He Who Pays the Piper, a photo from Manchester, England

Photographer's Note

'He who pays the piper calls the tune'

In medieval times, people were entertained by strolling musicians. Whoever paid the price could choose the music, it's certainly not medieval times, and it's not Scotland either, but Manchester.

Like olden times though, we still have our 'strolling musicians' and several can be found at any time in the centre of big cities.

I loved the grizzled and world weary look on this man's face, the red face, and puffy eyes made me wonder if he'd had a few too many 'drop's of the hard stuff' the night before.

It's a pity he was against such a dull background, and yes, I did 'pay the piper'!

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Critiques | Translate

gringofil (0) 2003-07-23 3:47

Great shot, Mike. I also like his expression...the face looks as if he's been drinking since he could walk (or play the pipe...whichever came first) :-) Yeah, the background could have been better, but at least it's not crowded and you achieved a sort of "studio" look the shot. Maybe a tighter crop around the piper would have been better (cutting the pipe is OK I think). Anyway, well done. Nice slice of life and culture as well.

Lizard-lady (235) 2003-07-23 4:40

Nice shot, Mike. That was my first thought "did he put some money in the hat"?

greg (2835) 2003-07-23 5:36

Good shot, Mike. I like the composition and the background.

SirWilliam (410) 2003-07-23 6:39

hhmmm, nice story and nice colors, but the photo is somewhat straightforward, perhaps also due to the fact that the pipes are 100% visible. This 'tidyness' harbours the dangers of dullness. Perhaps i would have taken the photo differently, standing at the right ( his leftside ) , showing the 3 pipes and his face. Or,if you prefer a headshot, one from the left. Check out workshop to see where camerapoint i am thinking of.

[2] [workshop] [compare]

Aegean (2571) 2003-07-23 6:49

That's a great portrait Mike! Just excellent!

ninadev (5377) 2003-07-23 7:06

Very nice shot Mike, indeed the most interesting part is the man's face. I don't mind the grey background, it's not distracting at all. Thought of cloning the 2 little red spots on the wall near his head ? If it's gone be grey, lets make it all grey.

forlife (892) 2003-07-23 12:01

Wow Mike!so sharp,and the expression....just GREAT!

thien (2112) 2003-07-23 12:07

Very good street shot, Mike. This angle allow the viewer to see his hands and participate into the mood of the picture. I don't think the background is dull but probably it's color does not harmonize well with the man dress or pipe.

Edwin (188) 2003-07-23 12:08

Damn, what have you done Mike, I just can't get my eyes off of this bloke's intriging eyes ;-) Very well done!

ornis (1271) 2003-07-23 17:25

Very well captured expression. Also interesting notes (thanks for that). The background has only the advantage of not being distractive, but the important is ... a very human portrait of scottish tradition (even if it was in Lancashire!)