Because I was quite a distance away, zooming the living daylights out of my Lumix, I didn't think she noticed. I was really surprised to find this shot when I looked through my photos. She never gave any indication that she had noticed me taking photos, even afterwards, when I walked past.
She is a street vendor at the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple in Waterloo Street. She sells flowers--mostly pink lotus flowers and yellow chrysanthemums--as well as bundles of joss sticks to the temple visitors. Competition for business is fierce because there are many sellers like her.
In the other shots, she looked everywhere except at the camera; she was glancing sideways, mopping her face with a handkerchief, drinking water, etc. But I was drawn back to this one because I find something quite compelling about her stare. I wish the background wasn't quite so busy (the cap-wearing old lady is also a seller) but I do love all the bright colors around her!
@jenirainbow Haha, I'm still amazed that I wasn't aware of being stared at even as I was taking the photos! (Don't know whether to get my brain or my eyes checked. Or both. 8D ) But the sellers are quite used to getting photographed, I think, they didn't bat an eyelid when a tourist walked right up to one of them and took shots at close range.
You capture great colors around you subjects...great expression on the women face...even though you may feel it's busy...she really stands out...so focused!
@seanoneill This wasn't shot in Chinatown. Waterloo Street is actually in downtown Singapore. The landmarks on this street include the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple (Buddhist temple), Sri Krishnan Temple (Hindu temple) and the Maghain Aboth Synagogue (oldest synagogue in Southeast Asia). Lots of history there, like in Chinatown. 8)
Cool street shot and focus! I find easier to take pics in the street with a P&S because you can pretend shooting something else just by turning yourself a bit on one side, or looking in another direction. This strategy doesn't work with a DSLR :-0
Livia, I still haven't settled on my street shot for the week yet, but this is a great one! She has such a fierce look on her face! The colors are wonderful and the blurred foreground draw your eye right to her.
oh wow! haha, when i read your, "think she spotted me?" line, i laughed!! the look she is giving you is priceless, i luvit. I dont mind the busy background, mostly bc i am so drawn in to that sort of mean stare, i dont even notice anyone else! awesome!
I like how even though she is the strong focus of your shot you can still see plenty going on in the background. She certainly has "the look". Superb street shot, one for the theme?
Busted, Livia! I used to get these looks too . . so I quit doing "faces." Here most people will show their displeasure with the photographer. And not hide it. Children are an absolute "no no!" To stay on the safe side, I'll stick to their back side or only a small portion of face. Most of all, I stick to scenery of all kinds now. I love this kind of candid photo that you did so beautifully . . street vendors are so much fun to do!
And, I have got to say that I am terrified to take photo of people like this. I want to. I like the idea of it. I've brought my camera along. But I so envision being chase off or thought of as a creepy stalker or something. You are brave!
You are really enjoying these street shots arent you? This is the classic stare down the camera. I think they see us but assume we are photographing a whole scene, like a tourist. @amandalomonaco I still envision being told off every time and have a story ready each time....like "oh I really liked the colours of the flowers"
I do think she noticed you Livia but because you were zooming maybe she though you were taking photos of something else in her direction. Regardless, this is a perfect shot for the weekly theme - so colourful.
I think it's a great shot! I love her "stern" look but I'm sure she's probably really not. I have a feeling that it's just her natural look. Great zoom job!
Caught in the act! So funny! I love the intensity of her glare. Guess she isn't a huge fan of paparazzi! :) That being said, this is a terrific street photo! Love it!
great shot for a big zoom in. Looks a little like she might be an extra in a Jackie Chan movie, and if she is, she may be plotting to light and lob some of those crackers at you!
Nice shot and a brave one. Not sure I would take this photo but would have to be there to decide. I am not one for taking photos of those I do not know.
I was going trough your album, love the polymer clay and chinatown shots. I used to make things with fimo and sculpt too and I lived in China for awhile. your pictures really speak to me. I love people pictures like this, but always wonder about if we shouldn't have model releases to publish strangers pictures, especially ones so obviously unhappy about being photographed, but that isn't meant as criticism, just a thing I wonder about.
"I see you taking a picture of me. You better make sure it gets to 365!" - haha!! Just kidding :D This is a fabulous theme shot, Livia. It's like a page in a magazine.
A great, big, spot-on, direct and heartfelt "THANK YOU!" to everyone!
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. So glad to know you're enjoying my street shots. I'm new to this, it still makes me nervous to point my camera at anyone even from a distance. Thank you so much for your support. I am very grateful.
this is great Livia! you are right, that stare is compelling. congrats on venturing out of your comfort zone. you got several really good, interesting shots!
I love this on the street shot! so interesting. she doesn't appear to be happy; also appears as though you kind of entered into her little world. Love all of the colors. fav.
@noragentian Those are bundles of joss sticks they are holding. Just like the bundles in front of The Frowning Flower Lady. Like this, before they are sold, they are wrapped in yellow printed paper. The red part of the joss stick is the part that devotees hold after lighting the sticks for prayers.
Actually, I like all the people active in the background, while she glares at you motionless like a Buddha statue. I think that makes the photo!
@amandalomonaco I still envision being told off every time and have a story ready each time....like "oh I really liked the colours of the flowers"
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. So glad to know you're enjoying my street shots. I'm new to this, it still makes me nervous to point my camera at anyone even from a distance. Thank you so much for your support. I am very grateful.