Half-frame Street Musician
Another in the recent series of half-frame photos. I got interested in photographing this accordion playing busker after I missed what must be the best street musician shot of 2013 – he was playing in his little shelter with snow blowing around him on a cold morning and I did not have a camera.
The top photo is taken after I asked him if I could and the lower shots were taken a week or two earlier while he was setting up in the morning, hanging his Christmas decorations. The cart is very cleverly arranged to hold all his gear, and to open up into a shelter for him. He seems to be outside playing most days of the week. The street entertainer regulations mean that he has to move every couple of hours, and move more than just a block or so.
I asked his name and it might be Robert, but it was a month ago and I have forgotten. I need to take notes. Taking photos of street musicians could make for a very expensive roll of film as I don’t feel like I can just take a shot without giving them a few dollars.
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I did not attempt any deliberate diptyches with this man, and indeed the two middle pictures can’t be shown together because they are different orientations. However, it was a bit ironic to find that the top photo was placed next to one of a very exclusive golf course in south Oak Bay. Two different worlds for sure.
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Olympus Pen, half-frame camera, Ilford Pan F Plus, ISO50, 1/50th, ~f5/6 to f16
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burnt embers 
That first shot has something special about it – and a lovely gritter feel to it too.
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Hi Andy – I am glad you like that shot. There is something about the unpresuming stance of the musician which appeals to me.
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The first shot tells me more about the man than the others. It’s much more intimate. It’s an excellent shot.
We don’t have a lot of buskers in our downtown area, probably because it’s not the safest place to be anymore. This is a music town, what what the Eastman School of Music and all, so it’s a little surprising.
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Thank you Ken. This was right after I asked if he minded a photo and this is how he presented himself. It is quite a lot as he speaks – perhaps not naturally the centre of attention.
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There are a lot of details to see in these shots; every time I look at them I notice something new. They are a very good series illustrating Robert’s world, and I like the feeling of respect that you afforded him while shooting, which comes through in the images.
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Thanks Melinda. He seemed like a nice guy, soft spoken and self sufficient. Tough way to make a living…
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Too bad you missed him in the snow. I always give money to buskers,specially if they play well, like in the London Underground. These pics of Robert and his mobile shelter are a delight.
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Hi Val, I like to give money to buskers as well, but when I was working downtown I would see several of them every day, often the same ones, many of whom don’t play all that well either. I had to ration my donations!
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