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Categories: Street, UrbanTags: cross-dresser, cutting, homeless, postaday2011, Russell Smith, self-mutilation, shopping cart, transvestite
Russell Smith
I was born at the American Hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. I find inspiration in the lives of so many people from Joan of Arc to Oscar Wilde. While my primary avocation is photography, I also enjoy philosophy, theology and most of all, history. My beloved wife, Robin Anne Smith, who passed away in 2013 is also an inspiration to me. My beloved partner, Dana is also a great support and inspiration to me. I'd be remiss if I did not mention my cats: Maxwell, and Nigel.
even in madness, christy could always find the appropriate bolero jacket.
I noticed the self-mutilation first. Hmmmm….. how’s she doing? Do you know?
I’m sorry but I don’t. I approach people on the street and tell them who I am and ask if I can take their photo. She said she was trying to get into a hospital and said she was meeting a friend to take her there. I told her how to get to Cedars Sinai on public transportation. Sadly all we can do is pray for some people.
I noticed the scars, too and it is sad. You are right, Russell all we can do is pray. It really is amazing the photos you capture, but some of the stories must be difficult hearing.
It is difficult but I think it goes with the territory. I do my best not to be callous and to comfort people who are receptive to it.
This photo is very Sad. I really feel for this woman. Hope she is doing better, but I also think you captured her natural beauty and i hope one day she too, will see it! 🙂
In a sense, I think that can be said of everybody. Most people feel inadequacies that others would never even guess they carry.
At least she has a couple extra purses.
I’ve come back to this photo a couple of times – she is haunting in so many ways.
Nothing could make me happier than that statement, Jo. It means that my work has made an impact on you. Thank you so much!
A picture is worth a thousand words. This is a story in a frame. Every person has a reaction to this woman’s struggle. I see sadness, pain, beauty and even a glimmer of hope. There’s a lot of compassion in your photography. I love it.
Wow – I love this pic. Great work ol buddy!
Thanks, Spunkster! I think it is one of the best I’ve ever taken. If you look closely, and examine it in detail, you will see many interesting things in the photo, some amusing, some quite sad.
“Pizza by the Lice”, I love it…heheh… (Am I the only one to notice that?)
it’s funny how perception and preconceived notions alter the emotions attached with an image. I don’t know Christy and didn’t know anything about the person or self-mutilation- this is the first time seeing this, and I don’t feel sadness at all. I see wonder and curiosity in Christy’s eyes- a moment captured in time. I have built a homeless website for my community’s homeless shelter; I’m learning by now that some people truly WANT to be homeless, despite our lifelines- others so not know they need help.
Thanks for sharing. xo
-Birgitta
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Yes, I noticed the signage- funny, but sad. Kudos for your work with the homeless. Russell
SO NOT = DO not
Oopsy.
Gotcha!
Beautiful portrait. Much of her history is evident in this photo. I’m sure she is a charming woman. I do see the pain in her eyes. I know a woman who self mutilates. She said it’s a sign of either seeking attention or of distraction. In her case it is distraction and being off her anti-psychotic medication. When her mind is going ninety miles an hour she cuts herself. The pain slows down her thoughts and distracts her from her stress. ~ Dennis
Asking questions are actually good thing if you are not understanding something fully,
except this post offers pleasant understanding even.
Thank you for your comments!
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The first cut is the deepest…
Indeed.
This is easily your best from the ones I’ve seen. Its not easy with people is it?
It was easier when I lived in Hollywood. A street photographer couldn’t ask for a better venue. Here on the East Coast, Maryland to be specific, people are fairly uptight. LOL
I found the same thing in Lancaster. Or maybe it was me who was uncomfortable and made others uncomfortable. By the way I used to ride through Maryland on my bike alot. I loved the Conowingo Dam and back roads past there.
My mother and one of my sisters live in Lewisburg PA which is home to a lot of Amish people. The Amish are not famous for being laid-back. LOL