Begging in Traffic

Posted by Twelvebit (Victoria, United States) on 7 July 2008 in Cityscape & Urban.

Austin Image 1

This photo is the first of a series of photos taken during an afternoon and evening in Austin --not too long ago.

You can't read the sign at this size but it says: Drive Safely; Anything Helps; God Bless You; God Bless Austin; Vaya Con Dios. The bottom half of the image is the building behind me reflected in my car's side view mirror.

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Comments (15)

Margie from Auckland, New Zealand

Wow I was really confused until I read your commentary...wondered what on earth had happened to the bottom of the picture. It's kinda cool!

7 Jul 2008 2:00am

@Margie: I wasn't going to explain it, but I thought people might otherwise either find it confusing or think I had Photoshopped some weird image into the bottom. I deliberately composed the shot so that the fact that the bottom part was through a mirror would not be obvious.

Johnnyanne from United States

That is pretty cool. Who would have thought to do that? i like the concept..

7 Jul 2008 8:46am

@Johnnyanne: Well, when what you want is not quite working, I guess you look around for something extra --or different. I noticed that the mirror did not make itself obvious and thought it might therefore be a good element to add to the subject.

Daryl from Amagasaki, Japan

Just mind-boggling... an excellent shot.

7 Jul 2008 9:40am

@Daryl: Thank you.

Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal

I love reflections. Nice one!

7 Jul 2008 11:41am

@Ana Lúcia: Thank you.

Illuci from Hurdegaryp, Netherlands

Great and nice contrast / composition! Symbolizes that in the USA anything is possible :).

7 Jul 2008 1:04pm

@Illuci: Indeed --with possibilities that range from good to bad.

sherri from Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

I'm glad you explained the reflection. I would never have figured it out. People on the streets is all too commonplace and I find it difficult to digest the sadness and degradation. I see the police are concerned. Exceptional image.

7 Jul 2008 1:31pm

@sherri: Well, I wouldn't say concerned --they're just passing by. I don't spend all that much time in Austin but I can't say I've ever seen any interactions between the cops and people on the streets like this guy. I've also never been hassled by the cops in Austin for taking photos, though I'll be posting an image next week of the cops interrogating someone that I did take with a little trepidation. I set up my tripod late one night on the sidewalk across from the UT campus and there were about six cops a few feet away having some kind of bull session. They didn't say a word to me. So, either they're more used to photographers around there, or more tolerant --or I've just been lucky and my experience is unusual. I may find out eventually.

Observing from Local, United Kingdom

I'm glad you mentioned the mirror.. I was trying to figure out what it was. This is a cool 'voyeur' shot, very nice. I like the area too, is that farmland around there...?

7 Jul 2008 1:45pm

@Observing: It's actually in South Austin, a few miles from downtown --but there is lots of farmland if you drive south east for about 30 minutes. What is reflected in the mirror is the landscaping of a fast-food Mexican restaurant.

MadScientist from Düsseldorf, Germany

A complex composition, maybe nothing for everyday, but nonetheless quite cool!

7 Jul 2008 2:06pm

@MadScientist: Thank you.

dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, United States

very cool composition -- love the rear view mirror effect! it is funny -- for most of us, much of life is observed via the windows of a car... this reflects that marvelously!

7 Jul 2008 2:40pm

@dj.tigersprout: I didn't even get out of the car as a matter-of-fact --partly because I didn't want to alert him to my presence.

gbe from kansas city, United States

fascinating shot. not to get too philosophical, but it gets one to thinking how people can be overlooking in a glance.

7 Jul 2008 4:58pm

JoeB from Brampton, Canada

Everything has pretty well being said, but I was glad you explained it, it was baffling.

7 Jul 2008 7:43pm

Sandy from Ontario, United States

Great shot! As you know I am a big fan of reflections! They just fascinate me. Ok easily amused..haha. And if you look closely you can see the outline of the mirror...great job!

7 Jul 2008 9:01pm

@Sandy: It made for a decent transition.

Persian King from Tehran, Iran

Cool, combining the image with the reflection of the mirror. I aways feel lucky when I see these people around free exits. We are truly blessed to have a decent life. Just thinking of their harsh lives, sends shiver down my spine. The world is truly unequal and unjust, don't you think so?

8 Jul 2008 12:11pm

@Persian King: To an extreme so outrageous that it threatens any thoughtful and aware person with an existential crisis.

danthro from Suburbia, United States

cool shot! not entirely sure how to explain why i like it, but i do, and i also like how you included the reflection, makes for an interesting image, both in terms of the composition and the subject

8 Jul 2008 3:29pm