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14-JAN-2007

Leeds Style

Leeds, Yorkshire

Took Georgina back to Leeds Uni today, so stopped off in the City Centre to take some pictures.

I couldn't get a decent candid of this couple. So imagining what Pbasers like Bev Harrison, Ade Reilly, Tom Darby or Ray Pettit would do,
I told the couple they looked amazing and please could I take their picture.

After a little hesitation they agreed. No time at all to take the picture, but they stood in the sunshine and I asked them to get closer whereupon she held his arm.

It was over in seconds, and I thanked them. Needless to say, I had the P&S set to P (for Professional) mode.

It was a little nerve-racking to ask strangers to pose for me, but you don't see style like this every day of the week!

Heavy processing to isolate the couple from the busy background - they naturally stood out though really!!

So thanks, Ade, Bev, Ray, Tom and many others whose voice I hear in these situations telling me not to be a chicken and 'go for it!'

FujiFilm FinePix E900 Zoom
1/340s f/5.0 at 13.5mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Phillip Normanton27-May-2008 16:09
Crikey!!!! It's amazing what you find - both when trawling around PBase galleries and when trundling around places like Leeds!
Brilliant shot, even more so 'cos you asked them! I've still got a bit of a way to go I think!
Della Huff07-Jun-2007 23:16
Great story, John... I too am a total chicken. I'm not really drawn to street photography anyway, but I do hate when I miss a photo because I won't ask for it. Nice job and thanks for the inspiration - maybe I'll work up the nerve to ask next time! Great job on the PP, too, to isolate the subjects.
Stu21-Jan-2007 19:30
They are very stylish - great subject matter. I enjoyed reading your description as well, and the comments below, as I'm yet another complete chicken in that kind of situation!
Laryl21-Jan-2007 03:42
good for you for going for it and good job!
Jen Bixler19-Jan-2007 04:12
Love the way you linked all those great pbase people watchers to this amazing image.

Their attire is interesting!
Gayle P. Clement18-Jan-2007 15:36
Beautifully captured.
snootydog18-Jan-2007 03:49
An absolutely brilliant photo John. You raise an issue that is near and dear to my heart. I am a terrible chicken and as a result I miss the great shot so often and it lives on to berate me endlessly afterwards.

You're right, this couple was just too good to pass up and you've captured them amazingly. Its as if they stepped out of a different time and a different place. They have a 50s movie feel to them even if their clothes are so not the 50s.

Your post processing here is outstanding too.

Wow, I could just look at this forever... does he have those wonky ear lobe plug thingies in? That part is difficult to see at this size.
laine8216-Jan-2007 15:48
I just can't believe she would wear THOSE PINK SHOES with THAT GREEN SKIRT...lol!!
all has been said about your fine work here John.
LM Gildersleeve16-Jan-2007 00:26
Wow, I want a pair of those tights. Thanks for being brave, it's a terrific shot.
Dan Chusid15-Jan-2007 22:52
Hope you didn't forget to retrieve your chicken suit!
: )
Nice gutsy shot John.
Linda Matta15-Jan-2007 21:12
Superb!
J. Scott Coile15-Jan-2007 20:56
Smashing! V
Sharon Rogers15-Jan-2007 17:28
Well done you! (not a lot left to say lol) v>
Bob Floyd15-Jan-2007 16:53
You are not alone in the "chicken" catagory, sir. I have the same issue and doubt very much I could have forced myself to do what you did to get this excellent shot! Well done indeed. Big V.
caveman_lee15-Jan-2007 16:10
What an great and exciting experience. Nice candid with great style. Voted.
Coleen Perilloux Landry15-Jan-2007 16:05
This easily could be an ad in a magazine. Good eye and courage.
Susan Leigh15-Jan-2007 11:53
Top Shot John, should be on a magazine!!!! big vote
Di15-Jan-2007 03:11
I love this! Excellently seen, composed, executed, post-processed, etc, etc. Good for you for not letting your nervousness make you pass this up. Huge vote.
carol j. phipps15-Jan-2007 02:50
Incredible! VOTE
Sheila15-Jan-2007 02:04
It wuld have been a crime to miss this shot. Congrats, it's fabulous!
v
Naomi 15-Jan-2007 00:25
They would stop traffic dressed like that here! Her facial features are very classic actually, and would be a nice portrait on its own. GMV
Guest 14-Jan-2007 23:49
Nice shot and treatment John!
nordic14-Jan-2007 23:31
Kudos mate!
Bagged a fine image for one moment of 'embarassment'.
Did you give them your card? (with a name like John Waine, there is no way they could refuse!)
I'm looking for tips when out with you next! Maybe a theme for our next gtg?
Sort of a Pbase 'knock and run' we used to play as kids! LOL!

