Construction Worker

the picture has presence and tension, a terrifically entertaining cinematic Tarantino atmosphere all over… The smiling dude in the back is a wonderful plus and seems so right there as if intentionally placed on the spot standing witness to what comes next… Our main man a construction worker? Probably so, what with the hardhat and all, but the picture is not about the guy's  profession. There’s a vibe in the air that spells menace to me, and since you’re here to tell the tale I believe multiple things saved your ass. I presume you’ve had a few scraps in your other life Jack, hot blooded fellow you are, and I know you remember the nervous intensity that takes over before a fight goes down, and it is that place where crazy instinct overtakes all else  the feeling your picture gives me, the possibility that soon after you took the shot the beautiful arrogant youngster at center stage suggests in  expression and body language he may be considering a little fun, a discreet go at the odd eccentric nomadic white photographer wandering alone the early morning alleys of Osaka, what with the alley empty of people all the way into the distance, no one around…

hey Jack … I wanted to add square cropping from right frame would place the star warrior center stage, discard all the unnecessary space, and bring the viewer close-up to what matters… (I do like the diagonal wall line, however, and can see why you kept it, but if this was mine, I’d lose it.)  

I wonder how this picture hasn’t caught on as it should --- can't people see?

Thanks for the comments. It was pretty lonely on this street until you came along. You're right, I probably fell in love too much with the angle of the wall and perhaps a simpler, square crop would have served the picture better and put more emphasis on the young man. I feel much more secure shooting in this country than in my own. Indeed, I was challenged directly while shooting in my sister's suburban neighborhood during my last trip home. The Japanese, on the other hand, are an island people and though they can be a bit stand-offish and reserved, they're generally accommodating of each other and even of strange gaijin photographers intruding into their space. A smile, a friendly wave and a shouted "arigato" from me generally suffice to diffuse any possible problems. This guy posed no threat and even if he was somewhat puzzled as to why he had become the subject for my lens, he would no more accost a 71-year old gnome with a camera than he would punch his mother. The Japanese generally shy away from confrontation. Not so in America where people have become much more suspicious, especially after 9/11. That was such an intense shock to our national psyche that I think we have yet to recover. We have become fearful of strangers and distrust those we deem different from ourselves As to the question you posed in your second comment, my simple answer is, in general, no.

Actually the fellow in the Foreground seems to be about to break out in a 'smile'.  I do like the diagonal line that leads my eye down the street to his Co-Worker. I am interested in the pattern on the street (bottom left). Considering you posted this just 2 days ago, I think may of your other followers will soon 'catch up'. You have a style all your own Jack and it is  pleasing.

Well done!

Regards,

Mário