Snared

Great capture Jack.

So rich.

Congrats !

Exciting!

Really good capture!  :-)   Looks like he is being grounded. As if his mother has (still) the overpowering control (& this just by the sight of her oversized hands )

If I didn't know your methods, I would have thought you pulled a John Crossley and hung out by this image until this kid happened along, but knowing you as well as I do, I think this was one of those opportune moments that you pounce on while the rest of us try to gather ourselves.

Thanks for the comments. This is not a great picture but it is, perhaps, one of those "aha" moments. I watched this boy and his mother walk by this sign. When his mother stopped to read a menu, the boy ran directly back, stood in front of the sign and and gazed at the hands for perhaps twenty seconds. "Nail art" is very big among young ladies in Osaka and something about this image seemed to resonate with the boy's psyche, I was carrying my Olympus Pen-EP1 with a wide angle lens, so I had to get as close as I could. He never even noticed me; his attention was rivetted on the jeweled nails. A contemporary social trend meets a young mind in a formative moment. It's out of these moments, I think, that life-long predilections and paths are set.

 

I have uploaded a series of three pictures to show the sequence as I shot it. I think it's easier to view in b&w. The original picture is in color since I thought it important to show the hands and nails in color.

This is another one of your "instant social observation" which resonates with so many.  It is also very much a Jack McRitchie signature, even if i had not found it on your page i would have probably recognized it as yours.  The superimposition of images in this one is the hook that brings us in for a second look.  The composition is perfect, it provides context and secondary interests, but the eyes keep coming back to the boy, and the hands.  I disagree with you on this, it is an excellent shot.  Regards always - michel 

I think we kind of crossed paths here while I was trying to get this series of additional images lined up (it was kind of an afterthought and took me longer than I thought). Thank you very much for your kind words. You are a photographer who likes to tell a story so I appreciate your comment immensely. Regards, Jack

This is an amazing photograph. You are as I told you before.... a see-er!

I like the series of them, as it shows the "process "of the child's curiosity and   experience.I'm glad you have uploaded the colored version first because  it is depicting the scene as was in real life ( I think as you that it was important)  and still there is something beyond the moment, his trying to touch !to find the differences between life and likeness... Very well observed and a story telling series. There is  always a deeper touch in your work.

Remarkable!  I appreciate the additional photos which further explains your description. Compliments. ~~~~~~~~L

Mothers hands... Tree of life ..Totem... 

Jack, admirable series. The three shots reminds me of the 'jump cut' technique  and montage adopted by by legendary film makers like Eisenstein, Jean- Luc Goddard & others. Knowing your art of photography, may I say that you have added another feather to your glorious hat.

You chose the most compelling one as your main feature, although the others could viably compete for top billing.  I like the simplicity of the statement, forlorn, a bit disconnected, pictures of food everywhere and he gravitates toward the hand.

I don't know why I miss it this photo,I really enjoyed the comments  above and your replay,.. Jack you have proved that you are a hunter and you take your shot in the right moment (CLASSY)..

What a wonderful street shot! I am envious and wish I had taken the photograph.