... ...

the hand is very fitting

is it just me or is he disabled? i feel sorry for this guy =(

Low Five !!

Amazing light.

I've never seen such thin legs.

The Thematorium :: What's Weird?
If you go to Ho Chi Minh, and happen to see him, please stop and think... (and I'm not asking you to give money, but it would be nice if you did...)

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Comments

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(234 comments)

hellopoe says:

Oh man oh man Mela.. this pic is both superb and heartbreaking.. I'm really loving your photos lately...
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

lillembutt says:

breathtakingly sad. :(

a feeling of hopelessness.

excellent photo, mela.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

...Ashish.. says:

--
Seen in Fl♥ckr Hearts- post 1- give 5 hearts (?)
Flickr Hearts - Post 1 - Give 5 Flickr Hearts
Commented with SIC
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

the-G-man [deleted] says:

that is a really sad picture....makes you realise how lucky you are.

--
Seen in . : ë : . [Post 3 / Comment 1] [Contëst: Vote Nöw!!!!] (?)
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

...Ashish.. says:

--
Seen next to a fellow photo of Fl♥ckr Hearts- post 1- give 5 hearts. (?)

A Big Fave
Please add this to www.flickr.com/groups/bigfave
Invited with SIC

You are MY WINNER!
Please add this photo to
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Invited with SIC
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Doc macaSTAT says:

wow. compelling image

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

=Tom= says:

Amazing photojournalism. It must have taken a lot of courage to take this one. The b/w toning is superb as well. Wow...I am speechless.

This brilliant photo is like a shooting star, totally unique!

SHINING STAR - Post 1- Invite 1- Give 5 Stars
Thanks for brightening my day, shine on!
=tom=
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

kacholek says:

Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

petit_deray says:

Beautiful Capture Award
Que pena
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

snake.eyes says:

Flickr Hearts - Post 1 - Give 5 Flickr Hearts
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Pankcho says:

This picture is incredible... Very powerful and dramatic, specially because he was looking at you. Reminds me of James Nachtwey photographies...

One of my favorites photos from your stream without a doubt
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

alonsodr says:

Perfect!!

This brilliant photo is like a shooting star,
totally inspiring!

SHINING★STAR - Post 1- Invite 1- Give 5 Stars
Thanks for brightening my day, shine on!

--
Seen in SHINING★STAR - Post 1- Invite 1- Give 5 Stars (?)
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Kingston 12 says:

Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Jose Gonzalez :-)) says:

Flickr Hearts - Post 1 - Give 5 Flickr Hearts

This is an amazing shot... it hurts to view it, but I think these pictures are a must .. my hats off to you for this eye opening shot.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Clear as Crystal says:

Reminds us of the things in life we should really care about instead of complaining about unimportant stuff.

An Awesome Shot Award
You are invited to add this image to An Awesome Shot!
~CONTESTS~ Enter/Vote now
Please tag the photo with "AnAwesomeShot"
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

.oO beth Oo. says:

wonderful capture. heartbreaking and beautiful. really, really... just wow.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Davide Cherubini says:

Very difficult to comment!
I've FAVEd your pic --
seen in the cultural-boxes group.

--
Seen in Cultural Boxes (?)
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

carolt. says:

Flickrs Heaven- Post 1 - Give 5 angels
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Gui_C [deleted] says:

Very powerful image....really heartbreaking.

God bless this man...
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Inner.Eye says:

Flickrs Heaven- Post 1 - Give 5 angels
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Joanot says:

Flickrs Heaven- Post 1 - Give 5 angels
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

icebar ◕‿◕ says:

i like the way his body curves; it's beautiful in a way.
also sad and expressive.
nice job!
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

fotoaparatas +1 says:

Flickrs Heaven- Post 1 - Give 5 angels
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

margolove says:

beautiful and heartbreaking photo, amelia... in all respects. Way to take the theme and wring meaning from it :)
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

memeo1 says:

Your work is brilliant!
This is such a powerful image..... strong, emotional, and bold!
Very touching and heartfelt especially with the direct eye contact of the man and with his hand held open. Great in BW-Thank for sharing!

