A Banker Whose Photos Tell the Stories of Bronx Prostitutes

[Bob Michaels]

My preference is not to photograph "working girls" on the job but to arrange for a regular photo session. This allows them to have time to dress better, provides for better backgrounds and better lighting. It also humanizes them which may or may not the photographers objective.

Pam (below) smiled and said she never imagined having her photo made on the front steps of city hall as she had only been photographed in the back (i.e. the police department) She was so thrilled with the big prints that she had me drive her to her mother's house so she could give them to her. Then she asked me for copies for herself.

Ask yourself if you would rather see a photo of a prostitute or Pam, who just happens to earn a living as a prostitute.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Ask yourself if you would rather see a photo of a prostitute or Pam, who just happens to earn a living as a prostitute.

Dear Bob,

Beautifully put!

Cheers,

R.

 

[Field]

This thread is getting funny.

"political honesty" I might just add that to my Facebook quotes! Hilarious.

I am reminded of people that make boring cowboy art in a sea of it, gazillions of pieces... and where mad when Mapplethorpe could put out a piece about fisting and sell it for big mulla - but it was honest, real, not a fantasized world (for him).

 

[jsrockit]

Pam (below) smiled and said she never imagined having her photo made on the front steps of city hall as she had only been photographed in the back (i.e. the police department) She was so thrilled with the big prints that she had me drive her to her mother's house so she could give them to her. Then she asked me for copies for herself.

It sounds to me that you made her proud of herself for a few moments and that is a great thing.

 

[lic4]

Agreed with Mapplethorpe. Which is what I mean by Araki vs this guy. I doubt a thread dedicated to Mapplethorpe would create such snarky responses because of the honesty you mention.

Curating Facebook quotes is funny too. People in your friends list must appreciate that.

This thread is getting funny.

"political honesty" I might just add that to my Facebook quotes! Hilarious.

I am reminded of people that make boring cowboy art in a sea of it, gazillions of pieces... and where mad when Mapplethorpe could put out a piece about fisting and sell it for big mulla - but it was honest, real, not a fantasized world (for him).

 

[Turtle]

I understand a lot of the adverse comments here, but quite simply, would any of the women be worse off for him paying $20 for a photo? It does not sit entirely easily with me, but if he offers and they accept, are they not doing no more or less than plenty of people who take a few bucks to pose for a photographer? As for pimps beating them etc, I suspect they are the best judge of that and I find it a little uncomfortable to feel that there are so many people here who know better than they what is best for them.

Someone said paying makes him as bad as one of the 'johns,' but I would argue that this is a ridiculous assertion.

No, he is not trying to 'save them', but I think this exploitation needs putting into a real world perspective.

 

[kbg32]

She wasn't a banker, but she took wonderful portraits of women in the sex trade in and around Times Square years ago that were eventually published in a book, 42nd Street Studio. Does anyone remember Joyce Baronio?

 

[Ranchu]

I've been thinking about this, I have a real problem with the concept that the exchange of money is indistinguishable from morality. That a payoff releases one from responsibility for one's actions.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I've been thinking about this, I have a real problem with the concept that the exchange of money is indistinguishable from morality. That a payoff releases one from responsibility for one's actions.

OK, think of it this way. You have a casual friend who is struggling financially but has done you favors such as posing for your photos or giving you credibility among their friends. They need $20 and you can afford to give it to them.

Is your decision altered by the fact that they make a living on their backs with their legs up in the air or on their knees?

Or is such a scenario inconceivable to you because you have never actually known such a person?

edit: I should add that I have never EVER paid anyone to pose for a photo. I insure that if I help someone out financially, the photo is always different day and completely their option, not a "tit for tat?.

 

[Ranchu]

That's inconceivable to me because I've never actually (actually?) known 'such a person', Bob. Plus, a completely different scenario than the banker and victims. But you probably knew that, Bob.

 

[Bob Michaels]

That's inconceivable to me because I've never actually (actually?) known 'such a person', Bob. Plus, a completely different scenario than the banker and victims. But you probably knew that, Bob.

Ranchu: actually this is a frequent real life situation for me. I have photographed in a nearby small community for 7 years and know people from the top tier down to the prostitutes and low level drug dealers. And even more know me because I stand out being white while the town residents are totally negro. There are situations where the scenario is very similar to the banker and the people he photographs except I have a closer relationship.

I treat everyone with the same respect and they reciprocate. I make no judgements simply treating everyone there as fellow human beings. I sometimes have to turn around so I am neither approving or disapproving of what is happening. I have helped some out at times financially, sometimes other ways. In return, they have helped me out in ways that money cannot buy.

Bottom line is that we are just all people. We all need to help each other and treat each other with respect.