Watching the fireworks

This makes the shot!

such crisp, excellent photography. i saw the pic on the Explore calendar and had to revisit it

wow

Asombrosas expresiones!

Bored?

...in Leicester Square during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

This image is being used on an album cover.

I love the expression on this woman's face as a cloud of firework smoke engulfs the crowd, and the way she presses the youngest child into her scarf. I'd never seen a firework display in daylight before; they aren't much to see, but the noise and the smoke are very striking. And they are what this family are reacting to.

It was a lucky capture. A gap opened up in the crowd. I saw the expression on the woman's face, took a couple of steps towards her, and realised that if I went any closer I would distract her. So I zoomed in as close as my lens would allow and fired off a few shots. I've cropped the image quite hard to isolate the central family group. The shot I took a second later didn't have the girl with the pink hood in the foreground, but the woman's face had changed, and the photo doesn't have the same dynamism.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you all for your kind comments. I'm amazed that a large number of people are still viewing this photo 6 months after it was taken, and I'm intrigued about how you stumble upon it. If you are thinking of adding a comment, please tell me how you got here.

Thanks again,
Dean

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Comments

← prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 next →

(575 comments)

estherase says:

This really is a lovely shot, D.

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Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

sudergal says:

So many emotions in photo...that is excellent!

www.flickr.com/groups/the_world_through_my_ey es/pool/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Dean Ayres says:

Thank you both.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Gronson says:

Great shot that gets better with each look.

TWTME
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

estherase says:

It does, doesn't it: I keep coming back :)

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Seen in my recent comments. (?
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

raysto says:

for some reason I thought this was from a demonstration rally. great shot anyway - funny how just watching something can look so dramatic
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Norma Desmond says:

lovely capture
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Seen in The World Through My Eyes - Post 2 / Comment Any 1 (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

yaxchibonam says:

Magnificent capture; really put me there in the midst of it! Please consider adding this to our group GUSTO (and don't forget to comment on the photo previous to the one you post). I would love to have this photo in our stream!
www.flickr.com/groups/gusto/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Longyester says:

The World Through My Eyes
This is really great, everyone's expression has been caught at the perfect moment.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

diggle says:

extrodinary - what a picture!
Really sorts the men from the boys this
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

coldmountain says:

Wow. This is an amazing capture. At first glance, it looks like a harrowing war photo, then after a second you realise that there are hints of smiles and that everything is alright.
[1-2-3]
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

waldo pancake says:

yes an amazing photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Equso says:

Fabulous capture...a fav
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Marie Kelleher says:

What an expression! Nice catch!

(1-2-3)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

sukkulaati says:

great picture! :-)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

snowy4052002 says:

Please add your Beautiful Photo to:
Beauty is in the *Eye* of the Beholder!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

borealnz says:

I love this shot!!! Their expressions have been captured perfectly, I especially like the small child peeking upwards!

Thanks for sharing this wonderful shot with us Dean!!!!

Congratulations Ayres no Graces!
YOUR FANTASTIC PHOTO has been selected as ICON OF THE DAY and BLOGGED!

Icon of the Day Winner! The World Through My Eyes Blogged
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Ran_d says:

Love the expressions captured :) Fantastic shot !!

Congratulations on having your photo selected Icon of the day :)

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Dean Ayres says:

Thanks, borealnz. I'm honoured!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

paintbloomleo says:

Ya that's what talking about ! Nice capture!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Kyle Walton says:

Excellent!
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

mosippy says:

An absolute winner. Wow. I so love this image!!!!

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

mosippy says:

You are my winner!
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Hot Flash Photography says:

There's so much depth to this shot that you're immediately drawn to it. A wonderful shot.

Congratulations!
Your pic becomes nominee of "Shield Of Excellence"
Please add this photo to
Shield Of Excellence Group
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

bitzcelt says:

Great expressions, especially the little girl too afraid to look.
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

estherase says:

You clever old stick :)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

ZekaG says:

Great shot.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Danny Perez Photography says:

Great catch!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Klaus Dolle - Photography (away until...???) says:

Very good
I saw this in Beauty is in the *Eye* of the Beholder!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

VRfoto says:

Nice moment!

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Seen on flickrleech.net (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Durotriges says:

A very striking image! Congratulations on being made the icon for the day! :-)
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

http://robertoballerini.ipernity.com says:

Great, great, great!

--
Seen in Shield Of Excellence (Pics with Nominee Icon only) (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

s0ulsurfing says:

stunning photo, love the expressions, brilliant!

congrats on being chosen as the daily icon

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Matteo Tarenghi says:

Great shot! you have a real documentaristic attitude!

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Guifré Miquel says:

The expressions are fantastic! Seen in Explore
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Gísli Dúa says:

! What a image ! a fave
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Ruth_asg says:

:
Great, Nice moment!

