50 mono portraits at 50mm : No. 27 : The accordion player

We went into Nottingham this morning and I took my nifty fifty on my Canon 450D to attempt to grab a few mono portraits.

This is the accordion player from a four piece band (two trumpets and a keyboard) who were busking in the market square.

I nodded for approval to take his picture and he nodded back to say yes. After a couple of quick shots, he nodded at the busking box on the pavement. I put a few coins in and then he nodded in approval and I nodded back.

Lots of nodding to get this shot. I can recommend the 'nod' as a technique for approval for a shot, especially when it is a musician and one who didn't speak much English

While in Nottingham, we bought some M&S Christmas party food and had some lunch in La Tasca

[MaryBeth Dailey]

Excellent portrait! Lots of nodding must give you some good exercise! good on you for getting in a workout today! haha

[Kerri]

Great portrait

[Judith Johnson]

I expect there was a bit of eye-brow raising too? Terrific shot and doesn't he look happy? I bet his fingers were cold!

[Pat Knowles]

I must remember the nodding tequnnique, it sounds effective! This is a very happy face, I like to hear music in the street.

[Judith Greenwood]

A very happy face. Got to get in a good nod! We get visited by trumpet/accordion combos - think they may be Romany as they have a very strong musical tradition - the young trumpeter I could listen to all day.

[Cathy Donohoue]

Outstanding. Love his smile. FAV

[Phil Howcroft]

Thanks everyone. The colour versions is here. I have started posting the occasional picture on google+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/+PhilHowcroft/albums/6089782968937473745/6089782975451187634?sqi=101005506593204514607&sqsi=dfba4598-2404-4a1d-86af-35369af21c7b&pid=6089782975451187634&oid=105953186854364509588


@cdonohoue thank you cathy especially for the fave :)

@judithg thanks judith, we even get accordion players in our little suburban town of Arnold

@happypat thanks Pat, they were played quite nicely too

@busylady thanks judith, he had some white gloves on to play. I cropped the gloves out because they were a bit blown out

@kerristephens cheers kerri

@espyetta thank you MB :)

[Al Bailey]

I like the fact that he nodded at his busking box!! lol fab shot :)

[Gena Pegg]

Nodding here for approval of this shot. Love the character in his face and his amazing smile!! Nodding is a universal language ... as is smiling! Well done!

[Dione Giorgio]

What a gorgeous smile he put on for some tips. Well worth it Phil. Great idea about the nodding - I am always afraid to approach people and ask for a photo, so I should try it one day.

[elkehochban]

Great shot! Such a fantastic face! Buskers make great subjects and usually eager for attention.

[Myrna O'Hara]

I can just hear him laughing

[Alison Hewitt Bailey]

Another great portrait - so full of life! Great smile and I can't help noticing the replacement black key on his accordion. Wonder what happened to the original?

[Allison Williams]

You can just feel the merriment bubbling up in him. Well done.

[Phil Howcroft]

@willowdragon thanks Al :)

@timandelke many thanks elek, glad you like it :)

@sailingmusic cheers myrna

@dulciknit yes i noticed the key too Alison

@allie912 thanks alison , bubbling indeed :)

@eyesmile thanks gena :) a smile and a nod makes the world go round

@sangwann you should try it dione. I haven't had anyone refuse me yet