Inspiring Photo: I NEED HOPE #9370356

I NEED HOPE

Uploaded: November 10, 2009

Description

A Homeless Man Blends In With The
Crowd In A Mall Across My City.
He Buys A Cup Of Coffee
And Sleeps Over A Newspaper That
Is Open But Not Being Read.

Homelessness Has Grown By 50%
In This Past Year In Calgary, Alberta.
We Are The Most Prosperous City
In Canada Per Capita.

IS THERE HOPE FOR THEM?

~ ~ ~

The Leading Causes Of Homelessness Are:

Alcohol Abuse
Drug Abuse
Tragedy and Mental Illness.

This one hits home for me as I have a family member on that list.

(Thanks to google today I read an eye full on this issue for Calgary.)

Look Up: " Homeless Stats (your city) " to learn more.

* * *

TV 1/8 AV 5.6, Unsharpened and Frac Filter Applied

(Re-enter People) June 2010

Exif: F Number: 5.8, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/8 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 17.30 mm, Model: Canon PowerShot SD800 IS

Comments

Nancyj E. Hovey November 10, 2009

OH MY GOSH, Laura, what a fantastic image, poem and presentation... when I first glanced, I said, oh, she has posted a photo of Jesus! Holy Smolley! I really like the treatments, and the emotions from this image...
and I too have had one on the list of homeless - for five years...until the light appeared in his heart...then his life changed! thank you for sharing this one, my dear! awesome! 8o) #1203358

Laura E. Swan November 10, 2009

Gosh, Mumj. I sit in silence. Honored.

Thank you so very much.

#8120130

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer November 10, 2009

OMG! What a heartbreaking image!
It is a very emotional provoketing (I hope these are the right words) image in many ways, SSSL.
A Native American Medicine Man once said to me: Be kind to everyone you meet. It could be the creator in disguise.
And look what Nancy just wrote!
It is so awful to think of the lack of heart there is in many societies, especially the rich.
You've created such a powerful image and statement (again!) here, Sis.
Fantastic job!!!!!!!! I also love the treatment! This ought to be heavily rewarded. #8120137

Tess L. Yee November 10, 2009

Wonderful image with an excellent message, Laura.

The park where my 'kids' live (the squirrels) is very near a homeless shelter. Because I get to the park in the early morning hours, I often see the prior night's guests on their way to wherever they're going.

Later in the day, I might hear a parent 'explain' the behavior of some of the park's 'day guests.' More often than not, the parents paint an image of the homeless as monsters...not strangers around whom children should be observant and cautious, but creatures that are somehow less than human.

I'm not certain what saddens me more. The state of homelessness, or the state of fear that perpetuates this fragmentation of humanity. #8120144

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer November 10, 2009

Sorry: The Creator! #8120147

Laura E. Swan November 10, 2009

I'm really enjoying your responses here you guys. Thank you so much.

I have been involved with the "TOUGH LOVE" program in the past and we learned that in order to BOUNCE BACK a person needs to hit rock bottom...and we ALSO (sadly) learned how easy it is to stay NEAR the bottom (like most homeless) but not reach the revelation stage that they need to make a comeback.

It's so complicated.

But we do know that as humans, we are all connected.

My Mothers Favorite Saying that she ABSOLUTELY LIVED BY was:

"KINDNESS IS ALWAYS APPROPRIATE".

She passed away nearly 25 years ago and he words still ring in my heart every day of my life.

Thanks again all. I have a poem to share with you. Hang on! I'll get it!

#8120205

Laura E. Swan November 10, 2009

I wrote this some time ago and many of you have seen it already. Here it is again...in light of what Mumj and SSSKiki have said about other possibilities!

