Very good picture! I also try to train my skills in photographing people on the streets. What you discribe is the hardest part of street photography in my opinion. Well done!
With the look on his face, I can't imagine why you went ahead and snapped the picture. I don't think it's good to second-guess how one might feel about having their picture taken.
I have to say that the last time I was in Paris, I was most unnerved by the hundreds of vendors like this guy hawking their stuff...I had a feeling of vulnerability...and clutched my bag and camera just a bit tighter than in other areas...
I also thought of the sociological aspects of this "culture" and thought of how so many of these vendors are part of the world where the people are brought to the country for a price and then have to work off that price selling cheap trinkets like these... it's no wonder he's got such an angry look on his face...
"Non" is most likely not this dude's favorite word—and he probably doesn't respond any better to "Non, merci" either. I agree that you were brave to take this shot, V, but it sure paid off!
This is a very evocative shot.We don't just want to see the pleasant sides of Paris (but mostly). One day outside Notre Dame, some gendarmes brought armloads of little Eiffel Towers and spread them on a blanket for the visiting school children to take. They must have confiscated them from someone and have decided to hand them out free.
Judy Mac, normally I don't take photos if someone does not look agreeable, but these sellers annoy you nonstop and often will engage you while others pick your pockets. They run from the police constantly. I didn't care if they wanted a photo in this case. It was a means to keep them away from me.
Virginia, hope I didn't seem too critical, but I do understand where you're coming from. You certainly know far more about Paris than I do. When I was in Paris last fall, I made a few pictures of Parisians in cafes and such, but I did it in a manner that they didn't know they were having their picture taken. While there, I didn't ever feel in a position where I thought my safety was compromised. One does have to stay alert. I, as well as both of my co-travelers, did have someone try to pull the gold-ring-on-the-sidewalk-at-our-feet scam on us and I either ignored them or just told them no parlez Francais and kept walking. Nevertheless, I'm ready to go back. :-)
Judy Mac, I do understand your comment and while I always try to be respectful or at least snap at a distance these these guys are so annoying, I TRY to run them off with my camera. Probably not a smart thing to do, but it works.
Quelquefois, il faut dire oui.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave girl you are!
ReplyDeleteDid you run most hastily a split second afterwards?
ReplyDeleteIs he on his way to his anger management session?
ReplyDeleteGreat capture!
ReplyDeleteGlad he didn't take that handful of faux towers and hurl them at you!
ReplyDeleteNow that is a worrisome look. I hope you had some company with you, or that you were wearing running shoes.
ReplyDeleteVery good picture! I also try to train my skills in photographing people on the streets. What you discribe is the hardest part of street photography in my opinion. Well done!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from The Netherlands,
DzjieDzjee
With the look on his face, I can't imagine why you went ahead and snapped the picture. I don't think it's good to second-guess how one might feel about having their picture taken.
ReplyDeleteDid he charge you a fee for taking his pic???
ReplyDeleteI have to say that the last time I was in Paris, I was most unnerved by the hundreds of vendors like this guy hawking their stuff...I had a feeling of vulnerability...and clutched my bag and camera just a bit tighter than in other areas...
I also thought of the sociological aspects of this "culture" and thought of how so many of these vendors are part of the world where the people are brought to the country for a price and then have to work off that price selling cheap trinkets like these...
it's no wonder he's got such an angry look on his face...
"Non" is most likely not this dude's favorite word—and he probably doesn't respond any better to "Non, merci" either. I agree that you were brave to take this shot, V, but it sure paid off!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very evocative shot.We don't just want to see the pleasant sides of Paris (but mostly). One day outside Notre Dame, some gendarmes brought armloads of little Eiffel Towers and spread them on a blanket for the visiting school children to take. They must have confiscated them from someone and have decided to hand them out free.
ReplyDeleteHe must be doing well, those are expensive jeans he's wearing.
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious that when you are doing illegal buisness, a photographer is not welcome, however nice she may be! :-)
ReplyDeleteJudy Mac, normally I don't take photos if someone does not look agreeable, but these sellers annoy you nonstop and often will engage you while others pick your pockets. They run from the police constantly. I didn't care if they wanted a photo in this case. It was a means to keep them away from me.
ReplyDeleteVirginia, hope I didn't seem too critical, but I do understand where you're coming from. You certainly know far more about Paris than I do. When I was in Paris last fall, I made a few pictures of Parisians in cafes and such, but I did it in a manner that they didn't know they were having their picture taken. While there, I didn't ever feel in a position where I thought my safety was compromised. One does have to stay alert. I, as well as both of my co-travelers, did have someone try to pull the gold-ring-on-the-sidewalk-at-our-feet scam on us and I either ignored them or just told them no parlez Francais and kept walking. Nevertheless, I'm ready to go back. :-)
ReplyDeleteJudy Mac, I do understand your comment and while I always try to be respectful or at least snap at a distance these these guys are so annoying, I TRY to run them off with my camera. Probably not a smart thing to do, but it works.
ReplyDeleteNo, that's the look you get when you're une touriste américain.
ReplyDeleteOh la! That's quite the sullen glare, they really are a pain in the you know what :)
ReplyDelete