So many times when turning a corner, a person with a bit of character has just passed by, or at the very least passed out of shot — a seemingly unwritten law of the street that is frustrating to say the least. But, on the odd occasion when the opposite is true, and one simply has to be quick enough to fire off a shot, it’s fantastic.
ron says
Wow! This one, for me at least, is the most awesome picture that you have taken/captured.
Lee says
Thanks a lot, Ron. Very nice to hear. Must admit I was pleased the way it came out. Captured her at just the right moment. I’ve seen her a few times in that area, and always wanted to get a photo as she’s very much a one-off, so glad to finally manage it.
Shannon says
I’ve always been curious…. When you snap street pics like this, do you get permission or tell the subjects that you’ll post the pics? I don’t do street photography anymore, but I was often conflicted about not talking with the people I photographed.
Lee says
Nah, apart from the odd occasion, I never ask for permission. Not a big fan of posed photos.
I do sometimes speak to the people I’ve photographed though, and much more often exchange smiles or a brief thank you. A smile and a nod very often go a long way in diffusing any awkwardness or possible suspicion. At least in Tokyo anyway. On the other hand I don’t generally say what I’ll do with the resultant image.
Al says
Great timing. Almost like she’s modelling!
Lee says
Thanks. Yes, one of those times when I simply had to press the shutter. Just a pity it doesn’t happen more often…
Hans ter Horst says
If I were to put a label on her (I know, it is so wrong and I hate it when people do it with me, but it is so much fun!), I would say she is as little bit of a yanki- based on the chapatsu, make-up and the clothes; she’s clearly not that young. When I was over in Ishinomaki several months before the tsunami lots of women were dressed like this in that part of the woods.
Lee says
Yeah, there’s definitely that element. And you are right she isn’t young either. Seen her before sporting a leopard-patterned outfit too. That and her hair colour really make her stand out.