* * ANGEL IN DISGUISE * *

Have I Ever Passed An Angel On The Street?
Was He Hidden From My View, Or Did We Meet?
If We Spoke Was I Gracious? Was I Kind?
Or Did I Pass In Haste, Just Leaving Him Behind?
Oh Lord, Did I Miss A Blessing In My Day?
Did I Turn Away An Angel That You Sent My Way?
Help Me Lord To Open My Heart And My Eyes,
The Next Stranger I Meet Might Be An Angel In Disguise!!!

by: Laura E. Swan Jan 16, 1999

Hebrews 13:2 - Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. #8120210

Douglas Pignet November 10, 2009

It's a sad thing...Great capture of this person who is down & out...Well done. #8120221

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer November 10, 2009

What a beautiful poem, SSSL. My throat is all lumpy... #8120238

Monnie Ryan November 10, 2009

Wonderful, if sad, capture, Laura! Perfect for the theme! #8120275

Ann Coates November 10, 2009

Wow! What a great capture of true life and sadly it is the same no matter what country we live in. We all have our homeless and this image will touch many and hopefully make them think about the plight of others less fortunate. Well done Laura. Your effects are awesome. #8120497

Christine Lobsinger November 10, 2009

Oh My God Laura.

I am speechless.

A lump in my throat that wants to make way for comments on all the things written here by you and our friends...

THIS image you made and the treatment you added is perfect for the Monthly Theme.. it is a Favorite for me!

THank You Dear Laura!

CHRISTINE
SWM #8120570

ROLAN NARMAN November 10, 2009

A fantastic storytelling image for the MT sister Lulu! Excellent capture, treatment and presentation! Unfortunately we have a lot of then in Manhattan too! Breaks my heart! Hope all is well with you! #8120599

Gord MacEachern November 10, 2009

Well you have left me speechless Laura!
First, fantastic image and story and secondly your poem is just so awesome, it should be published somewhere. Perfect for the M/T!!!!!! #8120621

Max Aureli November 10, 2009

Holy Cows!!! #8120658

Ron McEwan November 10, 2009

Terrific image, speaks volumes Laura.

That lady is Shirley; she is kind of short to start with, which really helps with the perspective too. #8120666

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna November 10, 2009

Awesome journalistic portrait, Laura!!! Super effects!!!

The buzzards are there...little specks around the hotel on the hill!!! :-) k #8120700

Ann Coates November 10, 2009

Just love Max's comment. #8120704

Laura E. Swan November 10, 2009

I am here with you guys. I'm just listening to all of you.

Thanks to each one.

Yes Max. HOLY COWS. HA! You're so funny!

-Laura #8120712

Max Aureli November 10, 2009

.... Ann I am already depress what else I can say??? ... #8120714

Laura E. Swan November 10, 2009

Max...you need a cookie. Here. :)

Myspace Glitter Maker #8120861

Max Aureli November 10, 2009

I think you shot him outside the Wallstreet market, Laura!!! He looks he had lost all the stocks!!! :-)) #8120874

Nancy J. Locke November 10, 2009

FANTABULOUS capture, Laura, and so heartbreaking. I also saw the Jesus metaphor.

You take my breath away!!!

Hugs, Nancy J Locke #8120885

Nancy J. Locke November 10, 2009

And how beautifully you write!!!

Hugs, Nancy J L #8120889

Val Feldman November 10, 2009

A long time ago, Ms. Laura, you wrote me an email and mentioned that you had a poem that you hoped you could one day use on an appropriate occasion. That poem was "Angel In Disguise". What better poem, with such poignant, touching words, could be more applicable to your visually moving and thought-provoking submit of today? Can't think of nary a one...Excellent image, excellent work, excellent social commentary that got us all thinking about that next possible Angel In Disguise we pass on the street. Well done! #8120921

Ann Coates November 10, 2009

Oh Max, Laura, he needs something stronger than a cookie! #8120927

Liz blahh November 10, 2009

Quite beautifully presentd! #8120973

Joseph N. DiGilio November 10, 2009

I always find images such as this sobering. I often whisper a silent prayer and remind myself that, "There but for the grace of God go I". Very nice work Laura. #8120998

Stephen Zacker November 10, 2009

A very poignant image #8121041

Laura E. Swan November 10, 2009

Last to first:

Thank you Steve- Those are the best kind, no? #8121054

Laura E. Swan November 10, 2009

I agree Joseph.

