an ethical dilemma

Ethical Dilemmas: When the Lens Confronts Reality

Street photography is all about capturing life as it is—raw, unfiltered, and honest. At its best the photographer blends into the background, discretely documenting the essence of everyday life. But at its worst, there can be blatant invasions of privacy, with little regard for the people being photographed.

In what camp do we fall in when our lens turns toward those living on the streets - people whose circumstances have led them down a different path than our own? In answer, perhaps the intent behind the image becomes a key element. Are we shooting to acknowledge their existence, perhaps with a goal of shedding light on an uncomfortable truth? Or is it simply an invasion of privacy, capturing someone’s hardship under the guise of ‘art’?

This is a question I continue to struggle with. Like many photographers, I’ve walked city streets, camera in hand, and come across vulnerable individuals. Each time, I wrestle with the same dilemma: Do I turn away, ignoring an uncomfortable reality? Or do I take the shot, perhaps saving for a future use that may in some way highlight an issue that too frequently ignored?

There seems to be two camps of thought on this - one where the photographer exploits the vulnerable for personal gain, and the other believing that these individuals deserve the same respect as anyone else. By ignoring their reality, could the photographer be adding yet another insult to their dignity?

‘Down Time’ - Taken at distance with a longer lens, I was drawn to the figure relaxing in the sun and was initially unaware that the person was likely homeless. In this case the story has no need for identifying features, thus maintaining anonymity.

The Case for Acknowledgment

Some argue that by photographing these situations we bring attention to the issue of homelessness - sparking conversations, inspiring activism, and even humanizing those often ignored by society. If an image can make someone stop, think, or feel something, isn’t that a powerful force for good?
Photographers like Lee Jeffries have approached the subject with deep empathy, engaging with their subjects, learning their stories, and making them active participants in the image-making process. When done respectfully, photography can give visibility to people often pushed to the margins. (see Time Magazine article on the work of Lee Jeffries).

I’m also reminded of a beautiful image and story I’ve referenced in the past, from photographer Cole Thompson. He shares a moving tale about an interaction with a homeless person - one that led to the unforgettable photograph below. You can read (or preferably listen to) the full story [here].

‘The Angel Gabriel’ - Cole Thompson. Here the photographer has interacted and harnessed the authentic character of the subject. This is amplified by a compelling story that envelopes the image.

The Exploitation Concern

On the other hand, let’s be honest—sometimes these photos aren’t really about the person or their situation at all. They’re about us: the photographers, the viewers, the ones who get to contemplate suffering from a safe distance. A striking image of a homeless person might win awards or rack up social media likes, but at what cost? Are we elevating awareness, or just exploiting someone’s hardship for the sake of art?

Then there’s the issue of consent. Just because someone is in a public space doesn’t mean they want their struggles put on display. Unlike the general public, a homeless individual may not have the same agency to refuse a photograph—or even the ability to see how they’re being represented to the world.

At the end of the day, every person deserves respect and the chance to maintain a sense of dignity.

A Question of Intent

So, where does that leave us? Maybe the real question is: Why are you taking this photo?

If it’s to tell an uncomfortable story, or inspire change or simply just to acknowledge existence, there are ethical ways to do it. Engaging with the person, asking permission, allow the subject to be part of the decision-making process . Excluding identifiable features to protect anonymity may be another way to help preserve the dignity of the individual.

But if we are shooting to simply capture the aesthetic of hardship, maybe it’s worth pausing and reconsidering. Posting images at the expense of the vulnerable does not make you a great photographer, it makes you an uncaring one.

‘Neglected’ - I took this image, struck by how society has seemingly become numb to the issue of homelessness. By preserving anonymity, I believe a level of respect for the individual remains while still conveying a story of neglect.

Photography has the power to reveal truths—but also to exploit them. Maybe our role isn’t just to document, but to question, connect, and ensure that in capturing someone else’s reality, we’re not merely consuming it - we’re respecting it. Surely, that’s better than turning away and pushing aside uncomfortable truths.

I often avoid photographing people experiencing homelessness, worried about appearing insensitive and concerned about how such images might be received. But that doesn’t mean I lack compassion - I fear that ignoring their circumstances does them an even greater injustice. Their presence is impossible to overlook, and their stories deserve to be heard.

What do you think? Should subjects like this be off-limits, or is it our role as photographers to navigate the fine line between acknowledgment and respect? And if we do capture these images, how can we present them in a way that raises awareness while still honoring the dignity of those we photograph?

I’d love to hear your own thoughts on this.