Here I am, on the hunt again. This time my search takes me to one of Denver’s most historic, yet most dangerous, neighborhoods at night. With 8,800 gang members in 78 gangs, Denver has significant gang problems, and the Five Points District is one of the worst.

In situations like this, one must balance images with safety. Seeing this group outside the mission as I drove down Park Avenue West after dark, I felt that I must at least try for a picture. With my car window open, I propped my tripod against the door with my knee, positioning my little Canon digital camera in the open window. As I came past this group at the mission, I pulled to the side of the street, took one frame, and left quickly. This was not a neighborhood where one could walk safely at night, with or without a camera and tripod.

Do I feel good about doing this? No.

It feels strange to drive by in my rented Honda, warm, safe, and well-dressed, and steal an image of people who live on the street and depend on missions for food and a warm place to sleep.

Is it a good and powerful image? Yes.

This is what I mean about being predatory for one’s art.

References:

Osher, C. N. “2.2 Million Federal Grant to Help Denver Combat Gang Violence.” Denver Post, December 3, 2010. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_16765373.

Wikipedia Article, “Five Points, Denver.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Points_%28Denver%29.