I think this is the first street photo I asked permission for, ever - I saw the scene and thought to myself "how surreal is that", but kept on walking.
Within half a block I kept looking back about three times - until it hit me "I have to photograph this little scene". Finally I managed to get my thoughts straight and turned around, but I wasn't sure if I could get a shot. My instinct told me to adjust the shutter speed of the Leica, just in case - so I did.
The guy noticed me as I walked back towards him, and I didn't think he wanted his picture taken. in order not to ruin the shot I asked him "do you mind if I take a picture - this scene seems surreal" pointing at the upside-down mannequin legs. "no problem" he responded, and I started to frame.
In this case -sort of close-up- I had a problem seeing the edges of the 28mm Voigtlander finder and fiddled around a bit in order to get him in the frame (mind you, the 28 Voigt lines are much easier to see than the 28mm viewfinder lines in my Leica's .72 viewfinder).
During the procedure, he noticed that he is of some sort of interest and moved to the left - I moved back and took a 2nd shot. What you see here is the first attempt.
Comments (16)
Glad you went back. This is a great example of your finest! The tones are just beautiful!
Posted by Chris | June 6, 2006 7:49 AM
Posted on June 6, 2006 07:49
I always go back, cause film's cheap, but regret's are costly...
Posted by Matt | June 6, 2006 8:07 AM
Posted on June 6, 2006 08:07
no more words to describe your talent ... your instinct and luck. the result you got on develop the film... just great.
Did you ever consider something further than web? say .. a BOOK?
Posted by Leandro | June 6, 2006 9:40 AM
Posted on June 6, 2006 09:40
another great shot Markus, I love the composition, the tones and the fact the guy does'nt realise he is in the shot, quite superb, as ever..
Posted by shooter | June 6, 2006 11:35 AM
Posted on June 6, 2006 11:35
thanks y'all
@Leandro - if I can find a publisher, I'm up for a book...
Posted by Markus Hartel | June 6, 2006 12:06 PM
Posted on June 6, 2006 12:06
I really like the shot but I would probably have stepped back a bit to show the manikins butts... but the man's expression and pose really make up for it, if not even more interesting. Gewisse Zufälle sind lustig... I think manikins make great subjects and I always seem to run into interesting compositions. I have posted several.
Posted by franx | June 6, 2006 3:43 PM
Posted on June 6, 2006 15:43
the word is the main msg of the shot . not just from the manekins but also from their hidden relationship with the men's disability. great shot.
Posted by JohnC | June 6, 2006 5:14 PM
Posted on June 6, 2006 17:14
To me this picture is REAL rather han 'surreal'.
I'm pleased you felt to ask in this instance - it yielded a great result. A mix of the approaches gives a very decent feel to an assignment/objective overall.. better than always just snatched candids from waistlevel.
This is one of the more memorable shots from your recent output.
Posted by Jack | June 6, 2006 6:28 PM
Posted on June 6, 2006 18:28
Dope picture.
But..would be more powerful without the background info.
Posted by Ansara | June 7, 2006 12:07 AM
Posted on June 7, 2006 00:07
yes!
Posted by grant | June 7, 2006 2:41 AM
Posted on June 7, 2006 02:41
He probably stepped back out of courtesy, not out of a desire not to be photographed.
Posted by sinnick | June 7, 2006 1:15 PM
Posted on June 7, 2006 13:15
i was waiting for a picture like this. nice.
Posted by Natalie | June 7, 2006 8:20 PM
Posted on June 7, 2006 20:20
a real tribute to you that you haven't had to ask this long. in my little experience i've found that sometimes you have to ask. sometimes you have to ask, but you will loose the real shot, therefore you have to think of a better way.
go markus, go.
Posted by kayne | June 9, 2006 9:56 PM
Posted on June 9, 2006 21:56
Good that you went back and took the picture...this picture have emotions.
Posted by Maran | June 10, 2006 12:06 AM
Posted on June 10, 2006 00:06
I came across your wonderful site via the photobloggies and I've been marveling at your work. Simply amazing photographs you have.
Posted by John | June 13, 2006 5:44 PM
Posted on June 13, 2006 17:44
this site and its photos has inspired me to submit pix from my home turf, namely the sometimes meanstreats of Vancouver,British Columbia,Canada and it's contrasting supernatural beauty and landscapes; anyone interested?
Posted by john | March 8, 2007 2:23 AM
Posted on March 8, 2007 02:23