Your fantastic black and white picture is my winner!
Please add this photo to
flickr.com/groups/bwphotoaward/
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Silver says Ciao ue! says:

Flickrs Heaven- Post 1 - Give 5 angels
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

peater says:

I like how the light throws focus on the open palm, and the only unmangled one, at that.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

westpark says:

striking picture.
[seen in The Thematorium]
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

hannabear says:

amazing amazing emotional capture.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

mezopants says:

Powerful.

Did he know you were taking his photo? He's staring right at the camera!
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

noobits says:

Oh My GOD this is an amazing photograph. I feel the need to hear his story.
You have blown me outta the water with this one Mela, its uncomfortable and heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

urline says:

Flickr Hearts - Post 1 - Give 5 Flickr Hearts
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

MeLa de Gypsie says:

thanks to everyone who have taken the time to view and comment. I was worried people might view this as unethical, to put a man up like this as a freakshow. But I've always believed in the weird and the wonderful... I had difficulty taking this shot too, even I was afraid of getting too close with the subject.

He knew I was taking his photo, he was looking at me, but he didn't make a sound or show displeasure, he just kept his expression like that, the only time he broke eye contact with me was when another tourist couple walked past him and he averted his eyes towards them. I'm not sure if he's used to people taking the occasional photo of him, maybe it's a daily occurrence, but most of the time when I'm there, people ignore him...
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

photoprofiler says:

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

duncanleong says:

It is always sad to see such a sight! Nevertheless it is a Great Shot!!
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

jrcohen says:

powerful

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

flower74 says:

Congratulations on this photo... it´s absolutely incredible!

Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group .
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

dvq says:

You got an incredible thought ! Another inconvenient truth !
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

thepetecom says:

You should submit this photo to someplace other than just Flickr--it should win some real world awards--not just pretty graphics from Flickr groups--seriously.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

MeLa de Gypsie says:

Thanks for that, I will definitely consider it.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

mezopants says:

Wow, mela. You are really brave.

I think you standing there, being stared at by this guy as you take a photo of him speaks volumes. I would love to know what he was thinking as you prepared for this shot.

I propose you saying hello the next time you see him.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

MeLa de Gypsie says:

I did try to acknowledge him. But it's a little hard due to language barrier.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

beetabonk says:

oh my... this is extraordinary.
sensitive yet brutally honest.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

johnwlittle says:

Sad and brilliant. You are a gutsy photographer.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

MeLa de Gypsie says:

Thank you and I'm glad you stopped and looked.

It's something you don't see everyday in our own countries. Believe me, if I didn't have to enter the thematorium I might not have taken this pic.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Pankcho says:

Contest #4: What's weird?

Well deserved
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

thepetecom says:

It seems weird to favorite such a haunting picture, but I want to be able to show this to my wife when she wakes up tomorrow. Again, it's an incredible picture...
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Dunny says:

this photo is amazing...
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

adritzz says:

Hi Mela, after a glimpse of the picture I was going to leave a comment about photographing other peoles misfortune and the ethics behind photojournalism. But then I read your text and I looked at the picture fora while and I realised that somehow you have menaged to give this man dignity and inner strength.Your purpose and sensibility are strongly transmitted by this fantastic picture.

Congratulations, in my opinion it is very hard to portrait poverty and provoke thoughts without depriving the subject of his dignity!

bye :)
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

adritzz says:

ah and I totally agree with you, it is shame that makes us look another way! We feel fragile and unworthy when exposed to extreme poverty!
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

MeLa de Gypsie says:

=) and I'd also like to know what she thinks.

thanks Paul...

At first I was wondering to myself if I was doing the right thing in photographing him and worse still, making this capture public, if it was ethical. There are so many other things I'd like to write here. But I am grateful that people get the story here instead of jumping at my throat.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Jaquelinevanek.com says:

Ohhh damn... this is hard...
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Lucy's 10 Lives says:

i think your photo immortalized him in some way
he is now better remembered by all
no longer silent
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

wakingphotolife says:

I think it's good to document those who are less unfortunate (the homeless, the disabled, etc.). But I'm also against photographing them for personal gain and one-off photographs. For me, personally, it feels almost like exploitation of their image if you're simply photographing and then leaving with that photo without any further attempts to connect with them. Especially as a means of boosting yourself.

