#1044. Window Shopping at the Barber

By Paul Barclay | Art & Creativity

Oct 02

The images included in this post are a continuation of the window shopping series I shared a few months ago. I was planning to share the color versions of the earlier series.

But a few days ago I met a friend for a photo walk, and after we parted, I stopped in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle to walk around the shopping district. Most of the district is housed in modern buildings, but this Barber Shop is in a building that is probably from the 1930s-40s. It is one of those places I have to stop and take a look in the widow. Unfortunately, It was not open when I was there. So window shopping is all I could do.

Paul Barclay

 

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  • jean pierre (pete) guaron says:

    Oh marvellous! Mine dates from 1910, and as soon as all this COVID crap clears, the owner wants to instal a jazz club in the basement. Want some more photos like these?

    I love the B&W effect, to add atmosphere – and the fact that you’ve got the verticals perfectly, which I think also contributes to the vintage look. Well done! Beats reading the magazines in these places, doesn’t it? (I always take my Italian crossword magazines, to entertain me while I wait)

    • Sean says:

      Sounds like you’ve got it all sorted, jean Pierre. Out of interest. If it’s OK by both yourself and Pascal, here’s is an active octogenarian barber (60 years in the craft), only recently taken. See: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hewlbane/50169654042/in/album-72157681303401912/

    • Paul Barclay says:

      Pete

      Yes, I would love to see your Barber’s windows, from both sides. Perhaps when travel gets a little easier.

      For this location B&W was a natural, as everything was originally painted white. The wood texture and wear is what brings the contrast in the scene.

      I also, like the verticals. The scene has a lot of vertical lines, which pushes for this field of view. Plus, I am trying to change my convention and shoot more images as verticals.

      PaulB

  • Nancee Rostad says:

    Thanks for sharing your continuation of your window shopping series, Paul! I like your choice to present them in B & W.

    • Paul Barclay says:

      Thank you Nancee.

      When I first looked at these images on my iPad I really liked them, so I processed them right away. I actually have not even looked at the Raw (color) images yet.

      I’m not sure I need to. These sing to me.

      PaulB

  • Sean says:

    Apologies Paul,
    I’e just realised that I didn’t acknowledge your images in a previous comment tied to Jean Pierre’s comment on your post. Your images are terrific, they’re somewhat documentary in approach and style, and I like that. I’m sure Walker Evans should be pleased to view them too, if he were still with us.

  • percy seaton-smythe says:

    old school, not many left!

  • Michael says:

    Wow! Truly wonderful photographs that show the entirety of B&W gamut. As much as I love many of the higher contrast B&W images I see I truly admire when someone creates great photography showing the full range of white to black. Well done.

    • PaulB says:

      Thank you Michael. I think high contrast can get your attention, but tonality is what can hold on to it.

      Paul Barclay

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