A Life Photographic: Photographing the Homeless

I have mentioned before about taking pictures of children and how it makes me feel uncomfortable.
I also feel uneasy about photographing homeless people. I know that I am working on a body of work to exhibit for a homeless charity in September but it still makes me feel uncomfortable.
First off can I say that pictures of homeless people is more social documentary rather than street photography. Some may argue this but that's just what I think. It can also be seen as a form of exploitation. For instance someone may not want there photo taken but do it anyway in the hope of getting some money or food. So why do I still do It?

I have a set of rules when taking pictures of homeless people which I try to follow.
The first one is that I will always ask them first and never shove a camera in there face.
I will sometimes offer them money for a portrait shot but if they still say no I will give them the money anyway. I will also explain to them in detail what I am doing and that I am trying to raise money for charity. Most people that live on the street are actually really polite and never rude during the day. There mood may change at night when it gets cold and there is no one around to get money off but generally I find them to be ok.

I am not saying there angels but the most grief I have had on the street taking pictures is just mainly normal folk threatening to call the police or accusing me of being the police. Not sure whats worse.

Just because someone is on the streets due to circumstances does not make them a bad person.
You just got to ask yourself who would you rather trust, a politician or a homeless person.
I guess you would say neither but if you had to choose between them who would it be.

Here are some of my homeless portraits. All consented of course... well except for the dude fast
asleep on the sofa bed.