Street Vendors

 It was obviously a slow day for these street vendors outside Giardini Reali and the Giardinetti vaporetto stop. 

The guy in the first few pictures was selling paintings of the local landmarks. He was aware that I was taking his picture but I was grateful that he did not actively pose for me, and after three shots I left him alone.

The second guy was selling basic tourist tat and after spending a little time reading his newspaper he actually moved his chair into a sunny spot and went to sleep, at one point I thought he might fall off his chair but he woke with a start, checked his stall and then calmly leant back and closed his eyes once again.

I imagine that later in the season he will have to keep a closer eye on things as the place will likely be heaving with tourists.

Having looked at these pictures once again I am wondering whether I could pull off the pork pie hat and wayfarers look. I am sure I have a pair of sunglasses like that somewhere...

Music On The Streets

So today I have chosen two very similar images taken 38 seconds apart. I have given them slightly different treatment, the first with split toning and the second in high contrast black and white.

We had stopped for a few moments after a long, hot walk along the river and in this shaded spot paused for a cool drink. We watched/listened to the young busker Mads Jacobsen who was himself on a tour across Europe. You can check out some of his music online at https://madsjacobsen.bandcamp.com if you like a little bit of folk rock.

I wanted to get a shot of some of the customers at this snack bar to give a little more life to the image. I liked the casual stance of this couple as they surveyed the menu to make their choice but then the woman turned and noticed me taking a photo and she looked directly at me. I can't decide whether I prefer the one where they are both oblivious or the one where I am being observed. Both are good pictures though.