Peter was on crutches when we met him at Trafalgar Square. He is having problems getting any support from the local authorities as he comes from Southend / Canvey.
I was in London with Nadia ("Homeless Girl" Blog) and Mark Hovarth from Invisiblepeople.tv talking to homeless people in London taking photographs and doing a video interview to get their story and wishes for the future. We met many interesting homeless people as part of a project to highlight the issues of being homeless in the UK. There is a wide diversity of people that end up sleeping rough on the streets. Many find that sleeping rough is better for them than using the homeless hostels. This can be due to a number of reasons but often due to drug users and some agressive alchoholics. London authorities don't want to support people who are from outside their area.
Peter has a problem with drink but was lucid, articulate and friendly when we met him. What ever issues and history Peter may have he needs help.
Both Mark and Nadia who accompanied me on the day have been homeless but managed to get off the streets and turn their lives around and are now helping homeless people with the publicity they generate via their blog and website/s.
invisiblepeople.tv, greenmoonart1, and 8 other people added this photo to their favorites.
John J Buckley 12 months ago | reply
Wow, that face has seen some tough times. Great eye contact makes this really engaging. It conveys a real sense of hopelessness to me. Great capture Mark, and lovely B&W conversion.
greenmoonart1 12 months ago | reply
Powerful photo. I don't see hopelessness. The eye contact makes me think he is a strong, self-reliant person, no matter what his circumstances.
richard*owen 12 months ago | reply
Love the tight crop to the image - really drives home his eyes!!! I agree w/
on the strength that can be seen in Peter's eyes!
VivvieF 12 months ago | reply
A striking image of a damaged person, glad to hear that you are doing some positive work to help
72Potter 12 months ago | reply
the composition is perfect and powerful like your other homeless shots, the strong eyes draw you to the face as stated by others above. the inclusion of the coat and the texture of the hood give context to the portrait.
DonaldOgg 12 months ago | reply
Is this the completion of the ARPS set? This is one of the strongest images I've seen from your set. Great work.
Mark L Edwards 12 months ago | reply
bismarket 11 months ago | reply
Great pic' great subject all shots of REAL people seem to have extra something i can connect with. I suspect i may have shared some of the sights those eyes have seen along with some of the experiences. NEVER write these people off, they are often stronger than us.
Mark L Edwards 11 months ago | reply
dotcomjohnny 11 months ago | reply
Now Showing on the Main DAPA Group Website
Phiggys.com BPE2* @DAPA Group 11 months ago | reply
PG1955 11 months ago | reply
Great shot Mark which really conveys a story
If your image receives 5 “Merit Awards”, please consider adding it to the Dapa Group – Hall of Fame.
MissBWinter 8 months ago | reply
Hi Mark. I manage an outreach team for Connection at St Martins which covers central Westminster including Trafalgar Square. We are reponsible for all those sleeping rough in our locality and we are out on the street every day/night. If you would like to know more about services in Westminster for street homeless people please do get in touch. beki.winter@cstm.org.uk
mark vincent 7 months ago | reply
powerful image for sure