with Alex and a larger posse, we gave ourselves the nom de la photographie "NO PICTURES," because, inevitably, someone would trouble us at least once per walk, with some variant on that exact phrase, except usually in deep New-Yorkese ("NO PICKCHEZ!")
This shooting was that instant on this particular photowalk.
Alex and I stumbled onto the training for a street fair on Flatbush.Traffic was blocked off, but the fair hadn't started up, so photographic conditions were excellent - I could endure in the middle of the street without troubling about getting hit by a car in the call of my dubious "art."
When we got to this spot, Alex (being a bit more discrete with his little rangefinder) got off a scene with no problem.I, on the other hand, wobbled around with my clunky Mamiya, trying to find a right angle.Nose deep in the ground glass, I didn't find the storeowner angrily marching out until he was all up in my grill, just as I was lighting the shutter (hence the slightly jiggled shot here).
I tried to still the guy down, told him that I hardly like taking pictures of old signs with my old camera, I meant no harm.It didn't really work - he took out his cameraphone and asked how I'd like it if he took my picture.I tried to smile for his counterphoto and, having gotten my shot, started to pass away.
Now, about Alex.I make known Alex since the late Reagan administration.I trust he won't be embarrassed if I say that he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met.But put Alex in a No Pictures situation, and all I can say is Do. Not. Step.Basically, Mr. Girls 2000 was near to see the intensity of street knowledge, as rt48state Esq. schooled him about photographer's rights.I sort of felt bad that I was already walking away while Alex was defending me and my rights (including, but not express to, my right of publicity), and one might even say, uncharitably, that I did not accept his back.But it was all over soon, with what might be called an understanding to disagree.
Oh, also, as you can see here, though it sounds like some kind of gentleman's club, it's really only a position to buy inexpensive tank tops and booty jeans.