There are some people who photograph the homeless and unfortunate, but it's usually more than just an image for these individuals, and they do try to spend connecting with them on a human level outside of the camera. In this case, their intentions are justified in their photos and the context in which they took them.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

tractorpirate says:

Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

MeLa de Gypsie says:

wow!!!

thanks Tractorpirate... I forgot about contests for a while. But this is an honour...
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Ms D. Meanor says:

This is HORRIFYING but a very well lit and composed shot.
LOVE it!
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

ogodei00 says:

this type of things that makes me second guess of my faith..... Anyhow, great capture, BW brings out more pain....
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

alfondc - 亞行者 says:

Aaaaagh!! I feel so sad watching it!!! I can remember the Sebastiao Salgado's work named "The Sahel"....
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

vishy-washy says:

A class capture and a frank view .... of the world we live in -
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

rooper9999 says:

plan to go there next year july,will look out for him ..for me its not weird but a sad picture..of human suffering ...live
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

mariole says:

ce monde est injuste...
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

Joel Gregori says:

Talk is cheap... Other than take his picture and raise awareness to the already known fact that this world is a cruel place, did you do anything for him? If not, that my friend is cheap and you don't even deserve to discuss the topic of a cruel world.
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

juvesauro says:

Make me feel so sad that this thing happens in our world.
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

fourpack1 says:

A very eye-opening picture. But who is the cripple? Him or us for not acknowledging him?
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

sacklowball says:

You should look up god still loves us it kind of like this. Kind of
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

Huynh Pham says:

Oh, my God!!!
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

DaveStef says:

no one should have to live like that
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

Len Langevin says:

You've probably heard this a million times before, but this is absolutely stunning.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

The American Fauxtographer says:

powerful photograph
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

~Thái~ says:

I created a thread about interesting photos from Viet Nam. When I tested the thread by clicking on the Sai Gon link, I found your photo. This photo is incredibly moving and it makes me think of the song "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins. I see the blessings that I have and I try to give to charity but this photo reminds me that I don't give enough. Cruel world it is...

On a side thought, I wonder if his condition is a result of agent orange and it seems too much the case.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

St_Tr_Verkhovensky says:

speechless
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

suggs89 says:

this is a very moving image it makes you think alot.
i love the contrast in the photo think black and whit is suiting for this photo i dont think it would have had the same impact in color.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

Jill .... in Singapore lah! says:

i really don't know how to compose my comment on this photo...it's a great shot really, a good capture of reality...but it's the reality that makes you feel guilty that you are better off while he is there...looking at this photo, i would want to get in and help him out but there is just nothing i can do...i hope someday soon we would hear his story and we won't find him there but some place nice and warm and comfy just like the luxury in life we are accustomed to...thanks for sharing
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

awohlfarth1 says:

Hey, I just started a new group and would love to have your picture in it. Heres the link, Inspiration from the Imagination.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

tropicalrips says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called reflections of life, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

tropicalrips says:

I saw your great picture in Reflections Of Life
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

praatafrikaans has left the building! [deleted] says:

Went to Saigon in Nov 2007 - STUNNING city!!!

I saw this man. Did you give him something ? 50,000VND?
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

MeLa de Gypsie says:

I think I gave him that much or 100,000... because it was equivalent to 10sgd for me...
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

fridaycafe says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Vietnam - Street photography, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

praatafrikaans has left the building! [deleted] says:

Nice photo!
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

beetabonk says:

i just saw him on le loi two days ago... i kind of panicked from knowing your incredible photo and not realizing at first how i knew this man and his incredible face - it was like seeing a movie star our of context. the interesting thing is i didn't recognize him from his disfigurement but from his face alone. it happened to be a day when i was starving because i forgot to bring money out with me and only had rolls of 120 film filling my pockets and my pentax 67. like i do in situations like this on the street i kept walking as i thought about all of this and it was a block or so before i put it all together. i wanted to go back and take a close portrait but remembered i had no money on me and felt uncomfortable not being able to help him even though i felt maybe his ego might gain something from being photographed above the neck. either way my encounter was not remarkable but brought me back to your image which i remember recognizing immediately by the tiles as being from ben thanh market.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

MeLa de Gypsie says:

I am glad the two of you were touched in at least one way.

