Un éclaboussure d'humour ? (Weekend Street/Reflections # 233)

 

Paris, France

On a sunny March afternoon at a café, François' wife and daughter were lost in their coffee chat—until François plopped a newspaper hat on his head and belted out, "Vive la France, la Bastille est prise!" Raising his glass, he sloshed water everywhere, dousing his wife’s arm and soaking the table. His daughter turned beet-red, while his wife snapped, "Slow down, Mr. Hanriot—it’s only March!"

Dans un café un après-midi ensoleillé de mars, la femme et la fille de François étaient absorbées par leur discussion autour du café—jusqu’à ce que François pose un chapeau de journal sur sa tête et lance à pleins poumons : "Vive la France, la Bastille est prise !" En levant son verre, il éclaboussa d’eau partout, trempant le bras de sa femme et inondant la table. Sa fille devint rouge comme une tomate, tandis que sa femme lança : "Ralentis, Monsieur Hanriot—nous ne sommes qu'en mars!"

                                                             

                                   Have a great weekend!

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Saxophone Whispers of Independence (Weekend Street/Reflections # 232)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

On the bustling streets of Philadelphia, a blind man sat playing the Star-Spangled Banner, his saxophone gleaming under the July sun. His fingers danced with memory, not sight, each note rising over the sounds of passing cars. The world passed by, indifferent, but I lingered with nostalgia tugging at my heart, lost in the melody’s promise of freedom.

                                     Have a great weekend!

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

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Une micro-fiction (Weekend Street/Reflections # 231)

 Paris, France

Debout devant son instrument qui semble prêt à s écrouler à chaque note, le musicien éméché a grogné, renversé un verre de vin, qui s'est brisé sur le sol et dit;

"Tu appelles ça de l’accordage ?" tandis que l’archet glissait pour la troisième fois il enchaîne "J’ai entendu mieux d’un contrebassiste qui a trop bu au bistrot !" 

Soudain, les applaudissements fusent et public rit fortement, conscient que sa consommation d'alcool, son mépris de soi et son humour ironique étaient aussi célèbres que ses solos. 

Un peu plus tard j'ai ri dans ma barbe en sirotant mon vin.

Oh, quel spectacle !

(Standing in front of his instrument, which looked like it was about to fall apart with every note, the half-drunk musician grumbled, knocked over a glass of wine, and said:

“You call that tuning?” as the bow slipped for the third time. He followed up with, “I’ve heard better from a drunk double bassist in a dive bar!”

Suddenly, the crowd erupted in applause and laughter, well aware that his boozing, self-deprecation, and sarcastic humor were as legendary as his solos.

A bit later, I chuckled to myself while sipping my wine.

Man, what a show!)

                                            Have a great weekend!

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Mesmerized (Weekend Street/Reflections # 230)

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In the shadow of the hanging ducks, we can find the weight of tradition, the beginning of an interesting story, or simply the promise of a good meal.

                                                           Have a great weekend!

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Nostalghia (Weekend Street/Reflections # 229)

 Florence, Italy

Rain drizzled over Piazza della Signoria as the old man leaned against the wall of his shopfront, cigarette wavering in his weathered hand. Clouded with nostalgia, his eyes traced the statues—memories of youth flickering: a carnival dance, a lost love’s whisper under the Loggia. 

The smoke curled upward, a fragile thread to the past, dissolving into the mist. Time folded inward; the piazza faded, and he stood alone, suspended between what was and what remained unspoken.

                                            Have a great weekend!

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Whispers of the Eternal Alley (Weekend Street/Reflections # 228)

 

Florence, Italy

At an intersection of cobblestoned Italian alleys, where stones hummed with lost carnivals, solitary figures sat on a weathered bench. One was completely unaware of the other, while the other was very aware. The man, cloaked in a heavy coat and a fedora, spoke animatedly into an invisible phone, his voice a melody of nostalgia and happiness. Across from him sat an apparition gazing into the distance, draped in flowing white garments that billowed as if caught in an unseen wind, its face a map of time with rivers of silver tears carving through it. It was always nearby, whispering, beckoning the man to a fatal rendezvous. 

Suddenly, a strange sound echoed through the alley, followed by a motorbike, its rider a clown playing an accordion. The bizarre spectacle stirred the man’s laughter and drowned out the apparition's whispers. Instead of turning the corner and meeting his fate, he followed the clown to the circus, thus temporarily escaping the inevitable. Unaffected, the mysterious ghostly figure drifted away, knowing that time was on its side. 

                                            Have a great weekend!

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Jacques Vane Private Detective (Weekend Street/Reflections # 227)

 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Philly sidewalk was dull and grimy, a black-and-white blur of grit and secrets. Jacques Vane, trench coat flapping like a tired crow, trudged past a row of bikes. He didn’t look back at the woman in the white coat, but he felt her gaze—sharp, accusing, like a knife between the ribs. She knew something. They always did.

He was distracted by a man slipping a note to a stranger. Another scheme in this sleepless city. Lighting a cigarette, the ember flaring briefly, Vane growled, “Philly, you’ll grind us down.” The woman turned the corner, her jasmine scent lingering. He’d find her. He always did.

                                            Have a great weekend!

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Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc., unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Le Cauchemar du Pont (Weekend Street/Reflections # 226)

 Prague, Czech Republic

The man trudged along the slick cobblestone bridge, the sound of footsteps trailed him through the damp night, always close yet never overtaking. He didn’t dare turn. The diamond-shaped sign felt like a cryptic warning mocking his every step. The bridge seemed to stretch endlessly, its railing a cage, the river below whispering accusations he couldn’t decipher. Suddenly, a car's headlights pierced the mist. It was like a splash of cold water on his face, reminding him he was late for the meeting—always late, though he could never recall who summoned him or why.

