For the benefit of viewers outside the UK, a bit of background information about this image:
In July 2006 it became illegal to smoke in the work place in the UK. The workplace includes pubs, bars, restuarants, clubs etc.
It's not uncommon to see people standing outside the doors of pubs and this image shows a couple standing outside a pub 'enjoying' a cigarette (well they both look very happy ...don't they ?).
The pub across the way would have been better to photograph because it always has a bigger crowd of people 'enjoying' cigarettes outside it's doors. Unfortunately the pub across the way is closed for a refurbishment.
The man saw me with my camera and this raises issues about posting images of people that @gill mentioned in her picture today.
The image is a bit grainy and not too sharp, but maybe the grainy quality matches the title.
Oh dear I think I am waffling in my comments again. I suppose I am trying to capture something that we never saw a few years ago, people standing outside bars and restaurants smoking.
I think I've said enough on the subject, maybe I should let the photograph speak.
This evokes the mood of the great gritty British movies of the 60's, like This Sporting Life and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner. Loved them then, love this look now!
@allie912 Thanks Allison, interesting that you look it as a 'retro' black and white style image from the 60's, whereas I was trying to make it more a comment on how people must be desperate to get a puff of a cigarette by leaving their drinks and possibly food on the table in order to get a ciggie !
@phil_howcroft yes indeed - it's interesting to see the contrast and to compare the difficulties/ease of shooting in an empty environment compared to a packed one!
Love this (and Patsy calling it a "documentary photo"). Colorado has the same ban on smoking in ANY building. I think smokers also have to stand a certain distance away from the entrance, too. So, yes, it's a nice commentary on...ahem..."healthier" times.
I like the grainy and b&w. It makes it look like a street scene from the fifties. I love this type of photo but get nervous that someone will take offense.
got to face those fears to get the shot - I guess.
@sbconifer Thanks Sheryl, you cannot smoke in any building in the UK either, maybe my narrative made it sound more like pubs and clubs ! Healthier times indeed :)
@wac Wendy, thanks for your comments.If you are nervous about taking a street photograph then don't feel pressurised to do so. Photography is a hobbby to be enjoyed, don't do anything you are unhappy about (if that makes sense).
@gill Thanks for your comments. It's not that good a picture but it illustrates my text quite well. I know the dilema you go through taking this type of image and the discussion you've started on the message board has generated a large range of views. Thanks again
Nice capture of the times. We have the same rules here. I have noticed over the years the number of smokers standing out in front have dwindled...good sign....
got to face those fears to get the shot - I guess.