A photograph of a homeless person is a powerful image on its own, but when that same person is photographed with his or her fellow man or woman in the background, paying no attention to the despair only a few feet away, that to me is a much more powerful image.
We always hear about campaigns to help the homeless, but ignorance is never mentioned in any of them. I don't want to change the way everyone thinks about the homeless situation, rather open their eyes and [help them] recognize there really is a problem.
In short, like all of my images, this project will always be a work in progress as long as there are subjects to photograph.
What's next for you photographically?
I'm hooked on photographing people, although I don't think I can lock myself up in a studio for countless hours staging shots. I don't think I have the patience for it, but that could change in the future. So in the meantime, I will continue to walk the streets of NYC and Toronto, expecting the people of these great cities continue to go about their day to day lives, giving me an opportunity to capture every moment. People are fascinating subjects because you never know what to expect and every moment can either make us laugh hysterically or feel immense sorrow. That's the beauty of photography. It's a moment in time and it's up to the viewer to recreate that moment in their minds without ever knowing or meeting the person in the photograph.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Nice interview, and a great find!
2 - Marcia L. Neil
As a tenant, figuring in other people's dreams and nightmares can become oppressive, more so when venturing outside to have fresh air -- perhaps the people want to be paid for their roles in daily fantasies.
3 - danny g
very cool.. great pics..J.G.
4 - Mama Lu
As always - great photos and a great interview.
5 - Chantal
I'm not really understanding comment #2....but thanks everyone...Jonathan is a huge talent!
6 - jezblog
great interview Chantal......yeah comment number2.....? I have occasionally given some money to people living in the street if I am photographing them..... but it completely changes any kind of rapport you can build with them...... people may think you should pay them....... but it is almost impossible to give money and then carry on photographing in the same area... if you are gonna interact with them.....and I understand why JG does not..... it somehow needs to be not as a punter who is about to give them cash..... Jez XX