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tatehemlock — Kill The Poor 02

Published: 2008-12-03 12:10:43 +0000 UTC; Views: 2170; Favourites: 6; Downloads: 0
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Description What a strange night.

I tried and tried and tried to get some hooker on Apache to let me take some pics of her but she wouldn't have none of it. I even offered her $20. She was like, "Where?" I'm like, "You stand right where you are and I'll take it from my truck." You ain't coming near my fucking camera . Plus you smell. I pestered her and pestered her and asked her why are you even on the track? She started crying. She said her mom died this week and she lives with her Aunt who is a stripper at Les Girls and is her pimp. I said if you want off the streets I can give you the name of a youth minister at a church in Tempe. He can set you up with some food and a bed and help you get on your feet. Get off the fucking track. One of these guys is gonna pick you up and rape you or kill you or give you AIDS or worse. He's a cool dude and he used to be in the Manson Family but he'll get you off the street silly. But she finally told me to fuck off.


So then I hit the Circle K at Apache and the 101 and filled up and gave the homeless dude at the bus stop $5 to let me take his picture. So I shot a bunch of pics of him. While I was doing it this black guy and girl in a little car drove by me a couple times. The thought crossed my mind that maybe that this was actually that girl's pimp.


So when I left and pulled onto Apache they suddenly came up behind me and then alongside me and I slowed down so they slowed down and I looked at them and they were trying to say something, so I sped up and then they sped up. So I slammed my brakes right about where the post office is there and they shot past me and then slammed on their brakes too but then I slammed into first and came right on them, switched into second gear and started pushing their car down Apache so they tried to speed up and I slammed it into like third and spun their car completely around and took the fuck off. I turned right on McClintock, bolted past Irene's new digs and turned on the street where Four Peaks Brewery is, then I cut over to University and took it to Hardy and made my way home. Fuckers. I assume they saw my camera and all that jazz and were thinking they could rob me or whatever the fuck they were thinking. Maybe it was the girl's pimp. Don't know. I don't see any damage to my truck because it's a bit bigger than their little piece of shit. I hope I fucked their car up.


Anyway, I'm really into this shooting the homeless now. I want to shoot more. So far I have been threatened two or three times, I have been robbed once (just money though, whew!) and now I have gotten in a fucking car chase!!!!! Man what a rush.


And I have 6 days sobrierty and goddamn this bottle in front of me looks good. But I'm taking the meds again instead.
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Comments: 74

tatehemlock In reply to ??? [2014-03-17 22:00:47 +0000 UTC]

Sooon I hope to take more like this

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anamaniac [2008-12-06 04:00:36 +0000 UTC]

Interesting.
I've met some interesting homeless individuals...
Have you ever had a crack whore ask you for a cookie? If she wasn't such a bitch, I'd love her for that. Plus her pimps awesome, guy looks about 120 pounds.

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tatehemlock In reply to anamaniac [2008-12-06 08:54:13 +0000 UTC]

I have actually met a number of interesting homeless people. The most interesting was Homeless Bob who nicknamed me "Slim" and used to somehow magically have sex with all the hot chicks in town and convince people to give him money, drugs and a place to sleep all the time. Used to confuse the hell out of me. I'd be like, "How the hell does he do that?" And then I'd be like, "Wait, Bob just got me to give the last $20 in my pocket." ?!?!?!?!?! But he was cool. He used to pop up all the time and get me blazed.

I think he was a magician.

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anamaniac In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-06 12:58:37 +0000 UTC]

On noes!
Get that dirty hobo black magic away from me!

Sounds like fun... expensive fun. The homeless in my last city were awesome, but now all the homeless around my place are crack/meth addicts... bastards stole my cans from my back yard (about $400+ worth).

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tatehemlock In reply to anamaniac [2008-12-07 10:28:14 +0000 UTC]

Yeah around here we have shit tons of meth heads. Can't stand them.

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ltstkr [2008-12-04 08:49:20 +0000 UTC]

I'm not sure if this is an attempt to document or... I'm more interested in the story than the photo, honestly.

