Walking Downtown Manchester
May 25th, 2008 by jeremy
Yesterday I had a couple of hours between catching up on sleep and some work and before getting to the venue for the show. When these windows of time open up, I try to take in whatever sights I can on some solo photowalking within a reasonable distance of my hotel. I say reasonable because I am afraid to get too adventurous and end up lost and out of time to get back!
Manchester was so interesting for me, both the architecture and the people. I immediately noticed the diversity of people, ethnic and expressive styles. For me this is a goldmine of street photographic opportunity. Making my way a mile or so down through what seemed to be a town square and through to the Manchester wheel I observed so many great scenes and people.
On the way back a street preacher was in full form, preaching to noone in particular and full volume hoping to find people to share his beliefs with. While I observed a bit from a distance, this one youth decided it was time to engage and debate.
Once the discussion grew, a started to assemble. Likely hoping to view things escalate to a spectacle, things seemed to stay at just an exchange of views at a verbal level. I stayed on for a bit until people started to take notice of me shooting photos. I took my leave to avoid becoming part of the situation.
Further up the square was a street musician that had been setting up while I was heading through before. On my way back he was in full concert mode and putting on quite a show.
This guy in particular was fun to watch. He had the full set of amps running off of a generator to put a serious show. I was surprised he could set up with such a rig, but honestly I am happy that a city allows this kind of situation to allow impromptu entertainment to happen. He attracted a crowd and was pulling in some good donations to the hat.
I was able to pull in a fairly wide set of photos from the walk that I will eventually go back and develop as time allows. This is a behind the scenes enjoyment for me on this tour. Really, how many people get such a great opportunity to be on a trip like this. I consider myself fortunate.
again fab picture jeremy….glad u decided to walk on lol
loving these pictures and that you grab them, I would love to have the nerve to shoot pictures like this of every day things on the street however too frequently I fear abuse…and fear for them if I start abusing back lol (only kidding honest) lol
are you going onto oz and the far east or heading back home after the uk? if you are heading on, I can’t wait to see what pictures you grab in the likes of manilla and singapore etc
happy snapping
Helen
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Helen I sincerely wish I was continuing on through the rest of the tour because I would enjoy visiting those countries as well. Alas, it is not happening. I head home in a week after the UK portion. Thanks stopping by and leaving a comment.
Great shots Jeremy - just be grateful you made it back with your camera still intact and without being coshed on your bonce LOL!
Are you sure that your work can’t manage without you for another 2-3 weeks?? Even if you promise to check in from time to time ! Such a shame as this is a momentous tour - your artistry will be sorely missed …. and non of us klutzes will be there either so there won’t be any of our clumsy attempts at taking pics of the shows abroad! ( Well you needn’t sigh SO loud ! ) LOLOL!
Jill
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PS See you at Wembley - we will be sure to seek you out at the barrier