Beggar’s Belief (2016)

I usually don’t think it is correct to photograph Melbourne’s homeless. Many times, I will try and approach them and ask for their permission, or, I will pay them for the opportunity to photograph them. This isn’t always possible. Whilst Melbourne is proliferated with the ‘professional beggars’ – they’re usually wearing better sneakers than you and I combined, there is also many genuine people in need. When I walked past this young man, I debated long and hard whether I should take the shot. He looked incredibly desperate but the photographer in me proceeded to take the shot. I crossed the road and approached him but he was completely oblivious to my presence or my voice. I handed him a $10 note which for a while, he barely acknowledged. But as I proceeded to walk away… he thanked me.