Thank you Liz! :)

Any suggestions Ann? OH I KNOW! He likes Irish Guinnes!

Here, Max. Feel any better?

Valarie, you have such a wonderful memory! You are right! I remember our conversation, too. At the time I thought a really old wrinkled up quiet person was what I was looking for...but alas...how would we EVER know who it might be. Maybe this time it was him?

Hi Nancy. Your comments are very kind. Thank you! :) VERY MUCH!

Thank you to each person here. I totally value each word.

#8121084

Tammy M. Anderson November 10, 2009

Very moving and wonderful image, Laura. Excellent work. #8121116

Annette Carr November 10, 2009

Laura, you captured the essence of a moment in this man's life. I know about mental illness and homelessness, it has touched my family. In fact if you are mentally ill it is a fear that you will be homeless.
Your poem is poignant. All too often people pass by in judgment. Tough love is true, judgmental attitude is another. Such a touchy subject. Such a emotional and timely capture. I like the artistic effects. #8121489

Barbara Waldoch November 10, 2009

Terrific image, Laura! #8121526

Maria Warren November 11, 2009

omg sis.woooow I just seen this photo and wanted to tell you this is so amazing woooow I love everything on this photo. I cant stop looking at it #8121579

Tiia Vissak November 11, 2009

a great MT image! #8121588

Renata Gusciora November 11, 2009

Fantastic portrait and presentation,Laura!Great MT entry! #8121642

Laura E. Swan November 11, 2009

Thank you Tammy, Annette, Barbara, Maria (((HUGS!))), Tiia and Renata!

I really appreciate what you guys are saying about this one.

I've been wondering all day where this fellow might be right now.

-Laura #8121645

Graham Robards November 11, 2009

Sad shot but a fitting one for the theme little sister.

It is so sad when there is no hope! I love what the Frac filter did, a good capture but sad.

When I was in Calgary walking towards the Chemist I screamed as a body moved underneath a blanket. Had a heart attack I did! There were half a dozen people just sleeping on the sidewalk! ~Pat #8121851

John Connolly November 11, 2009

A sad, but superb theme entry Laura! The low key lighting and effects really fit this ourstanding capture! #8123132

Laura E. Swan November 11, 2009

WOW! Sis, that's quite a story! I bet you were down somewhere close to "The Mustard Seed or The Back Door". Lots of homeless there as it's close to the meal and sleeping centers.

* * *

John, Thank you! I worked on this image for quite a while trying to get it just right with the cropping and PS/Treatments. Thanks for noticing! :) #8123303

Jack R. Perry November 11, 2009

Amazing shot Laura, I wish I know how to help those folks, it is beyond sad the life paths they chose that brought them to this point. It is the internal hope they must assert for themselves that will finally bring them to a different place. Many give freely of time and money; and our governments do as they can but that will only provide another day not the long term solution. #8123619

Laura E. Swan November 11, 2009

Thanks for sharing your feelings here Jack. You have made very good points.

-M.L.
#8123643

Patrick Rouzes November 11, 2009

A very, very powerful portrait of hope, Swanee! I see this everyday in my line of work & it is reminders like this that we all need to do something about this concern! Extremely well done & coming form you, I know it is from the heart! #8123939

Tommy E. Burgess November 11, 2009

Wow Laura, what impact this capture has!! #8124155

Ellen Hodges November 12, 2009

This outstanding image is a wake up call for all of us, Laura! #8125631

Tammy Espino November 12, 2009

My man is an alcoholic, my nephew goes to AA and my brother and wife abuse prescription drugs!! I am the sane one belive it or not! This is an awesome image!! #8126134

Laura E. Swan November 12, 2009

Last to first:

Tammy...that's such a bummer. But the HOPE of it all is that AA is helping your nephew and that YOU are a pillar in the eyes of those around you no doubt. Even if they don't show it right now!!! Keep being a shining star and you never know who might turn to you later for praise and recovery support! :)

Yes, Ellen...It sure was for me when I took this image (and others) of him.

