Street photography, Barcelona style...

Who needs reality TV when everyday life proves to be so much more interesting.  All you have to do is open your eyes and pay attention.  I'm ALWAYS mesmerized by people, especially when I have "James Dean".  I'm just usually too reserved to actually take the shot.  Okay...I'm SCARED.  There I said it.  I know...you are shocked by that aren't ya?  Alas, it is true.  I have no idea what I fear the person will do to me.  Truth be told I can probably out run the average Joe, OR sweet talk my way out of a situation.  Just ask Thing #3 who sat in the car while I trespassed with my camera the other day.  She told me not to do it.  I told her to not tell me what to do (and I wonder where she gets her 'tude from).  Yep, I was caught red-handed by the owner of the property.  Yep, I'm pretty sure she was bummed I didn't get into any trouble with the guy.  Luckily I'm not too reserved to employ my sweet talkin' skills.  Note to self:  remember to rub Thing #3's nose into my mad life skills.

"Strolling the Gothic Quarter"

Barcelona, Spain

But for some reason, when I was in Barcelona I was enthralled to the point that I abandoned my normal reserve and actually TOOK some photos, ala'  street photography style.  I mean, I kinda felt downright sleuth-like.  Like a REAL photographer vs. the "poser" shutterbug I sometimes feel like. I don't know what got me over the "reserved" hump.  PROBABLY the fact that I'm sure most Europeans have enough to talk about and roll their eyes at when they see American tourists...so I felt I was "nothing special" in their eyes.  Just another silly American tourist taking photos of EVERYTHING.  Seriously senora, you find that cobblestone fascinating?

"Give Me Strength"
Barcelona, Spain

"Swimming Upstream"
Barcelona, Spain

(Yes, I know I've already posted these two shots.  But I like them.  And I wanted to see if you've been paying attention.  Okay, okay....truth is....I just like them.)

I guess I wasn't THAT daring because so many of my captures were from the back,  so that I wasn't spotted.  BUT, I would just like to point out that to even get a good photo from behind STILL requires some stalking talents. AGAIN, Thing #3 was appalled and waiting for me to get into trouble.  And AGAIN...my mad life skills got me thru undetected.  I'm a mom after all.  Stalking is second nature.  So I'm gonna pat myself on the back, and say BAM to Thing #3.  And I hope she is now wondering if I stalk HER anywhere other than on Facebook!!!

"Cigarette Break"
Barcelona, Spain

She HAD to have seen me, right?  I find sometimes if you are REALLY obvious the subject thinks "No WAY is she being THAT obvious in taking a photo of me...it must be that pigeon on the ledge behind me she is aiming at."  Sort of a reverse psychology thing going on.  Again...mad life skills.

"Easy Rider"
Barcelona, Spain

Another street photography tip...give the subject something to aim at.  Playing chicken with an oncoming moving vehicle is a tried and true street photography strategy.  I mean.."I" tried it and it was true.  At least you know you'll get him centered in the frame that way.  You can always jump out of the way at the last second.  Timing is everything folks.  Life skills?  DEF!!!!

Even the dogs...I had to make sure they weren't actually making eye contact with me. Because if I am to be honest...if he had seen me, I don't think I could have out run him even tho my legs are significantly longer.  Another life skill, knowing your strengths and weaknesses.

"Guard Dog"
Barcelona, Spain

But probably the most important life skill I employed with street photography in Barcelona was the ability to be one step ahead (even tho I was actually a couple of steps behind), to be aware of your surroundings, to anticipate...

"Girlfriends"
Barcelona, Spain

Because, we all know the universal fact that boys WILL be boys.  Doesn't matter if you are in Boise, Bucks County, or Barcelona.  I saw THIS one coming a mile kilometer away...

"Girl Watcher"

Barcelona, Spain

And THAT my dear Thing #3 is probably the most important mad life skill I can give ya.  Boys are just so dang predictable, the earlier you learn that...the better.  WINNING!!!!!


--Kathy

linked to:  Our World Tuesday, Inspiring Photography, Tuesdays Around the World, Sweet Shot Tuesday, 52 Weeks of Happiness,, Tones on Tuesday, MidWeek Blues