A scene revisited

[Mudman]

It's not often that you get to revisit a scene with street photography. The subjects move, businesses change hands and a variety of other problems. Luckily enough for me, this guy set up in front of the same shop two years in a row. In 2010, I shot him with my Leica M3 and a 50mm summicron.

It's not a bad shot, but there's detritus and it's from a bit of a distance. An 8x10 crop would probably look fine. Robert Capa had it right when he said if the photo isn't good enough, you're not close enough. Here's a take from 2011 with my Rolleiflex. I think I did better this time. After a few years of shooting on the street for fun, I'm a lot less nervous to go up and photograph a subject when I want to.

C&C always welcome and wanted.

 

[Damaso]

The second one is better for sure, nice to see the progress you made!

 

[Jamie123]

I disagree. The first captures him in a better moment, the harder light hitting his sleeveless arm looks better and the environment with the 'Cigars' sign looks a bit more interesting.

The second one's a pretty boring street performer portrait. It's better from a technical point of view but it's just not that interesting.

 

[xxloverxx]

I prefer the first photo — the second, I think, could be from anywhere with light. The first one shows a quiet place on a hot, sunny day.

 

[oftheherd]

Mudman, either you haven't been posting for a while or I have just missed your posts. Good to see you here again.

As to the photos, I think they can both stand on their own. However, I also prefer the first. I agree with Jamie123, the CIgar does it for me. 😛 Actually, the first shows the performer in/with more of the environment. I like that. The cigar sign, the steel chair, the Bullpen, cigar and chilli sign, all put the performer well inside an environment.

There is nothing wrong with the second by itself. But compared to the first, I don't find it as interesting.

 

[thegman]

I prefer the first, not sure why, maybe just the context of the signs/buildings.

 

[shadowfox]

I disagree. The first captures him in a better moment, the harder light hitting his sleeveless arm looks better and the environment with the 'Cigars' sign looks a bit more interesting.

The second one's a pretty boring street performer portrait. It's better from a technical point of view but it's just not that interesting.

Agreed.

The first one conveys the 'mood' very well.

I am glad for the street performer though, he seems to be better off these days 🙂

 

[Mudman]

Always interesting to get other points of view. They're both good, I think I would crop the top one a bit - the sign on the right bugs me now.

Oftheherd - took a while off from posting. Taking too many photos in real life! Been very busy with exhibits and clients. A good problem to have.

 

[batterytypehah!]

His pose is better in the first, granted, but still I much prefer the second one. The boots, the capo, the tattoo, the extension cord... It's all about those gritty details. Well done.