Thanks Tommy. That means a lot to hear.

Hi Paddy! I know you have a huge heart too...something breaks inside when we see folks suffering like this. I wish no one ever had to die and I wish no one ever had to suffer.

Thanks all.

-Laura (Swanee) #8126181

ronda chatelle November 13, 2009

Magnificent expression and description Laura! A quick favorite for me! Amazing exposure and reflection of real life! A winner in my book! Wonderful work!!! #8129772

Z. Banu November 15, 2009

Wow Laura I'm speechles!outstanding image very well done.. #8132052

Laura E. Swan November 15, 2009

Thank you so very much Ronda and Zaanat!

Your words are very meaningful to me! I very much appreciate your visit!

-Laura #8132095

Patricia A. Casey November 16, 2009

Hi Laura, just started to look at your gallery and this shot caught my eye...beautiful execution of a heartbreaking topic....well done! #8134717

Laura E. Swan November 16, 2009

Thank you very much, Patricia, and thank you again for the wonderful adventure yesterday down to Phantom Ranch! :)

-Laura #8135928

Elizabeth A. Marker November 16, 2009

Wow! You are such an awesome poet as well as photographer! Wonderful image and great choice of effects!! #8136840

Laura E. Swan November 16, 2009

You've added smiles to my world tonight, Elizabeth. Thank you so much for all you said here. I'm glad you found your way to my gallery and life today.

-Laura #8136972

Mitch Spence November 21, 2009

Beautiful work on this dramatic portrait, Laura. #8150559

Marisol Pastor November 22, 2009

Fantastic capture of this unfortunate man Laura. Great treatment, great message, great MT entry. The number of homeless has gone up in Spain also as a reselt of the crisis. #8152843

Susan Jane Allen December 15, 2009

Great work here! Loving my browse through your gallery! Admire your creative use of various filters and you've pretty much sold me on the Fractalius Filter! Was searching online for any free versions, but sadly no... I'm considering spending money! #8216748

Laura E. Swan December 15, 2009

Hi Mitch, Marisol and Susan. This is truly such a sad and true depiction of so many lives. Thank you for your kind and sensitive remarks and response to this one.

Yes, I know Susan. I feel the same way about the frac filter. It's terrific and takes time to master but is worth it. Each image is different so it wont look good one some things, unless you really try all different levels and styles. Even still it may not...So it's a lit of work with some images. The makers know they have a good product so people pay!!!

I hope you will get one. You won't regret it.

Thank you guys again!

-Laura

#8217632

Janice Mezzacappa January 25, 2010

Laura you captured the true feelings of such a sad subject in society...we are all effected by this as you can see here in all the comments...but at the same time some completely turn their life around and what an inspiring moment in life to witness...thanks for sharing your outstanding work!! #8328424

Laura E. Swan January 25, 2010

I'm so glad you found this one, Janice. It means quite a bit to me.

Thanks for everything you said. You are so right.

-Laura :) #8329123

Nancy L. Green April 04, 2010

I always wonder the story behind when I see images like this, VERY thoughtful image my friend!! <>< #8509385

Laura E. Swan April 04, 2010

Hi Nancy!!! So glad this one caught your eye. We were all in a food court together in a mall. He was oblivious to the world...I almost didn't dare take his picture but I had to. I could feel his despair so strongly. I had to capture him.