                                                Have a great weekend!

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Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc., unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

                                        

A Noir Lament (Weekend Street/Reflections # 225)

 

Newport Beach, California

In the smoky haze of the late-night café, Evelyn sat at her usual table, the black-and-white world around her pulsing with the mournful wail of a live jazz band. The saxophone’s notes curled through the air like a confession, each one tugging at the edges of her grief. Behind her dark sunglasses, her eyes were fixed on the empty chair across from her, where her late husband used to tap his foot to the rhythm. A glass of bourbon sat untouched, next to a faded photo of the two of them dancing here years ago. The band played on, but for Evelyn, the music was a ghost—haunting, familiar, and gone. 

                                            Have a great weekend!

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Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

King of the road (Weekend Street/Reflections # 224)

 Granbury, Texas

The rusted sign of the Brazos Motel creaked in the wind, its faded letters barely clinging to the rusting metal. Once a bustling stop for weary travelers, it now stood as a relic of forgotten dreams along the desolate highway. On this crisp morning, a lone motorcyclist roared past. He didn’t glance at the motel’s crumbling facade or the empty lot where laughter once echoed. He was chasing the horizon, running from memories as faded as the sign.

                                            Have a great weekend!

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Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Good Riddance (Weekend Street/Reflections # 223)

 

Doylestown, PA

Can you see the three faces behind the windows? Two were looking at me and one was looking at the biker who happened to be looking at me. I guess I wasn't very discreet.😏 

                                            Have a great weekend!

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Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Diversity? (Weekend Street/Reflections # 222)

 

New York City

“New York provides not only a continuing excitation but also a spectacle that is continuing.” ― e.b. white

                                            Have a great weekend!

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Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Card sharks?(Weekend Street/Reflections # 221)

Rome, Italy
 I wondered if the empty seat was reserved for me.😇

“Listen, here's the thing - if you can't spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table, then you ARE the sucker.” - from the 1998 film Rounders

                                                                          Happy Easter!

Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

                                  

Aspettando che smetta di piovere (Weekend/Street Reflections # 220)

 

Florence, Italy

Unlike me, this man and his dog were smart enough to stay out of the rain. Like the title says, "Waiting for the rain to stop." Which I suppose can be taken literally or metaphorically.

                                            Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Cigar Smoker (Weekend Street/Reflections #219)

 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Can you see a reflection in his glasses? It was a surprise snapshot, but he and his friends took it well, with lots of smoky laughter.😁

                                            Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

"T'as d'beaux yeux, tu sais" (Weekend/Street Reflections # 218)

 Paris, France

I took this reflection picture of la Passerelle Michèle Morgan a few months ago in the 10th arrondissement. 

Please excuse my hand and camera lens in the reflection. 

                                            Have a great weekend!

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

A Sandy Serenade (Weekend Street/Reflections # 217)

 London, England

The Thames River was low, so this guy made a couch out of sand and sang to the people walking by. His tip bucket filled up quickly and then he and his couch disappeared with the rising water.

I took this picture twelve years ago and can't remember what he was singing.

                                            Have a great weekend!

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Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Amish women (Weekend Street/Reflections # 216)

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I see an enigmatic smile on the middle woman's face.  However, when I focus on her eyes or mouth in isolation I don't see it anymore. 

                                            Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Perspective (Weekend Street/Reflections # 215)

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I took this picture through a clear plastic cup while sitting in a café-pâtisserie in Philadelphia. The man seemed isolated, trapped and tiny in a Kafkaesque way. 

                                           Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

El Chapo? (Weekend Street/Reflections # 214)

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Several years ago, while walking around Philadelphia, I was startled by a man popping out of a hole in the street.  It was during the time that Mexican drug lord "El Chapo" was on the run after escaping from prison via a vast tunnel network. The scene seemed unusual and funny as I took his picture and said, "I found El Chapo!" I don't think the man saw the humor but it made me laugh.😀

If you don't remember or haven't heard about it, here's a news article about "El Chapo." Click

                                            Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Chinatown (Weekend Street/Reflections # 213)

 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What were they saying to each other? 

Maybe, "Hey bro where did you get those giant cherries?" or "This isn't watermelon street"

They were speaking Chinese so I'll never know.

A point of clarity; the man was carrying two watermelons in a cherry box on Cherry Street.😆

                                            Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

An accident waiting to happen? (Weekend Street/Reflections # 212)

 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Several years ago I quickly snapped this shot as I walked by. The man was struggling with the steps so I walked back to see if he needed help. Surprisingly after the slow start he finished with much more confidence and agility.

                                            Have a great weekend!💖

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Jeux d'espions (Weekend Street/Reflections # 211)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

He seemed like a mysterious man of intrigue. When he turned the corner he probably tossed the phone and hat and put on a fake mustache.😉

                                            Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Chariot à glaces (Weekend Street/Reflections # 210)

 Nice, France

They say ice cream can make you smile because it activates the brain's pleasure centers, releasing chemicals that make you feel happy. It can also evoke positive memories and feelings of nostalgia.

I think it only applies to eating it, not serving it. 😏

                                             Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."

Attention à l'ours ! (Weekend Street/Reflections # 209)

 

Paris, France

The bear startled me and I startled the woman. 😃

A rare uncrowded area of le marché de Noël des Tuileries. (The Christmas market in Tuileries Garden.)

                                            Have a great weekend!

  Link reflections and/or street photography. 

Please no posed pictures, portraits, animals, etc. unless there is a reflection. 

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"Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge."