“Yes – Who Is This?” Photo

Photographer’s Note

A Day in London – page 26

“Yes – Who Is This?”

Where else would you see such a collection but in a major city. I was lucky to be able to get this higher point of view from the pavement which allows a greater depth to the image. I was very attracted by the curving 'line' that runs through the image from person to person.....something connecting everyone.

Another ‘ensemble’ image – this time from Parliament Square – this is one of those street scenes that never fail to fascinate me – the semi-awareness of the photographer’s presence – the differential looks, those unaware, those intent on going somewhere else – fore, mid and background figures.

This one for me works equally well as a colour or a B&W image – it would be good if you could look at both – the other is in the workshop – it’s always interesting to reflect how our response to an image changes between colour and B&W.

The background traffic line up and the guy’s expression provide the light humour here for me.

The other source of humour and suprise was some of the great one sided conversations overheard from people with mobiles glued to their ears as I walked around during the day - a new 'Cries of London' for those that will get the reference.

bantonbuju, MiguelP, designsoul, Fixfocus, bpelvan, AnimeshRay, alekpet, john_c has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Zepi (22848) 2005-10-09 7:10

Hello Kev.
Très belle scène de rue
Excellent noir et blanc !
J’aime
Merci pour le partage
Amicalement
Sébastien

Furachan (0) 2005-10-09 7:20

Great stuf, Kev,very close structuraly fromthat one in Soho, was it,with all the kinky shop...?
there's a heck of a lot going on but you control it somehow.
The monted bobbie are terrific, the blond woman i straing yuor way woth sme annoyance/surprise and the whole thing is anchored by the chap on the phone.
First class note to top it all off.
Wonderful...
Cheers,
Francis

bantonbuju (48602) 2005-10-09 10:43

hi kev, definitely b&w! fc version speaks too loudly with the colours, and the light is too harsh disabling us to concentrate on the story of the image (yes, this is what came to my mind - every single bit of your "day in london" opera has a story behind! its more than just a picture, it is an installment of the book you have been writting with this series! that's how i see it;
this is the type of photography that fits my bill so perfectly;
splendid work!
best, j.

MiguelP (14324) 2005-10-09 14:08

The slightly upper point of view is the clue here Kevin. I can feel myself like in the middle of this people: We are so similar that sometimes I wonder where the problem of misunderstandings are... Beside, I this kind of photo makes me think in how important we think we are but at the same time how short is life. Very touching photo for me as you see.

designsoul (21394) 2005-10-09 15:02

Hello Kev,
I wonder how you manage to pull so many people, even horses, to the shot, and IT WORKS??? This is something that I would never even think of trying, resignation being the main reason "before the act". I find it absolutely marvellous how the people form a near-triangular continuum, culminating in the funny fellow in the foreground with his cellphone. Your London images are so interesting, so pulsing with that particular London feel I had when I visited... As to the workshop, it was a hard choice... while I love the colour one, I finally opted for the b/w, for one reason: the woman's red shirt was disrupting the flow that the b/w could achieve compositionally.
So I think it was a happy accident you uploaded this b/w here.
Great work again...
Best for the weekend!
Sarolta

Fixfocus (9377) 2005-10-09 17:57

Hi Kev,
The B/W version looks less crowded and busy than the colored version does.Your telelens is nicely compressing the distance between the people so that it seems that there must be any relation between them.
Greetings,
hermann

bpelvan (3786) 2005-10-09 19:59

Hi Kev,
B/W version seems more crowded to me (just the opposite of Hermann). Also this one points out the details more stronger than the colored. I see this one more sharp as well.
Anyway, very sharp and well composed image. Horses, vehicles, people and cell phones looks very joyfull.
Thanks for sharing...
Bulent

AnimeshRay (8886) 2005-10-10 1:08

This concept of ensamble image is very difficult. This one works for me. I don't dare take photos like this...requires quite a bit of boldness in composition.

alekpet (4659) 2005-10-10 3:21

Hi, Kev.

I also think that both B7W and colour work, with the B/W choice slightly better, because my mind wass less distracted seeing those faces. What is rare in this image is that all the faces are beatiful above average, which is rare. And once more, you nmanaged to capture one more of the London specialty, policemen on horces.

All the best, Aleks

recepyuksel (17786) 2005-10-10 12:26

Perfect compo about daily life in London. Coook guzel...Regards..

john_c (24635) 2005-10-10 12:38

Hi Kev,
What a potpourri of images! I love the diversity of people and their activities here. The businessman on his phone - intense - the man and woman perusing a phone or other electronic device, the pretty young woman looking self assured, the police horsemen, and the man in sunglasses. And of course the quintessential London cab. A successful shot which allures and captivates. Great work.
John

[2]

annagrace (2463) 2005-10-11 8:53

I like the B&W for this photo, your POV works well here. Good contrast and I like the addition of the bobbies on horses.

Thanks for sharing, Kev!

Alli

dolin (15647) 2005-10-11 14:50

Hi Kev.
A simple life shot...but excellent result.
Full subjects, the man with the phone, the beautiful girl, the man and the woman, the policemen with horses, the car.....excellent and nice framed !
Very good idea and realization
Fred

nerve (10210) 2005-10-12 8:55

this is brilliant Kev,, i agree with Animesh, its not easy to achieve an image like this..
because it is difficult, and you succeeded it so well!
congratulations really.. a great image imho..
take care..

mrbialy (2568) 2005-10-18 11:40

Hello Kev.
You know what? -this is difficult picture but you are past: congratulation. Many people, subscription, cought moment( balding calling, man with t-shirts answer)- funny, light, composition , quality this all looks really good together. well done. good luck