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tatehemlock In reply to ltstkr [2008-12-05 09:57:31 +0000 UTC]

Don't get me wrong because I do love my photos of some of the beautiful models I shoot. Some of those girls I just love to death. I just want my photos to mean more. I know I'm not the best photographer out there and I am still learning and trying to become better. But I still sometimes feel that there isn't much depth to my photos. I want the naughty photos to have passion. I want the photos to interest people beyond the surface appeal. I want them to be interested in the subject. I want them to have a story and some meaning.

Years ago I lived in my car for a month. I know what it's like to have nothing and to have people ignore you. At that time I had a friend who offered me a place to stay so I moved in with him and his wife and the three of us pretty much did nothing but drugs. We went our sperate paths and each in turn quit using drugs. I have 14 years sobriety (not counting alcohol cuz that's one demon that still fucks with me) now. My friend also has about a decade sobriety and he did so through the church. One of the things he does is volunteers on weekends and feeds the homeless in a shelter in Phoenix. I hadn't seen the dude in 10 years and we ran into each other and he learned that I'm a photographer and I learned about his life in the Church.

Now I'd taken a picture of a homeless dude in front of the liquor store one time just cuz I thought it might make for a striking image. In fact, it's still one of my faves. After running into John I thought about it and thought that maybe I should try shooting some different subject matter and see if I can find what it is that draws me to photography and what I ultimately want to do with it.

I don't want to change the world. I just want to understand why I am in it. Why do some things fascinate me and why do some things horrify me? Why am I so emphatic about some things and completely apathetic about other things? Doing photography is not always fun but I have to do it.

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ltstkr In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-05 20:43:21 +0000 UTC]

i think what would have given this shot more depth is to back up and give some context. killthepoor #1 gets good detail in his face but has been pulled back to show a little of his environment and more expression. i like the tone in this one, the grain is perfect for the urban environment, but it lacks what #1 has in the human quality. in the end, go crazy and shoot as much as you can so you can tell a story. get your money's worth, i guess. you have some very impressive work in a more controlled studio/commercial environment, and wouldn't be alone if you were to cross over into documentary photography from more glamorous subject matter. mary ellen mark, a seattle photographer, went from taking photos of street kids in seattle to taking personal photographs of celebrities in hollywood. her work is incredible.

both of the narratives that you provided, with the photo (#1) and with this response, are very powerful. i think if you would have even given some context to the shots, you would give the subject more dignity by telling his story. the shot i want to see here is the liquor store sign glowing in the night like a symbolic beacon of his and millions of others' disease.

thank you for such a thorough response, by the way. you obviously care a lot about your work.

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tatehemlock In reply to ltstkr [2008-12-07 11:42:54 +0000 UTC]

I've checked out Mary Ellen Mark's work online now and surprised I am not familiar with it. Something I intend to research more since her website seems to only cover a small portion of what she has shot.

I am hoping that as I shoot more people I meet on the streets that I can dignify more. So far it's been a little intimidating and I have had many of them get angry with me for asking. I'm gonna keep searching and hopefully start to become more comfortable with it and maybe then my approach will be such that more are willing to open up for me and let me tell their story instead of just doing it for the few bucks I am offering them.

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ltstkr In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-07 21:04:09 +0000 UTC]

i've found doing things like going out with a few people--just out to have a good night--is a good way of making it a less awkward proposition. also, carrying a prosumer-type point and shoot that's less intimidating than a big d-slr helps, too. i guess, act like a tourist instead and if anyone asks, tell them you're a student. not really lying, from a certain perspective.

the best documentary photogs sometimes spend at least a little bit of time getting to know their subject before photographing them. if you haven't seen it, check out war photographer featuring james nachtwey. he's the best in the business (arguably) and says a lot in his interviews about his approach to photographing sensitive situations.

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tatehemlock In reply to ltstkr [2008-12-08 16:28:09 +0000 UTC]

Well I've read a lot about Diane Arbus and her approach to photographing her subject matter. I think maybe sitting with them and talking with them for a bit might help bth of us in terms of getting the photos I want.