I appreciate the visit so much. :)

-Laura #8509714

John Connolly April 04, 2010

This image has not lost any of it's impact since you posted it last October, Laura. A heart wrenching image of utter despair!! #8510004

Randy D. Dinkins April 04, 2010

Great post, poem and thread. Thanks for the reminder. Very apropos this weekend. In addition to those we see in the streets, there are so many that may not be there at this moment, but hanging on by a thread in this economic time. #8510047

Patrick Rouzes April 04, 2010

An emotion-filled image & still a WINNER in my books, Laura! Would make a remarkable poster addressing social issues in our society! #8510289

Laura E. Swan April 04, 2010

Thanks you three. I will enter this one again tonight. I feel it's worthy, too. Thanks so much John, Randy and Paddy for expressing the impact you felt too.

Paddy...that is a great idea. Wonder who I could pass it on to that could use it to make a difference. Maybe I could send this thread to them so they can read your words and see it DOES have impact.

For the first time ever I will add more shots of him here. Brace yourselves. There are needle marks all over his hands. :( I'll see if I can find the other images.

Will post them if I am able.

-Laura (Swanee) #8510440

Laura E. Swan April 04, 2010

* * * #8510455

Brett Dolsen April 05, 2010

A very moving image and great treatment Laura! #8510662

Laura E. Swan April 05, 2010

Thank you Brett! :)

-Laura #8510714

Carol L. Fowler April 05, 2010

Terrific image- the dark somber tones match the mood perfectly. #8512721

Ruth E. Foster-Lindsay April 05, 2010

Outstanding Laura! Fantastic work! All I can say is Wow! #8512873

Annette Carr April 05, 2010

Looking purely at the art, I think your crop was perfection.
Entertaining angels, what an incredible poem. I was just explaining that section to my partner. You have a gift for the spoken art as well as the visual.
I am moved by his pain, which you captured perfectly. A perfect picture places you in the scene, and I am right there, feeling his utter hopelessness. May he find his way back. #8513362

Laura E. Swan April 05, 2010

Carol, thank you so very much. :) Technicals meant a lot to me with this one.

Ruth, WOW back! Thank you!!! I'm very honored.

Annette, (Smiling here.) Thank you so much for noticing the crop. Someone on BP taught me the importance of a tight crop for more effectiveness with many images. I love passing on that tip. It's helps me so many times. The tip was true for this one and you picked up on that!

My Angel poem was written after I had learned that verse in Bible study 11 years ago. It just flowed right out of me...I felt bad and wondered if it was true...Had I ever met an Angel and left him behind? It was a haunting little poem for me and it, too, was homeless in my life. I searched and searched for the perfect image to attach my poem to...to make it complete for me.

When I stopped looking, Mumj and Kiki wrote what they did on this thread and I knew this is where the poem belonged. It just fell into place! Ever read "Embraced By The Light"...? Amazing little book about a lady who actually died for a while and came back several minutes later to tell an incredible story. Part of it was that she learned that God sends Angels (In the place of, say, a homeless person) as a test to us. To see what we will do. If our hearts extend to them or not...

So far it seems that all of us here have been touched by this image. Our hearts have hurt for him. It's the right place to start. I have regrets that I didn't approach him and ask if he needed help but I trust that posting this here was my mission. For awareness. Where it takes me, or any of us, from here, I will trust, too.

Yes. May he find his way back. This was taken a while ago so maybe he already has? :) I hope so.

Thank you so much, all of you, for your comments and care.

-Laura #8513392

Ellen Hodges April 06, 2010

Wonderful capture and poem, Laura! Both really bring a response from the heart!! (sign of true art) #8514244

JO ANN CLEVELAND April 06, 2010

Very touching image Laura, truly an image that tell a story ....

jo ann c. #8514470

Annette Carr April 06, 2010

Laura, as for your regrets, I have something to share. Here in Phoenix there are always people, on many corners, asking for help. And somehow I just know when to help. And truly it is not very often, but I feel certain that it is right or not right. Your poem, your photograph, touched many people, I agree that was your mission here. #8515139

Laura E. Swan April 06, 2010

Hi Ellen, Jo Ann and Annette!

