NF-SOOC-2017 Day 27: S.A.P.E Admirers

OK - some (a lot of) explanation is needed. This photo was taken at the largest outdoor photo exhibition in France, at La Gacilly in Brittany. Each year the exhibition has a theme and a lead country... and this year it is Africa.

The photos that this couple are looking at are of the members of S.A.P.E - the Societé des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes - based in Kinshasa the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Put simply, this is a group of young people who dress as dandies as an antidote to their rude and humdrum existences.

I had just moved on from viewing the photographs when this young couple arrived dressed much like the members of S.A.P.E (I love that her hair is the same shade of fluorescent pink as her top), carrying their own sound-system and behaving somewhat flamboyantly... even better, listening to their conversation, they knew all about S.A.P.E so I guess they were founder members of the European Branch!

This is for Day 27 of my annual NF-Sooc-September challenge: a month of sooc pictures taken with a 50mm lens or its equivalent for crop-sensor cameras. You can read all about it here - https://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/30294/nf-sooc-september-2017 It is also for street -37.

[john morley]

S.A.P.E were used in a Guinness advert here in Ireland, don't know if would have been seen in France , great shot Richard

[Kathy]

I researched La S.A.P.E. a little further to understand your comment. Yes indeed, they could be charter members except they're not old enough. The photo, as often is the case, looks best on the black background because the colors are subtle. It is well composed. Nicely done.

[Domenico Dodaro]

Some year I need to come and visit La Gracily (and possibly stop by and say hello to you in Paimpont)!

[Taffy]

Fascinating to read about S.A.P.E., and your image captures well the feel of the exhibit.

[Richard Sayer]

@domenicododaro If you came to La Gacilly without letting us know, neither of us would Fav your photos ever again!

[Richard Sayer]

@randystreat Thank you Kathy... although it started a 100 years ago, the SAPE movement is very much alive and well today.

[Walks @ 7]

Creativity is to be embraced and venerated. I love that this tells a story without even knowing the backstory. Fav!

[gloria jones]

Great candid of this couple and interesting history on S.A.P.E.

[Tim L]

I remember the Guinness ad and watching a broadcast about this subculture on the BBC. Everything that adds colour and vibrancy to life has to be admired. Just wish I could carry off these clothes myself. The other thing I can't seem to do is ask strangers if I can take their portrait. Today I met a shepherdess in the mountains, spent ten minutes talking to her (fascinating lifestyle!) and came away with only a photo of her sheep. I've spent the last 18 hours regretting not asking if I could take her photo. So my question is, did you ask these two for a portrait? I'm sure they would have been delighted.

[Joan Robillard]

@laroque If people aren't looking at me when I shot I don't go up and ask, if they look and aren't close I sort of raise my camera in question and if I am taking a picture up close I do ask. Most people don't object. With cell phone cameras everywhere people have become resigned to being photographed and most because of social media want their pictures taken. So find your voice and ask. The worse they can say is no.

Love the capture Richard so you and your wonderful eye.

[Margo Sayer]

A pleasure to see them perpetuating the tradition.

[carol white]

A wonderful candid capture. Fav!! 😀

[Krista Marson]

they look like they fell straight off the billboard.