only hope Boris takes notice. Also, out of interest, what lens/filters are you using to take them?

[fractal]

Great street portrait.

[mickey]

Powerful image.
Checked your blog for the first time because of this photo.
You've got some good work on there.

[goddo31]

Really touching image Paul and I commend you for your work. Well done

[mithrandir]

Paul, thank you for continuing to put a human face on what too many of us would too easily ignore.

[paulyrichard]

Many thanks for looking and commenting guys. I appreciate it, especially on a subject like this.

Sam, I don't use any filters. I never do with digital 'cos I don't see the point of limiting light into the lens when the same effects can be achieved quite easily through post-processing. I always shoot RAW images, anyway. Cheers.