Shoeshine

I'd have given this 6.5 if I could, but only because I'm reluctant to award anything 100 per cent (it comes from marking student essays - it's a basic principle that no one ever gets 100).

I like all the photos in this folder - and I agree with others that they strongly remind me of Robert Frank. This is one of my favourites: I like images that suggest possible connections but do not insist on them, that leave space for the viewer to join the dots. Cultivating ambiguity is a way of preserving a respectful distance or not intruding in too vulgar a manner. Of course, on one level, this has a clear and obvious subject: the man's getting his shoes shined, but that's the least important part of what's going on here.

the best part is how all 4 of them are looking at something different! the second best part is the guy's exposed sock: the tacky pattern makes it a lovely blue-collar jewel in the crown that is this image. it is also worth observing, while we're on the topic of clothes, how current urban "fashion" is completely at odds with this sort of photography: simply imagine the mess of waistbands, logos, blings and droopy jackets on today's kidz. there is actually a hint of things to come on the back of the rightmost boy.

not sure if there is more in ian's basement, but there are at least two shots in this folder that would make a nice gallery exhibit titled:

"mob guys with more important things on their minds than what they happen to be doing at the moment."

i am of course thinking of http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=868282 as an obvious partner.

vuk.