Actually I still carry my student ID for that purpose. Some places and people get bent out of shape if they think you are a professional photog shooting without a permit but soon as you tell them, "Oh no I'm an art major and here's my syudent ID. This is for Advanced Digital Photgraphy II" they pretty much go, "Oh sure." LOL

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ltstkr In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-08 20:55:23 +0000 UTC]

that's funny about the i.d. ...probably a good tactic! i coincidentally just found an old student i.d. of mine.

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tatehemlock In reply to ltstkr [2008-12-11 11:32:15 +0000 UTC]

Trust me, it generally works. If anything they'll just kick your ass out and you won't get a ticket or arrested.

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ltstkr In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-12 19:19:11 +0000 UTC]

yeah, i think i could still use that cover. i don't have an up-to-date school i.d., though.

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tatehemlock In reply to ltstkr [2008-12-18 04:33:45 +0000 UTC]

Ahh see mine has no date on it. And it still looks like me so it works!

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ltstkr In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-21 18:53:18 +0000 UTC]

good times then!

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tatehemlock In reply to ltstkr [2008-12-22 01:46:24 +0000 UTC]

Yep! LOL

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brewgirl [2008-12-04 06:15:33 +0000 UTC]

Wild & crazy night. Congrats on sobriety!
This is an awesome photograph. I am so glad you are doing more of these. Just be aware of your surroundings/those around you. I am a hypocrite when it comes to that, I get lost in the moment way too much. I actually set alarms on my cell so I stay on task. I am a true dorko!

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tatehemlock In reply to brewgirl [2008-12-05 10:08:32 +0000 UTC]

You rock! I am so glad you found and watch me on here.

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brewgirl In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-06 06:22:51 +0000 UTC]

Ditto! You are an amazing artist.
The benefits: so much in common!
If I rock, do you roll?

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tatehemlock In reply to brewgirl [2008-12-06 08:33:28 +0000 UTC]

Indeed I do! I knew I liked you first time you found me on here.

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brewgirl In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-09 01:06:14 +0000 UTC]

*big smile*
You are the coolest.
I am glad I found you too!
You are no longer lost.

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tatehemlock In reply to brewgirl [2008-12-09 10:59:32 +0000 UTC]

Oh I am still a little lost LOL But I'm glad to have found you on here. Do you post on other sites too?

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brewgirl In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-17 02:03:10 +0000 UTC]

I have not posted on other sites.
I guess I have not checked into it.

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tatehemlock In reply to brewgirl [2008-12-17 06:09:57 +0000 UTC]

Flickr gets some good hits. There are a lot of photogs on there. Not as fun as here though

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brewgirl In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-18 03:54:02 +0000 UTC]

I will check it out.

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tatehemlock In reply to brewgirl [2008-12-18 03:58:34 +0000 UTC]

Yeah you can see how fun it is by the fact I have maybe 10 pics up LOL

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brewgirl In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-19 02:12:57 +0000 UTC]

Ha!

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tatehemlock In reply to brewgirl [2008-12-22 06:15:44 +0000 UTC]

One of these days I'll add more...

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brewgirl In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-23 04:20:18 +0000 UTC]

...one of these days!

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tatehemlock In reply to brewgirl [2008-12-25 03:30:54 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, soon-ish, the last experience has me re-thinking my approach. But I met this guy who does film and we have been talking...

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Igellkott [2008-12-03 23:40:55 +0000 UTC]

man, i wouldve liked to see that car chase. and their car after it.. they deserved all they got if they tried to rob you and shit.

the photo is good, i like the effect you used to make it seem like an old photo from ages back.

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tatehemlock In reply to Igellkott [2008-12-05 10:18:00 +0000 UTC]

Well give me a few weeks and I'll be out again looking for some more to let me shoot them.

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Igellkott In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-05 10:39:29 +0000 UTC]

a few weeks it is ^^ i just hope u dont get robbed.

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tatehemlock In reply to Igellkott [2008-12-05 11:04:28 +0000 UTC]

Yeah I hate getting robbed. I been robbed three times in my life. Gah.

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Igellkott In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-05 23:03:49 +0000 UTC]

robbing... is not exactly worth it.
i wonder what theyd do if you swung at tripod at them...

