I’m not usually one to title an image but in this street photo– the title “Smoking Man”, literal and obvious as it is–seemed to me to be a good idea. There is something about this image shot in Lisbon, Portugal that I really like. I guess it’s the seeming confrontational quality, something street photographers sometimes encounter. But there was no confrontation. I took a few frames as the gentleman walked toward me and continued my street shooting session. I didn’t even remember taking the image but was pleasantly surprised to see it.
Magic & Joy
The magic of photography is that sometimes a photograph communicates in a way that is stronger than the reality of the moment. Not to say that the image isn’t authentic. It is. Just that sometimes a photograph can communicate much more than what you notice at the time of taking. This is one of the reasons photography for me is so compelling. After a lifetime of shooting pictures, I still can’t always predict which image will be the one. I’m often surprised. This is part of my joy in pursuit of photographs.
Lisbon was such a wonderful place to do street photography. Watch for a future Passionate Photographer Workshop here as I work on an itinerary. Can’t wait to get back.
Very nice color, perfect exposure, and I really like all of the hardware with the rails. They balance the colors and softer lighting. The fact that we see his back adds to the photo by not bringing in two many things to focus on. Great shot.
Thanks John, there is something about this shot that I really liked…the mystery I think most of all.