Thank you ladies. So much. :)

Everything you said really means a lot to me. Much appreciated! And okay, Annette. I will rest assured. :) Thank you.

-Laura #8515143

Laura L. Gonzales April 08, 2010

Oh Em, the title fits this image perfectly! You can see it all over his face. What an emotional capture. They ARE in need of such hope. Some people pass them by everyday, and this is someones son, uncle, brother, father, nephew, cousin or friend....it could be someone I know, or happen to me...my heart goes out to each and every homeless person. Thanks for posting this Laura, and passing on an awareness that the homeless population is growing, and what can we do to help. It is confirmation for me. I hope to see this again. Hugs, Laura:) #8521285

Laura E. Swan April 09, 2010

Laura you have the most dear heart. Thanks for each word above!

-Laura #8521340

Laura L. Gonzales April 12, 2010

You're most welcome!!!! Blessings~~~~Laura:D #8527505

Danny B. Head April 13, 2010

Such a touching image... It's is an outstanding capture of feelings or in this case "numbness". #8531132

Laura E. Swan April 13, 2010

Hi Laura Lee! :) xo

Thank you Danny. Nice to see a nice face in my gallery. Yes...well I can tell you this was an emotional image for me to take and I almost didn't. This fellow seemed very tired and despondent but the vibe I also pick up on was total despair. You actually did, too. That makes it worth it for me.

Thanks for your comments!

-Laura #8531910

Toni Riggs April 15, 2010

Wonderful portrait! #8536029

Laura E. Swan April 15, 2010

Thanks Toni! :)

-Laura #8536034

Karen Kessler April 18, 2010

That is so sad. You captured the emotion here. Great photography & DDR work. #8544851

Laura E. Swan April 18, 2010

Thank you Karen. #8544889

Chris N. Sweet May 17, 2010

A very moving image Laura, you captured the emotion perfectly, well done. #8618314

Laura E. Swan May 17, 2010

Thank you Chris! Very much my friend.

-Laura #8618320

Nancyj E. Hovey June 08, 2010

Glad you resubmitted this.... fantastic image! 8o) #8677752

Laura E. Swan June 08, 2010

Thank you!!! :) And good morning!

-Laura #8677858

Kerry W. Willis September 06, 2010

Moving image. Very. My guess is if you give it another entry maybe even in black and white it will place in the contest or at least it should. The emotions it evokes is powerful. #8885161

Laura E. Swan September 06, 2010

Gosh, Kerry. Thank you so very much. I truly appreciate your feedback.

Yes. I will enter it again. B&W is a good idea, too. Thanks!

VERY nice to have you visiting my gallery. :) Always happy to see a new face appearing. Glad this one effected you. That was my hope.

-Laura #8885711

Julianne Bradford February 03, 2015

Excellent..great message girlfriend #11239206

Amalia Sylvia Arriaga Salinas July 24, 2015

Very dramatic image Laura!,
Great effects too!,
Amalia #11336809

Teresa Burnett July 30, 2015

A very touching and saddening image and write, Laura!! I live near Olympia, WA and the number of homeless there is staggering for the size of that small city! #11339466

Laura E. Swan July 30, 2015

No one should ever be homeless or not feel safe. It's horrible and heartbreaking. Today we are giving away free furniture to those less fortunate. I think its important to look into our lives and hearts and see what it is that we might be able to do for someone else. If not right there on the spot then giving clothes we don't wear anymore or something. Nancyj once mentioned working in a soup kitchen. It's a good idea. I just discovered a place in the City here called, "Women in need". That struck my heart. I'll be looking in my closet again next. :)))) It is something I can do.
Thanks everyone,
Laura :) #11339614

Emile Abbott July 31, 2015

What an emotional capture and words, Laura. #11339989

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