waiting

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on February 16, 2012 at 12:39pm

Curator’s Comment:

 

At first glance I interpreted this image as a familiar snapshot, capturing a jovial server and patrons.  But I find myself further intrigued by the casual intimacy of the portrait which also contains within it a more orchestrated posing of the subjects.  As with some of your other pictures I get the voyeuristic sense I’m interloping on a personal photo session; What seems to be the problem?, Aye, wouldn’t ya know it?, and Neapolitana to a lesser extent. Whether the subjects’ are aware of the photographer and his motivation are interesting questions.  Formally, the long horizontal composition in Waiting provides a fluid format for a proverbial if not communal, narrative to unfold.  The contrasted values provide rhythmic harmony and solid architectural framing of the space. The round mirror on the wall is another watchful eye, or lens to the scene.  I also find the blurring of the waiter especially poetic as he is likely to be the prosaic, anonymous public figure.  That the centralized figure’s gaze is averted also contributes to the viewer’s ease of entry into the space. Perhaps instead of an ardent observer, we are in fact an invited guest.

Comment by Mary Powers Holt on April 12, 2009 at 5:33pm

Beautiful relaxed portrait. Probably the best candid shot I have ever seen.

Comment by Luise H. Andersen on April 7, 2009 at 8:40pm

Like the relaxed atmosphere.. the bemused look in the eyes of man in dark shirt..as well as the open laugh of guy on right.. even the waiter.. seems to smile.. Wonder, if this is regular hangout.. his arms are around both men in gathering acknowledging gesture and familiar feel..Third person on left has something on salad plate..not of importance.. just noticed, since the other gentlemen have still empty plates..Both men smoke same kind of cigarettes..Whole Photo, kind of has European 'home' for me feel, the whole 'air' about it... Beautiful sepia and soft white hues..and the darks are not stark ;-) Like this Photograph. Thank You.