Helping a Stranger

By this point, the police officer has noticed that I have been taking photos. You can see him coming toward me, his hand on whatever he is carrying at his hip, his shoulders back, glowering and ready for a confrontation. He asked, “What are you doing?” I said, “I am taking pictures” (as though he couldn’t see this). He asked, “Do you have to take pictures of this man?” I said, “Yes,” and hoping to defuse the situation, added, “I’m a sociologist, and I’m documenting how people help each other in Vienna.” He grunted and turned away. This photo really completes the series, as this individual was acting as the guardian of the community, placing a barrier of protection around the participants in this little drama.