Failing to Impress Photo

Photographer’s Note

I normally try not to shoot buskers (with my camera), or give them money but this guy was an exception.

I felt it was different in Ireland...with the tough history the country has had, it seems that busking and begging is something that has been part of the country's culture, and something that I should document.

Here a man was singing terribly to Titanic type love songs, we both felt sorry and entertained by his antics, that we gave him a few Euro.

robiuk, Dpbours, isabela_sor, scobert has marked this note useful

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isabela_sor (42471) 2008-02-07 9:48 [Comment]

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CaptainJack (0) 2008-02-07 11:27

Hi Brendan,

Nice to see you pop back on here once in a while, knowing you've migrated to another site for showing your latest images.

I agree with you on shooting buskers, as it does seem a bit too artificial, but for some of us who might still have a fear of pointing a lens in public at someone's face, they often are a safe topic. The way this guy is holding out his hat upturned emphasises to me the desperation he must be feeling to get 'paid'. The look on the woman tells it all though. The man in the back, who I thought a bit distracting and not really relevant to the scene, upon further review almost has a role to play of its own - with his back turned and appearing to want to get inside the door as if to escape the horrific singing going on. :)

Jack

kasalazar (44) 2008-02-07 11:58

I feel sorry for this middle aged man, I wonder what happened to him that he's forced to do this to earn money. Yes, I see desperation, but I feel something deeper....is it hope??? Contrary to your title, I'm not impressed with the woman's expression, but am more impressed with the guts of this man. I'd be more than glad to offer him a few Euros if I was there. God bless him and his family.

Thanks for sharing, it's very touching.

Peace and light,
Kaye

robiuk (10763) 2008-02-10 11:23

Hi Brendan,
first of all, thanks for a very funny and amuzing note!
Secondly, I think this image will be appreciated more
by those who are into photography, as opposed to those
who are into collecting points.
I'm glad I came across it in this sea of daily updated
pics and wish if I could see more of THIS type of photos
here - but, I can only live in hope...
Cheers,
Robi
PS. Forgot to say that this photo speaks for itself, has
such a quality that can stand even without any photographer's comment and tells me more about life than
many I've recently seen being uploaded here!

Dpbours (220) 2008-02-11 6:54

Hi Brendan,

what makes this photograph is the gaze of the woman with disapproval in her eyes. Wondering if it's about the singing of the guy or disapproving of her inclusion in the composition. :-)

Greetings,
Dennis

scobert (5333) 2008-02-12 18:39

Hello Brendan,
The look on the woman's face is hilarious. Her expression says it all. You have to admire someone like this busker who has no talent for singing whatsoever, be he still has the guts to give it his best no matter how poorly received he is. Very good candid photo!
Stan