Dumpster diving at City Hall

[RBSinTo]

As if it isn't sad enough that people have to resort to this kind of activity, the ultimate irony is that this was photographed in Nathan Philip's Square about 100 yards from the seat of our municipal government, the Toronto city Hall.
Converted to black and white in Photoshop.
motorized Nikon FA
Nikkor 24 f2 AIS manual focus
Fuji 100 ISO colour slide
5.6 @ 1/125th

[Tronhard]

Hi Robert:
You are right, it is a sad reflection of the way we have such disparate levels of wealth, or lack thereof. I am glad we have a monetary value put on recycling cans in Canada. In NZ there is none, so often cans and bottles are left in the garbage, especially in public areas. At least the incentive to harvest some value means that they will find their way to recycling plants.

I like the figure on the right, pacing along but apparently eyeing the activities of the main protagonist.

[Shadowman]

As if it isn't sad enough that people have to resort to this kind of activity, the ultimate irony is that this was photographed in Nathan Philip's Square about 100 yards from the seat of our municipal government, the Toronto city Hall.
Converted to black and white in Photoshop.
motorized Nikon FA
Nikkor 24 f2 AIS manual focus
Fuji 100 ISO colour slide
5.6 @ 1/125th

Nathan's Square is such a popular social spot that it makes for good opportunities to scavenge, I'm assuming the person is diving for bottles. I've seen some carts overloaded with bottles in some cities. Nicely captured, would have been interesting if taken at lower angle with the person's face in view, however not all SP requires such close proximity.

[Rebel]

This is a really powerful shot Robert, and some true words spoken to go with it.

[RBSinTo]

Trev / John / Matt,
Thanks for the kind words.
John,
I suppose I could have gotten lower, and even closer, but there was the consideration of the man's self-respect, so I chose to keep my distance, and not intrude, feeling the scene as I captured it told the story well enough.
Robert

[Shadowman]

Trev / John / Matt,
Thanks for the kind words.
John,
I suppose I could have gotten lower, and even closer, but there was the consideration of the man's self-respect, so I chose to keep my distance, and not intrude, feeling the scene as I captured it told the story well enough.
Robert

Robert,

I understand your reasons.

[rpcrowe]

Trev mentions. "disparate levels of wealth, or lack thereof". I agree that is very sad but, it is not necessarily a condemnation of our societies as a whole, often these dire financial straits are the result of abuse of psychoactive chemicals, including alcohol. That in itself may be a condemnation of our society but, it is very often a personal choice...

I certainly do not look down at persons who are drug or alcohol impacted but, I am gratified that I personally decided to no longer consume alcohol in 1984, that was preceeded by quitting smoking in 1980.

I am also gratified that as the result of an extremely painful knee replacement with a defective joint which had to be removed within a month of the first surgery, I used a large amount of Oxycondone to relieve the intense pain in 2000. However, I made a personal choice not to continue with that pain killer as soon as a non-defective joint was installed...

I can see how some folks could get hooked on pain killers, alcohol or tobacco, but I can also realize that it is possible not to remain hooked...

I have nothing against this type of photography but, consider the tasteful way Robert has made this capture the way to do it...

[Donald]

Now THAT is street photography.

I see an emerging political discussion as to what weight one gives personal responsibility for circumstances versus wider policy-making and legislation and its impact upon individuals. But that's not for here, much as I have a lot to say on the subject.

[RBSinTo]

Donald,
Thanks for the comment.
And further to my PM, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Robert