I must say this couple look really familiar to me, I just can't put my finger on it?
I'd be really pleased with this, one of your best - bigging up the VOTE!
Jessica McCollum14-Jan-2007 23:27
I thought for certain you had snapped a shot of a poster...FANTASTIC!!!! See...almost brave enough for another pbase meet ;)
Victoria14-Jan-2007 23:17
Very nice stylish models , wonderful :)
Guest 14-Jan-2007 23:01
this is an amazing image -
Carole Stevens14-Jan-2007 22:57
WOW stunning portrait John its the only way is to ask! And look what you got!VOTED!
Barbara Heide14-Jan-2007 22:10
great capture! v
Robbie D7014-Jan-2007 22:08
This is great, I have know some people to get very agressive to start with, but soon realise no harm is intended esp when I offer to send them the pic. Again this is superb
John well done. GMV
Guest 14-Jan-2007 21:54
This is a dream image! Great job. Good for you! V
Karen Leaf14-Jan-2007 21:09
Add my bravos and kudos and everything else that's been said--they are a natural--just look at her pose. YOU are a natural--it gets easier and easier the more you do it, so my friend, you've the eye, you've got the camera, esp set In Pro Mode, and you've got the chops. GO FOR IT!I love this--I'm grinning for 5 minutes

bbv
Cindi Smith14-Jan-2007 21:07
You did a great job! Their style is something you don't see everyday! I'm glad that they accomodated you!
Ric Yates14-Jan-2007 21:07
Well done John, great result from taking a brave pill!
Guest 14-Jan-2007 20:44
At first I thought it was you and Sue out for a stroll :)
Glad you got the courage, the worst they can do is say no. But as has been said they wanted to be noticed in those outfits. You did them justice with this shot!
V!
joanteno14-Jan-2007 20:07
Way to go, John.
Jim Larkin14-Jan-2007 19:58
Great find. I am so glad you asked them. This is one of those pictures that makes me want to follow them around for a day.
beverley harrison14-Jan-2007 19:56
OHHHHH WOWWWW i love this shot!! you go john!! see? its not hard is it!! and look at the fab result!! i think they look great and the harvey nics bag set it off perfectly!!
BIG VOTE just for having plucked up the courage to ask!!ohhh ok and for the piccy!!
Peter Sykora14-Jan-2007 19:44
Nice!
Johnny JAG14-Jan-2007 19:35
They look quite normal....... for Leeds!
Great shot.
Guest 14-Jan-2007 19:19
Truly fabulous! Huge V
Lee Rudd14-Jan-2007 19:14
excellent! I'm sure they wanted to be noticed!
Nicki Thurgar14-Jan-2007 19:13
What amazing outfits, they look incredible!
Love the selective colouring too! Well done for being so brave! ~V~
Zak14-Jan-2007 19:02
they look like they got out the time machine at the wrong stop heheh
Sheena Woodhead14-Jan-2007 18:58
Well done John for being brave and asking this couple to pose for you. You knew though that you would have been kicking yourself if you didn't! Excellent! ~v~
Ray :)14-Jan-2007 18:51
I would have thought this couple would be gagging for a photograph! There is no way I could have let them go!
I need to hang outside Harvey Nics one day - might even snap Edina and Patsy!
Fine image, "Mr Pro Setting"
~V~