14 Comments

  1. Glad you acted upon the voices in your head. This is one powerful image. I like how he’s framed with he vertical lines and the face that has years of history etched in it. Well seen, Earl!

  2. Oh, and I’ve heard those voices, also!

    • Thanks, Monte. This gentleman does have great character in his face. If he saw me take this photo there was no indication of it.

  3. Keep listening to those voices! This is a very good street shot. The unplanned feel gives it such a genuine mood. Great shot in my book!

    • Don, thanks. I do try and filter out some of those voices in my head…those that get me into trouble. :-) This voice however I usually always listen to or else I regret it later when I think of the photo I could have had. :-)

  4. What an expression on this man – kind of the opposite of “interested” or “curious” or even “joyful”. He just seems to be looking out at nothing, waiting for the day to be over, like he’s waited for all of the preceding days to be over. He looks sad, I think. Melancholy. Like he’s lost something (or someone). I’d love to know what he’s thinking about at this moment.

    A really good image, Earl. And probably much more effective in black and white than in color.

    • Paul, thanks. I’m in total agreement on your reading of his face. He definitely seems to be somewhere else in his thoughts and gave no indication he even noticed me taking this photo.

      If I had to write a story for him I’d probably say he’d lived here and ran this small shop his whole life…perhaps alone or now outliving many of his friends and family. These days it’s about waiting and dealing with day-to-day business and the tourist.

      The color version of this image wasn’t bad but it really demanded black and white.

  5. Hey, can I borrow that voice? Lately it seems like I am asking that inside voice the question … shoot this? All I get are “no” ‘s in reply. :-)

    • I think sometimes that inside voice get’s stuck on only wanting the “perfect shot,” whatever that is, and has to be reset — you sure you’re listening to the right voice?? :-o

  6. This man has such an interesting face and body language. Relaxed and sullen at the same time. Good choice in the tint, too. Is that sort of a sepia?

    • Ken, I get the feeling this man has probably stood here on countless mornings…while his mind and memories travels elsewhere.

  7. If this is the result of hearing voices, I hope that your voices continue!

    • Steve…I try to listen for these voices but usually first I have to remember to shut up all the others.

  8. Wow – what a powerful portrait! I love how you’ve managed to take the photo without him noticing it, you’ve captured an amazing moment. The sepia tones enhance the atmosphere beautifully. Many, many compliments!