Approved

[Pete Askew]

I was originally intrigued as to why these Japanese tourists were taking photos of each other in a backstreet of Plaka against Graffiti. Just as I took this shot an elderly gentleman, out walking his three dogs (a rare sight in Athens - although there are many dogs roaming the streets, few appear to be associated with an 'owner'), called across, in English, "is that a Leica?'. I turned and walked over to him while affirming that it was. We then stood and chatted for about 45 minutes and he explained that the reason for the special interest in the graffiti in this street, while not the finest to be seen in Athens, is that it was sponsored by the state. It is obviously in a guide book. At least a Japanese one!

This gentleman was born in Athens and spoke several languages, including German (his first, second language) and English and had lived in several countries before returning to Athens, where he now lives with his three, ex-stray dogs. For a significant part of his life though he had lived in New York and was a publisher. Among the many books they had produced was a famous, and award winning book, titled The Gardens of Pompeii. His name is Aristide D Caratzas, Ari for short and I enjoyed my time talking with him. Hopefully I will bump into him again some time in the future while wandering the backstreets of Plaka. Then I'll ask if I may take his picture, along with his three canine companions, and talk some more.

Leica M9 + Leica Summilux M ASPH f1:1.4. ISO 160, 1/125s at f1:5.6. PP in LR / Nik ColorFX Pro 4.

 

[Peter McCullough]

wow, love the kind of soft looking effect from that great photo Pete, very soothing actually. I like this a lot, beautiful photography...!

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks Peter.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Good shot, with the patented Askew glow, and a fine story. There are parts around here where, "Is that a Leica?" would be a prelude to a mugging. Do you have any of the graffiti down the street a bit?

 

[Pete Askew]

Not from this time - maybe before. I got distracted from heading that way by talking with Ari and then he steered us towards a good coffee shop and went on his way.

 

[Brian Moore]

Delightful Story, Pedro. As Rob said it has the patented Askew Glow, which is so nice and soft. (Those Japanese people sure are small...)

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks Brian. Masters of miniaturisation!

 

[Brian Moore]

Pete I have noticed in a couple of recent posts, including (and beginning with) my image of the bar staff, that you have expressed interest or mentioned the reasoning behind the taking of the photo. I like the notion of trying to understand that.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I think we could all do with giving a bit of context to our images...

 

[Pete Askew]

Yes, the idea emerged a few conversations back and I decided to try to do that more. To try to indicate what it was that prompted me to take a particular image.

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

I, VERY SELFISH OF ME STARTING LIKE THAT, BUT I LIKE THE PICTURE VERY MUCH WITH ITS SOFTNESS AND THE PEOPLE SCATTERED ABOUT AS WELL AS THE STORY. Now if an image conveys a story or if we ad more to the story than the image is able to convey, well I think that we make it all the more interesting to the viewer. It's not always a story behind an image, but there certainly is a reason for why one made the image, or is it? Let's see that too at times. So once again, thanks Pete for sharing "the story."

 

[Keith Hollister]

Cool shot - thank god for the scooter to add the needed foreground bit

While I frankly am not normally interested in someone trying the explain the meaning of their image, I am fascinated by discussion of why they decided to make a particular image and what the thought process was on executing it. I think Pete's first paragraph is interesting and not an attempt to explain the meaning of life. Which is a long way of saying I think I agree with Ivar.

The "small world" story about Aristide is entertaining as well. It never ceases to amaze me how seemingly accurate the "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" concept is. In the age of the internet, it might be more like four degrees of Kevin Bacon.

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks Ivar, thanks Keith.