begging for an audience

[big pix]

A street musician in Portobello Road.........

[sirhc55]

Nice pic bp and the question - was his playing OK

[Killakoala]

When i first looked at this image all i could see was the very top of the picture. It was all B&W and i thought i was looking at a photo from the 60's. Then when i scrolled down and saw the rest of the photo i realised it is recent. Interesting what my mind and memory can do to me

I really love this shot. I wish i had taken it.

Although i do like the colour bit and your look on it, i would have preferred to see it all B&W. That's my preference for a shot like this.

It is an image i have seen in my mind some time previously and i think you have captured a wonderful moment of time there.

[big pix]

Thanks Chris and Steve........Chris I think he was only fiddling.....

Steve after I read your comments I had another look through the series on this street performer and I think think this is an overall better Pix, I have also reduced the contrast with this second image, not sure if it helps or not......... I have done the converson using ACR to process to B&W from the RAW image..........method: set saturation slider to -100 and use the other sliders to ajust your B&W image as you would with colour, very easy, quick, and great control.........

[Manta]

I like them both Bernie but have to admit to a preference for the second one. The softer contrast is more inviting and the consistent tone across the image lets the viewer wander around more as opposed to being led to a particular spot within the shot.

[moggy]

I thought #1 was good but on seeing #2 I think all black and white is better. Nice shot Bernie.

Bob.

[Alex]

I also prefer the B&W version. Great shot.

Alex

[DionM]

Love the mood of the BW shot.

[stubbsy]

Bernie. The full B & W has the old feel Steve refers to and is markedly better. These images are strong enough on their own without resorting to cliched colourised tricks to hook the viewer
(please note this is not a criticism since I have done the same in the past and will no doubt do so in the future).

At the risk of having a foot in both camps, I still think #1 is the better shot, just needs to be all B & W. Reason I think it's better is the greater feeling of irrelevance that the passersby have to me as a viewer and to the performer. In the second shot I keep noticing the lady with the hand to her head and the man on RHS with the plastic bag. The eye is an amazing thing.

[sirhc55]

I am with the others on the full B&W image

[Slider]

Great Shot Bernie. I do like the B&W version but must say the selective colour in the 1st presentation is very clever and effective. Very nice.

[Manta]

You've sold out, BP. Closer inspection of both shots reveal the subtle hints of your Nike sponsorship.

[Killakoala]

Actually, i like both of them as they are great shots in their own right. I really like the crowd walking passed the fiddler. My initial focus is on the fiddler, but as i look longer at the image, i see so much more than just a shot of an old bloke with a violin.

Great images.

[big pix]

thankyou all ..........I thought you would like to see the colour shot.......

[jethro]

I love raw candid stuff, it makes a scene.
J

[stubbsy]

Bernie - colour shot shows your wisdom. B & W is much better treatment. PS went to Tyrrell's today - the '05 whites are fantastic (best vintage I've tried for about 4 years or so). Flash says hi.

[sirhc55]

This may be old news Bernie but I see you are now using the D70s

[big pix]

This may be old news Bernie but I see you are now using the D70s

"YES" ...... my D70 has got the BGLOD or just did not like being on holidays........my son picked up the D70s body from B&H in New York for me while he was on a business trip to the US........I have only had it out shooting a few times as we have been quite busy......