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tatehemlock In reply to Igellkott [2008-12-06 08:26:31 +0000 UTC]

When people lead desperate lives they think less of others. Or not at all.

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iwantimac2005 [2008-12-03 23:37:10 +0000 UTC]

man you are amazing ... all that stuff happens to you ? next time just go with someone else , sometimes 2 is better than 1 you know , we dont want nothing to happen to you or your lovely camera .... keep the awesome job !

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tatehemlock In reply to iwantimac2005 [2008-12-05 10:17:26 +0000 UTC]

Yeah if I can find another photog crazy enough to go with me LOL. You go to admire those guys taking photos on battlefields and stuff. Wow.

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MelodiousWriter [2008-12-03 14:42:00 +0000 UTC]

Wow. Your story is.............................?
Wow.
Do you have a death wish or something??? Maybe you should learn some techniques for handling wepaons and close combat. Wow.

Oh, the picture is great, by the way. I love how grainy and dirty you made it look, as if from a WWII film. I love it.

Stay safe and hire some muscle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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tatehemlock In reply to MelodiousWriter [2008-12-05 10:25:22 +0000 UTC]

Kinda crazy huh? Well, thsi is the life I have chosen for myself. Good or bad. Whew. You can understand why I've kinda spent a lot of time here just clearing my thoughts. This might interest you from my blog on My Space:

[link]

So someone expressed surprise that such a horrendous image could possibly be my favorite. That photo has haunted me since I first discovered it in TIME magazine sitting in the lobby of Planned Parenthood. Ken Carter's story itself fascinated and repulsed me. The idea of receiving such accolades for documenting misery was something I also found intriguing.

I pitched a story idea to Tom Brevoort at Marvel Comics years and years ago and the story revolved around that photo. The story was called "The Diminished Man" (from the Donne quote "Every man's death diminishes me because I am one with mankind") and was basically Carter's life in the Marvel Universe only it had a happy ending and he didn't commit suicide. Brevoort liked the pitch and the sample script pages he asked for but it languishes in my filing cabinet unfinished. One of my songs, "The Man Who Faded Out" was initially called "The Man Who Was Diminished". One of my most recent photos "And Now The News" basically embodies elements of the same theme. It's something I return to again and again.

So anyway, it gave me the idea to start a blog to introduce you to my favorite photos and photographers. You may or may not see their influence in my work. Sometimes I am discouraged when I fail to see it. But sometimes I see it in unexpected places.

The original TIME article that I read in 1994 about the life and death of photojournalist Kevin Carter can be found here:

[link]

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MelodiousWriter In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-05 14:46:03 +0000 UTC]

WOW. This is long. I'm gonna have to come back and respond later when I have more time, sorry. WOW. THAT"S LONG!!!

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tatehemlock In reply to MelodiousWriter [2008-12-05 22:14:13 +0000 UTC]

I used to be a writer. I sometimes relapse. LOL

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MelodiousWriter In reply to tatehemlock [2008-12-24 04:16:48 +0000 UTC]

You used to be a writer??? I' mcurrently working on a sci-fi novel.

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tatehemlock In reply to MelodiousWriter [2008-12-24 07:11:43 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, used to. If I rant now though all I do is rant LOL

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MelodiousWriter In reply to tatehemlock [2009-01-02 06:34:06 +0000 UTC]

Really? Whatever works.

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tatehemlock In reply to MelodiousWriter [2009-01-05 10:31:54 +0000 UTC]

Oh I meant if I WRITE now all I do is rant LOL. Man I can't spell or write sometimes

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MelodiousWriter In reply to tatehemlock [2009-01-06 13:10:05 +0000 UTC]

Ooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I do that from time to time.

Writing is hard if you aren't sure HOW or WHAT you're gonna be writing about.

i should write something new and post it here, it's been about several months now...ouch.

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tatehemlock In reply to MelodiousWriter [2009-01-10 11:32:54 +0000 UTC]

I used to write a LOT. But then I got sick of writing what I had to write about and had trouble finding the words. Once that happened it's like all my ideas disappeared...

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MelodiousWriter In reply to tatehemlock [2009-01-12 13:18:58 +0000 UTC]

It sounds like you discovered a black hole in yourself.

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