Untitled digital photograph, 2012
This one was taken in the courtyard of Somerset House, London, UK. Not long after I took it, I experienced a new spin on the “I don’t want my photograph taken” scenario. A very glamourous couple stepped out of a doorway to these people’s left and I took a few photos. A few moments later, I felt a tap on the shoulder and it was them. The man asked me why I’d taken his photograph, and was quite insistent I delete it. I agreed to, because I’m not taking the photos with the intention of irritating people, but he actually looked over my shoulder to watch the deletion happen. He was all smiles afterwards, conscience unclear…
No. 9 in an occasional series.
The Future Is Papier Mâché 
Another wonderful shot in the series. I love looking at these and trying to imagine the conversation taking place. Nicely done.
Thanks Mobius!
I bet you could spin a few scenarios, they are spies, or wanted by Interpol. Maybe on the run, or just “famous” types (including royalty) that don’t want their picture taken.
Haven’t had that occur, especially in touristy areas, like Somerset.
Yes, I’ve thought about it a fair bit. They were too flamboyant to be undercover, but I suspect had a good grasp of how far a digital image can travel.
Somerset’s lovely – my Grandma and Grandad used to live in South Petherton.
I had a friend that would rarely allow his picture taken. He was one of those who believed that if someone took your picture it was like stealing a part of his soul. I always thought it was an interesting perspective on capturing a persons image.
Sounds to me like you might have to get a bit more sneaky about it. I do love these conversation pieces though…
Yes, it’s an interesting theory. There have certainly been some people whose soul looks as if it’s been sapped by my taking their picture – I just deleted a few.
Yes, perhaps sneakiness is the way forward…glad you like the pics.
Maybe he was having an affair…
Yes, that seems likely to me – they seemed carefree and happy in each other’s company – I mean they were beaming. So, if it was an affair, the other people in their lives must have been far away.
The ‘courtyard of Somerset House’ sounds so lovely! I love that they’re sitting in shadows on what looks like a sunny day. Great spot for a conversation! And a great series of photographs!
Olga
Thanks Olga! It is a nice spot – there’s a sculpture/ installation at its centre at the moment, where there are usually fountains (in Winter there’s an outdoor ice rink). The building itself has a permanent collection of art and the odd temporary exhibition. I didn’t go in, but through one of the open windows I spied a Tracy Emin neon piece.
I love a conspiracy theory…
Which one’s your favourite?
you are very brave..I would shrink bright red into my own shoes..:)
Ha ha, thanks. It’s not bravery so much as foolhardiness. Find I get bolder the longer I shoot – there’s a definite “warming up” period.
Loving the conversations shots 🙂
Thanks! Love your blog.
Methinks the ‘glamourous couple’ had been caught out doing something they shouldn’t’ve been!
Still loving the Conversation photos… I admit I nicked the idea for some shots while I was away last week… When I’ve tweaked them, I’ll start posting!
Ha ha, yes. Great, look forward to seeing your shots.
I find it hilarious that he was so insistent upon the picture being deleted [For whatever reason(s)], yet the two of them were filmed how many times that day by security cameras, etc.? They’re so conditioned to accept it that it probably didn’t cross their minds… But if they actually see a person taking a pic it’s different. Less unknown and mechanical, I guess. I’ve always said that you’re doing something right with creativity when some people start to get upset… Have a good one…
Thanks. Yes, there was something quite “old fashioned” about the whole thing – I wonder if the sight of someone toting an SLR in particular triggers feelings of intrusion in some people. I’m sure I wasn’t the last person to capture them that day.