December 8th, 2007 - Paris, France
I was trudging along in the rain behind Notre-Dame on Saturday, trying to hide my frustration at the lack of real photo opportunities behind a feigned interest in gargoyles when the friend I was with, who as a general rule finds my obession with street photography unhealthy, not to say unethical, said to me in the most matter-of-fact way, "Did you see that woman we just passed ? She was wearing different coloured shoes - it would have made a great photograph."
I barely had time to glance around before the woman in question disappeared into the crowd behind me, but it was long enough to see that indeed the potential for a great shot was there.
I walked on, my frustration doubled, trying to work out whether my friend's remark was a coded encouragement, all the more welcome for being so unexpected, to indulge my passion for once. As lightheartedly as I could manage I repeated her words. "Yes, it would have made a great photograph."
No response.
We walked on further, as the rain became increasingly heavy. We stopped beneath the awning of a souvenir store and looked absentmindedly at postcards. The missed opportunity continued to eat away at me.
Eventually, I could contain myself no more. I turned to my friend. "I have to go and get a picture of her. Wait for me here," I blurted, turning to run before she could reply.
By the time I caught up with her, the woman with the unmatching shoes - a fashion statement, or an unwitting witness to her colour-blindness ? - was almost the other side of Notre-Dame. But I caught her, and I took several shots as discreetly as I could. This is the clearest one of her shoes. You can see the whole outfit here. Trust me, it's worth it.
This photograph has been blogged on the rather fabulous This Is Star.
Saul Panzer (mostly in reality these days), and 89 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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robertinobobo 67 months ago | reply
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1994SS [deleted] 67 months ago | reply
Haha! What a story. Great shot tho.
The odd colored shoes makes it all the more interesting.
Judging from the umbrella I'd say it was choice not color blindness.
Not into street photography myself (ethical reasons) but this one is tastefully done. Good result.
Emmanuel Smague 67 months ago | reply
Hé hé..., excellent work my friend!! :)
aliona's photos 67 months ago | reply
Cool shot!
saint magenta 67 months ago | reply
yay! Christmas colours!
the-singing-photographer 66 months ago | reply
Please add your terrific tootsie photo to:
"Artsy-Fartsy-Feet"
Your photo is wonderful!!!
After adding your pic to our group, please tag your pic "artsy-fartsy-feet" Thanks!
the-singing-photographer 66 months ago | reply
Whimsical and fun!
I saw your photo at
"Artsy-Fartsy-Feet"
I think your photo is wonderful!!!
Please tag your pic "artsy-fartsy-feet" Thanks!
the-singing-photographer 66 months ago | reply
CHECK OUT OUR NEW CONTEST!
"Artsy-Fartsy-Feet"
marya* 63 months ago | reply
the story made me laugh...it's like I could see the whole scene :))
great shot, applause for your perseverance in taking the pic and one for the woman that gave you the chance!
TheMusicGirl 61 months ago | reply
your wounderfull journey to capture her feet melted my heart.
This Is Screaming To Be Rated!!
Please Add This Too 'Rate Me!!'
♥ nikabarbo ♥ 60 months ago | reply
Oi! Sou administradora de um grupo chamado Pés.Feet.Pies.Piedi.Füße.Voeten.ноги e nós adoraríamos ter seus pés adicionados ao nosso grupo! Obrigada !!!!
EJP Photo 60 months ago | reply
lol - great!
cessna152towser 56 months ago | reply
Excellent capture!
(seen in Top-V)
rebekadrahos 53 months ago | reply
haha, nice!
mhobl 49 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Just walking, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
mhobl 49 months ago | reply
Your Walking-picture is really interesting! Gratulations!
ʎssǝɾ 47 months ago | reply
really really cool street shot!
marinaraa 46 months ago | reply
love this!!! great shot!
Gagosha 38 months ago | reply
good eye for details :)
taildraggin 16 months ago | reply
Port and starboard.
.