Anna is Italian, an accomplished artist living and working in London with a wide and enthusiastic following. Our paths crossed on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch where she was painting roller shutters on one of the shops. I asked if the work was a commission, it was. The next question was, 'can I take your photo'. Anna, who is charming, said it was OK and I think this captures her playful personality.
Normally, I offer to send a copy of the photos that I take. Anna replied back to say that she liked it well and would I like to come along to her exhibition in an historic warehouse Quaker Street? Wonderful doesn't begin to describe both the artist's work and the evening. Soft jazz, Italian food, wine and beer. Above all, Anna's guests were a very eclectic bunch, everyone I approached consented to me taking their portrait. Anna can also be seen working on the roller shutter in this YouTube video .
I suppose the moral of this story, is one never knows what wonderful things can happen from a cheerful greeting to a complete stranger. Some street photographers avoid eye contact and conversation in order capture a moment that is uninfluenced by their presence. That's fine, I do it myself sometimes but I can't help thinking that the purists miss a great deal by restricting themselves to candid moments.
On the bus home, I met another Anna, but that's another story.
Normally, I offer to send a copy of the photos that I take. Anna replied back to say that she liked it well and would I like to come along to her exhibition in an historic warehouse Quaker Street? Wonderful doesn't begin to describe both the artist's work and the evening. Soft jazz, Italian food, wine and beer. Above all, Anna's guests were a very eclectic bunch, everyone I approached consented to me taking their portrait. Anna can also be seen working on the roller shutter in this YouTube video .
I suppose the moral of this story, is one never knows what wonderful things can happen from a cheerful greeting to a complete stranger. Some street photographers avoid eye contact and conversation in order capture a moment that is uninfluenced by their presence. That's fine, I do it myself sometimes but I can't help thinking that the purists miss a great deal by restricting themselves to candid moments.
On the bus home, I met another Anna, but that's another story.