I am not sure if he would understand the depth of which to be photographed and what impact his story is to the world. He's not the only one in Vietnam on the streets, but he strikes me the most. thank you for remembering.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

schauba says:

What a striking image! My first reaction was to say "Oh, Jesus!" out loud.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

Little Lioness says:

The first song that comes to mind for me is "Struck a Nerve" by Bad Religion:

"There's an old man on a city bus
Holding a candy cane,
And it isn't even christmas.
He see's a note in the obituary
That his last friend has died.
There's an inflant clinging
To his overweight mother in the cold
As they go to shop for cigarettes.
And she spends her last dollar
On a bottle of vodka for tonight.

And I guess it struck a nerve;
Like I had to squint my eyes.
You can never get out of the line of sight.
Like a barren winter day,
Or a patch of unburned green;
Like a tragic real dream!
I guess it struck a nerve.

Every day I wander
In negative disposition,
As I'm bombarded by superlatives
That I am not alone.
Introverted, I look to tomorrow for salvation,
But I'm thinking altruistcally.
And a wave of overwhelming doubt
Turns me to stone.

And I guess it got my heart.
We just haven't got time
To crack the maze!
Like a magic speeding clock,
Or a cancer in our cells;
A collision in the dark!
I guess it strunk a nerve.

I try to close my eyes,
But I cannot ignore the stimuli.
If theres a purpose for us all,
It remains a secret to me.
Don't ask me to justify my life..."

When I lived in Indonesia so many years ago, this sort of image was a common sight. I was just five years old at the time, and am now sixteen and live in Oregon. But even at that age, I understood what it meant when I felt that pang of shock and sorrow. It struck a nerve for me. I was never 'desensitzed' to such sights; you really can't be. There's no 'getting used to it' with this.

Thanks for reminding the world what it means to strike a nerve. We need it more than we think.

--LL
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

Bennington Purcell says:

Fantastically thoughtful image. perverse in its own need for expression.
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

freshflapjax says:

this shot leaves me speechless... very powerful image
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

Justin Goode says:

remarkable photograph .. heartbreaking as well
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Radianman says:

I can't look...I can't look away.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Kabhir says:

Thank you, cam on rhat nieu, gracias...
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

david.bank says:

Oh my God. This is cruel. But a great photo.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Gabrios_LBF says:

very impressive shot!this is the cruel side of life..
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

ylfaure says:

Breathtaking picture. I will go around your gallery to see your work
---------------------------

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Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Zafar Baig says:

Lovely picture, very touching
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

haywardd68 says:

I just can't believe the last two comments! Now I'm speechless!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

letsboogiedown says:

Extraordinarily strong pic.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Fulvio Cavagnini says:

what he said when you took this photo?

anyway great shot
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

thanhuy says:

This photo make me rethink myself a lot. Some one is right, he looks so hopeless, what in his soul that don't have a chance to let out, I don't think I can look directly at him if I was there not because I'm afraid of him but it's just so guilty that while he was looking for a better chance for his day life and we're looking for a better chance to capture his hopeless moment, he probably thinks that after the photo shoot he at least earns something, did you help him at all? it's jsut so sad. I look at this picture and it really makes me cry, it does. I hope that I can do something for him.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Jose A.G.H. says:

Ufff, una imagen muy dura. De vez en cuando dejas a un lado los paisajes, los "gatitos" y te encuentras de bruces con la puta realidad de la vida. Esta foto me ha puesto los pelos de punta. Yo no se si me encontrara alli tendria los huevos de sacar una foto.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

hugoclik says:

this is very cruel x nice imagen
: - (

excellent photo!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

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Additional Information

Taken in Ho Chi Minh, VN (map)
Taken with a Canon EOS 400D Digital.
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Taken on September 26, 2007
Viewed 31,010 times
Replaced on September 30, 2007

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