"The Point of It All"

In ten years I've never questioned my purpose beyond the gridiron. However, on this day I wondered why I was called to see the things that I see. Not that I mind having a unique gift and job, but sometimes the intensity of some images can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, like a college classmate told me, "J.J. somebody has to do it and it might as well be you". Another former classmate said, "I want to see the world the way that I see it". Those were two of the highest compliments to date in my young career.

Over the past three years I've dedicated a few weeks of photography to the homeless. The formal name for the series is, "100 Degrees and Homeless". I felt like the subtitle to this shoot should be, "The point of it all". It came to mind when I took the first shot. In the first image below I titled it, Mr. Steel. I have no idea if the gentleman below ever knew if I was there. What I do know is that he's a tough man. It was 103 that day. Hot enough to burn anyone beyond recognition if exposed to the sun to long. Each year that I photograph the homeless population I learn something about myself. I've not to look the other way and frown. I've learned that the point of it all is to remember that there is no such thing as an invisible man.

I'd like to hear what you all have to share about the homeless population.

Mr. Steel

Cliff

Bag Lady at the Stop

The Suga Shack

Window Seat

Comments

LGWinstead said…

WOW is the first thought that comes to my mind when I look at those photos. With the countless things we have been blessed with we should be able to show compassion to others because we don't know what has caused them to get to that place. The point of it all is to remember each person has a story. We never know when or if we may be in there shoes. Thanks for sharing JJ and keep up the good work.

September 1, 2010 at 12:12 AM

Anonymous said…

Wow. It's sad to think that years ago, they were someone's baby being nursed, held, & loved. Then, over the course of time or adverse situations occurred and they are now the subject of your photos. They are souls that God loves and they need our help. You captured them authentically.

September 1, 2010 at 9:02 PM

The Measure of a Man.........

the details are below the photos it's a must read story for the men.... The title of this blog maybe familiar to some, it's that of the autobiography of actor Sidney Poitier. When you mention his name the words courage, great, intelligent, daring, brilliant and faithful may come to mind. I've got a new name that replaces those words, Von Johnson. My friend. My brother. My cousin. My new HERO. How and what does that have to do with the title? Yesterday, I observed what it means to live the final portion of your wedding vows, "till death do us part"...... I can't even put it into words how I felt yesterday. The only word that comes close is "helpless". It was one of the rare moments in life where you want to take someone else's pain and throw it down the river and start fresh. I learned what the measure of a man is all about. Can you live on life's edge and handle all it dishes out? Can you stand in the toughest moments of opposit

The Players That You Never Knew

With the opening Friday Night of the 2014 high school football season on the horizon, every barbershop in every small-town in America is probably buzzing with the conversation of who are greatest high school football players of all time. It's a valid question considering the pool of talent that passes through most small towns. People often wonder where these guys end up long after their playing days are over. I've often asked the same question about many of my ex-teammates. Two in particular, Darius Brewnington and Kenny Shaw. If you were an athlete in the early 1990's they were arguably considered two of the most influential athletes in North Carolina's rich high school football history. Unfortunately, like many other high profile athletes life happens. However, even with the growing pains of life every man has his day of redemption. With Darius and Kenny being former teammates of mine I wanted to see for myself who they are 20 years removed from fame. So t

Pete's Road Trip

Two weeks ago my friend Pete decided to take a road trip without me. If you're like me, you're probably thinking some friend right? I guess it goes to show you that like most friendships, we too were total opposites. In our teen years, Pete was always there for my major sports accomplishments. For example, when we went to team camp at High Point University he and I won the 2 on 2 competition for the first time, together. A few years later we won the North Carolina State 3-A Basketball Title, and in my sophomore year of college he was in the stands when I scored my first collegiate touchdown. He and our mutual friend Johnny were going nuts. I celebrated so hard that Lamont Burns had to slap me so that we could kick the extra point. Pete was like a little brother to me. So like any other sibling relationship, I would have never told him that he was my motivation for my many athletic accomplishments. It's a part of the unspoken sibling code, worry your brothers, sis

Vision Beyond The Lens by -J.J. McQueen-

Search This Blog