Walks of Life Photo

Photographer’s Note

Taken last 1st November when those who already disapeared are remembered in many countries across Europe, I saw this old man early in the morning going for a walk.
What was his purpose to be out of bed so early I thought? Insomnias? Going out for work? Hum... don't think so! Morning jogging? don't think so too.
The fact is that many old men like this one were out of bed early that morning, and I think are all the mornings. This is their way of facing loneliness after they retire from their jobs, they get out of bed and go to the park, or near bayside and meet each other from a nice chat, to simply observe life growing in intensity throught the morning, or to play some cards.
No money available for big fancy trips this is the way thousands of elderly pass their last years of life, maybe strange for us, but for them maybe the best way of facing this bad feeling called: loneliness.

Added as requested by Jerzy a FC version of this picture, now you can compare FC with B&W version

xavshot, AiresSantos, mikolaj_kawa, emjleclercq, alainh, syd1946, Photo65Net, gary91, elmec has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

trewheeler (1707) 2007-11-11 12:26

Very nice picture. I love all of the patterns here: the facia of the building, the ironwork on the balcony and the plad on the mans jacket (I'm glad he was wearing that on this day). Although some may argue they all clash, I would say that they all work together to make this picture so much more interesting. The hands in the mans' pockets make his journey seem without purpose like he is wandering aimlessly, he reminds me a little of John Lennon on the Abbey Road cover for some reason - perhaps because he is doing it for the "umpteenth" time without rhyme or reason.

This picture could also work as a portrait, but this landscape works very well and I like the sense of scale in the composition.

Thanks for sharing,

TW

xavshot (63373) 2007-11-11 12:27

Bonsoir Paulo
le graphisme de cette photo me plait bien : j'aime bein la façade et ses motifs et le personnage est idéalement cadré dans l'ensemble. Beau n&b
Xavier

danyy (69963) 2007-11-11 14:56

Bonjour Paulo,
une composition en n/b, ce n'est pas habituel.
Je retiens ici, l'originalité de la façade et la vétusté des installations électriques.
Un clin d'oeil sur un retrait par rapport au modernisme.
Regards.
Daniel.

bantonbuju (48858) 2007-11-12 0:10

ola paulo,
as much as i appreciate graphism in b/w photography, i find use of the b/w conversion spoiling the effect here...(most probably) blue azulejos are CRYING for full colour, and the lonely bypasser would not mind walking throuigh the colourful world of seixal...
pitty, wish i could see this image in fc...
have a nice week,
j.

AiresSantos (43298) 2007-11-12 1:08

Ola Paulo
O preto e branco realca a textura deste tipico predio no Seixal.
Magnifica a inclusao do homem. Temos que combinar para uma visita conjunta ao Seixal.
Boa semana
Aires

mikolaj_kawa (31959) 2007-11-12 2:09

Ola Paulo! Wonderful composition. Amazing door, windows and balcony. Wonderful man. Nice lightness. Great effect. Saude!

maki (0) 2007-11-12 3:42

Great, great..., Paulo, nice to see Your pics after some time...
regards,
m

partha (13677) 2007-11-12 5:16

Hi Paulo,
The house looks so brilliant. Human inclusion make it more interesting. B&W conversion is just great.
Regards.
Partha

emjleclercq (14652) 2007-11-12 13:32

I like the scne, but B&W would not have bene my choice since I have always like the azuleros on the facades, even if they were only bichromatic. But B&W surely fits for a link with All Saints day.

All the best,

Emmanuel

ninaL (19648) 2007-11-12 22:25

Hi, Paulo.
Interesting house.
It reminds me one in my district.
Man is well placed.
Best regards. Grazyna.

alainh (35391) 2007-11-14 3:50

Bonjour Paulo
j'ai pris plaisir à visiter ta galerie !!
j'ai apprecié ta replique dans le forum "Cotation" et je partage parfaitement ton avis.
une tres belle image
amicalement
alain

syd1946 (17999) 2007-11-14 10:03

Hello Paulo,
Another well seen street shot!But it not only this,the decoration on the wall seems be the same with his shirt.That makes your picture very attractive.The analogy of the windows and the black and white gives something from the style of the big and old photographer's.

wishes,
Thomas

Photo65Net (43106) 2007-11-14 10:26

Paulo,
Beautiful BW.
Graphics of this frontage are so original.
A beautiful one,
Regards,
JB.

gary91 (15321) 2007-11-14 11:26

Hello Paulo,
Very good composition wgere every single thing is at the right place. This is a typical portuguese house, and I think I am missing the wonderful color of the azules...
The inclusion of this passing man is very good.
Have a nice evening.
Best regards, Christian

berek (29115) 2007-11-16 8:29

Hi Paulo,
impressive b&W composition. I like background and your timing. have a nice day.
Burak Erek

elmec (12194) 2007-11-16 10:05

Hello Paulo!
This compo is without colour but it's very good there!
Perfect show to every details abd geometric lines there!
Very good work!
Best regards!

marietom (32294) 2007-11-17 1:17

Hi Paulo,

Jolie image en noir et blanc. (j'aurais bien aimé la voir en couleur aussi). Bien composée.
Marie

Angshu (34253) 2007-11-21 1:14

Ola Paulo
Great patterns, with the assymetry and symmetry of the windows & door quite striking. This is perfect in B&W. The man is in perfect position entering the frame. Well done!
Regards
Angshu

Manamo (3474) 2008-01-07 20:44

Bonjour Paulo,

funny, I would have had the same comment as Jerzy about the color(after seeing the rest of your gallery on Seixal). But after seeing the b/w, I think you made the right choice. you get better contrasts and you emphasize the isolation, the sadness of being alone. His physiognomy sustain the feeling of loneliness.

Good work,
Marc

CRATEOS (7274) 2008-02-25 1:54

a great presentation with the monochromy make this stronger..in the viewer eyes..super scenario so different from what you presenting amigo...!!!
um abraco

nf