Window Shopping

[Sergio M.]

I liked how this man was peering intently in the window of this store, so I took a quick snap.

I realize this is a back shot and that is frowned upon by some, but I still find it an interesting moment.

Sergio



Voigtlander 40 mm, f/8.0, 1/500, ISO-200, +0.3 EV

[Mike Buckley]

I wonder if the man is taking a picture of a shoe using his cell phone so he can send it to his spouse and ask permission to buy a pair.

[Sergio M.]

I wonder if the man is taking a picture of a shoe using his cell phone so he can send it to his spouse and ask permission to buy a pair.

That's hilarious, Mike.

You know, I never thought of that, but the closer I look at it the more I think you could be right.

Thanks for the comment.

Sergio

[Shadowman]

It works (backview) and would have been so much better without the railing.

[Mike Buckley]

would have been so much better without the railing.

One solution to that issue would have been for the photographer to shoot from a position that would have framed the subject between two of the posts.

[ionian]

A step either way Sergio - just to eliminate the rail that seems to be sticking out of his behind!

My shot of the two girls at work had the same issue. I may be wrong but I wonder if it's something to do with the way our brain works - when concentrating on a human subject it can be harder to evaluate the rest of the scene, especially when you have a split second to get the shot.

I really like the concept and framing. I may look to see if it would work with a bit more brightness in the shadows, as those shoes are key to the shot and they get a little lost with the bright bottom half. A hard edged graduated filter in post may be worth experimenting with.

[flashback]

I like it and I think this image stands (pun intended) on its own strengths. In retrospect and especially with street photography one can always play the shoulda coulda woulda game. The man could have remained there for a long enough period to move and get a better composition. But then again he may not have. Studio photography is to a calm sunny day as street photography is to a heavy wind storm.

[Mike Buckley]

(pun intended)

As if anyone would have thought otherwise.

[Shadowman]

One solution to that issue would have been for the photographer to shoot from a position that would have framed the subject between two of the posts.

Or getting closer if he had enough time, but moving closer might also run the risk of appearing in the reflection and also cropping of the subject depending on the lens used.

[ionian]

Jack is right - it's easy to evaluate these shots afterwards, but you really have no time in the moment. It's still a good shot and the story holds up well within the image.

[FootLoose]

I think you have captured a great moment in street life, Sergio. At first I glance I though the guy was standing on tip-toe and then looked at his feet to check - then I noticed shoes and that sort of linked it all back to the window display. Perhaps he has an infatuation with shoes.

[Sergio M.]

It works (backview) and would have been so much better without the railing.

Yes, I agree, it would have been better without the railing, but you know how it is out there. You're trying to get the moment before it vanishes.

Thank you, John.

One solution to that issue would have been for the photographer to shoot from a position that would have framed the subject between two of the posts.

True, but I just wasn't quick enough. Where I really should have been is inside the store sticking my lens through an opening in the shoe display (ala H.C.B.).

Thank you, Mike.

A step either way Sergio - just to eliminate the rail that seems to be sticking out of his behind!

My shot of the two girls at work had the same issue. I may be wrong but I wonder if it's something to do with the way our brain works - when concentrating on a human subject it can be harder to evaluate the rest of the scene, especially when you have a split second to get the shot.

I really like the concept and framing. I may look to see if it would work with a bit more brightness in the shadows, as those shoes are key to the shot and they get a little lost with the bright bottom half. A hard edged graduated filter in post may be worth experimenting with.

Yea, I wonder if the guy saw this photo if he'd complain the rail was making his butt look too big.

It was a split second shot, and you're right my brain was focused on only getting the instant.

I feel like the jist of what he is looking at in the display is visible and conveys enough to get the story across, but I understand your desire to see more.

Thank you, Simon.

I like it and I think this image stands (pun intended) on its own strengths. In retrospect and especially with street photography one can always play the shoulda coulda woulda game. The man could have remained there for a long enough period to move and get a better composition. But then again he may not have. Studio photography is to a calm sunny day as street photography is to a heavy wind storm.

I don't mind the pun so I won't rail against you.

Yes, it happened fast. I was across the street when I saw him, and he moved shortly after releasing the shutter. I get the analogy of a heavy wind storm. It sure feels like that sometimes when I'm out there.

Thank you, Jack.

As if anyone would have thought otherwise.

Jack is the pun master.

Or getting closer if he had enough time, but moving closer might also run the risk of appearing in the reflection and also cropping of the subject depending on the lens used.

Very good point, John. I'll keep that in mind when working around reflections and using the 40 mm.

Jack is right - it's easy to evaluate these shots afterwards, but you really have no time in the moment. It's still a good shot and the story holds up well within the image.

Thank you, Simon. You've all made some very valid points. I appreciate the time and effort put forth to do so. I also appreciate the humor. It lightened my mood after a heavy work day.

Sergio

[Sergio M.]

I think you have captured a great moment in street life, Sergio. At first I glance I though the guy was standing on tip-toe and then looked at his feet to check - then I noticed shoes and that sort of linked it all back to the window display. Perhaps he has an infatuation with shoes.

Thank you, Greg. It could be he just has to have the latest and greatest in shoes. For all we know he could be the male version of Imelda Marcos.

Sergio

[IzzieK]

What a wonderful exchange between you guys -- just because. If my husband have to ask permission from me to buy a pair or two, of shoes, he's toast. Imelda Marcos, my foot! Anyway, good butt shot! At least it has a story to it one can deduced by a simple shot....

[Sergio M.]

What a wonderful exchange between you guys -- just because. If my husband have to ask permission from me to buy a pair or two, of shoes, he's toast. Imelda Marcos, my foot! Anyway, good butt shot! At least it has a story to it one can deduced by a simple shot....

Izzie, thank you for contributing to the fun, and also for your appreciation of a good butt shot.

Sergio