Critique Welcomed Hanging Out At Papa Joe's

Brian, I'm impressed. This shot says lots to me. It describes two worlds. A classic contrast within the frame so beautifully presented in the starkness of under saturation . I'm reminded of Stephen Shore with the composition and tones.
There are so many simple techniques used here to contrast one life against another. The painterly effect of the background for the skateboarder and his casual stance against the busy, commercial atmosphere of the street., the cool shade against the glaring sunlight provide a tension that is so familiar to us all. Eye contact is everything. It establishes a personal relationship. We become the skateboarder. We are more a tune with him that any other. We know what it's like to be different and alone. The sign provides a unity to the theme. It's a link to both worlds.
I applaud you.
Print this and hang it on your wall. Or mine, if I may.
 
Good shot Brian with the Californian feel.
I am waiting for the collision of old and young and wonder who will give way. Good body language from skateboarder who is nicely placed.
Have noted Papa Joe's number:).
 
I like the interpretation of the two Toms (Hmm, must give that a bit more thought!) and agree that the eye contact and the muted tones work well in the image. The first thing to strike me though was the contrast between the two couples. Those of more advanced age and conventional dress and generous figures and the young ladies. At the moment the skateboarder has been distracted from his phone by you, wielding some ancient camera but in a moment his attention will probably be elsewhere - unless of course the young ladies decide to stop for a slice. And then he will more on, oblivious to what might have been.
 
Site's back up now, @Glenn Clabo and @Rob MacKillop.

Thank you for your comments, @Tom Dinning. You've touched on what attracted my eye: the skateboarder, as well as the wall he's leaning so casually against, the edge of which seemed a distinct separator between the skateboarder's world and the world inhabited by the pedestrians and traffic. Thanks again, Tom.

Thank you to you, too, @Tom Dunne. There was no collision, the young having popped into Papa Joe's presumably for a slice of pizza. By the way, I don't think he'll deliver free to you. ;) Thanks again, Tom.
 
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Pete Askew said:
At the moment the skateboarder has been distracted from his phone by you, wielding some ancient camera but in a moment his attention will probably be elsewhere - unless of course the young ladies decide to stop for a slice. And then he will more on, oblivious to what might have been.
Click to expand...

The skateboarder's attention became totally focused on me just moments later when my Holga's retaining clip let go and it clattered onto the pavement (as I described in another post). I was about where the woman with the hat is when it happened. The young skaetboarder was very gracious in his commiserations to me. Thanks for the comments, Pete.
 
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Yes please. I have a collection of my favourite photos on my studio wall. It changes with time but some stay forever. I'd be pleased to hang this one.
 
For me I like it because it is so strong visually and this then pulls me into whats in the image. I really like the way all those diagonals at the sides focus in the middle of the image where the vertical dividing line is
 
Love the whole color palette from the expired Fuji film - reminds me of holiday postcards from my youth Brian.

Love the boarder lurking in the shadows - is he about to ambush the two young ladies?

It's amazing how many attractive young ladies there are in California - almost one or more in every shot it seems…. :D
 
Paul Lange said:
For me I like it because it is so strong visually and this then pulls me into whats in the image. I really like the way all those diagonals at the sides focus in the middle of the image where the vertical dividing line is
Click to expand...
Chris Dodkin said:
Love the whole color palette from the expired Fuji film - reminds me of holiday postcards from my youth Brian.

Love the boarder lurking in the shadows - is he about to ambush the two young ladies?

It's amazing how many attractive young ladies there are in California - almost one or more in every shot it seems…. :D
Click to expand...

I thank you, Paul and Chris.
 
I am not so good with words so you'll have to forgive me for not saying very much here. Other than " It takes me back to the sixties when I spent quite some time in California and a time I treasured and which gives me fond memories. The colours are as I remember and even the clothes, or am I going senile?" If it wasn't for the scateboard, I think I was.:D Excellent Brian, just excellent.
 
Ivar D. Larsen said:
I am not so good with words so you'll have to forgive me for not saying very much here. Other than " It takes me back to the sixties when I spent quite some time in California and a time I treasured and which gives me fond memories. The colours are as I remember and even the clothes, or am I going senile?" If it wasn't for the scateboard, I think I was.:D Excellent Brian, just excellent.
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:DOK, Ivar. Thank you. (I now understand your response to "Sandy's Rikshaw.":))
 
I can't shake the image of Skateboard Dude waiting to jump out and mug the two Neon Hair Babes coming down the street :)

As such, I think it's a great street photo since it prompts you to fill in the rest of the story.
 
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