Definitely a winner!!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

irinsky says:

wow! what a great shot!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

shashamane says:

I saw this in Explore earlier and I am glad to see it again here so that I can fave it ;-) Supremely well seen and captured. This is truly excellent.

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

michaelGro says:

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Dani℮l says:

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Gustavo Muleey says:

very good !

Seleccionada como GRAN FOTO!
Gran Grupo

Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Nelo Esteves ~ As Seen Through Hazel Eyes says:

Nice capture!

Congrats on the Daily Icon!

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Seen in The World Through My Eyes - Post 2 / Comment Any 1 (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

MarTiSh says:

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

*Micky says:

What a great storytelling image.
Congrats on being chosen as the daily Icon!
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Jutilda says:

Terrific photojournalism!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

dujarandille says:

So good!

--
Seen in the interestingness archives. (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

maryaben says:

Really a great capture!
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Adrian Wallett says:

You truly captured the event so well - I feel if the Chinese new year need to release a calendar or a magazine for the event - this should be the front cover - pure emotions that cant be faked - TOP CLASS!

A real rocket of a shot that wizzes and bangs and brightens up the soul with many sparks and flashes!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Floppylion says:

Fantastic shot - extraordinary atmosphere, colour range and capture of the moment
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

yinyang says:

now that was a 'moment' :-)

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

zoe J says:

Those ere all good choices, as the result is outstanding. All very emotive, it really brings the moment to us, viewers.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

sasquash_0 says:

The expression on their faces, looks as if they are just trying to survive the fireworks rather than just watching them LOL!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Amelia PS says:

AMAZING crispness and photojournalistic quality to the facial expressions.
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

incidental music says:

this is a dream shot: everything works perfectly. congratulations :)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Gabe Grote says:

great shot.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

blmurch says:

This is beautiful. What a wonderful raw capture of a moment in time. Congratulations on being chosen as the daily icon and being blogged. Fantastic!

The World Through My Eyes

A+++ Grade Photo! please join us
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Mulletar says:

Hah. Awesome capture. Congratulations on being icon of the day. You definitely deserve it.
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

NadineMP says:

WoW! Great shot!! Great capture! Fantastic!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

happyflic says:

nice shot
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Bazalai says:

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Saul GM says:

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Ricardo Carreon says:

You found an amazing spot in the crowd and did a great job capturing it!

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Dew Drop says:

This is one of the most unique icons of the day - very fascinating!
Congrats!

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Luka Skracic says:

A great capture, it's good you were not looking at the fireworks the whole time.

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

uwi says:

Well captured moment! Great!

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

fiorinolatino says:

Great capture!

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Never More says:

Great human interest pic

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

AnneliesW says:

Very expressive and beautiful!

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

tschopper (Tom Schopper Photography) says:

Congrats on capturing a wonderful moment here!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

~johnny~ says:

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Gabó says:

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Aquilant says:

One of the best photos i saw on flickr.

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Paul Zzz says:

A+++ Grade Photo

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Seen in A+++ Photo (Post 1 give A+++ logo to 3 pics)-1/day-Read Rules (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

slack12 says:

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

SteelePop [deleted] says:

very cool

--
Seen in the interestingness archives. (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Benjy Wetherall says:

Absolutely fantastic capture
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

jooanfossi says:

wow! esta fotografia esta maravillosa!
felicitaciones ;)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

trendy1 says:

this one is super, saw it in the world through my eyes!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

platane31 says:

Great capture, with light and colors like a movie

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

tonica says:

amazing idea..gorgeous photo..congratulations..:))
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Åsta says:

Oh wow!!! Amazing capture - all the feelings you get when you see fireworks - admiration, fear, worry, awe...Great, great shot!
Congratulations on your photo being the Icon of The Day!
Love it!
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Steiner62 (An Animal & his Anima) says:

The World Through My Eyes
Excitement, fear & everything in between.
Bravo!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Erling Steen says:

Took me half an our to scroll down here. This is a marvelous photo. Thank you.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Dean Ayres says:

@Erling Steen; thanks for persevering to leave a comment.

And thanks to everyone for your kind words. The opportunity to take a picture like this doesn't come along every day!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

GooseGoddessS says:

Wonderfu Expressive Capture!
Well Done! :)
Congratulations on being our Icon of the Day! :)
The World Through My Eyes
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

gee hue [deleted] says:

What a wonderful capture!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

n ï c o l å s says:

espectacular !

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Seen on the explore page. (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

callme_crochet says:

So clear!

❥❃❃✫✫Do you believe in ♡♡Pixies or FAIRIES♡♡ ❤❤?

www.flickr.com/photos/57231735@N00/394916017/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

bethlet says:

This shot is -amazing-. Wow!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Kathy~ says:

great emotion, congrats front page explore

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Seen on the explore page. (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Hoot1 says:

Oustanding! The tones and the light are perfect.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

pfflyers1 says:

Fantastic!!!!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Goody. says:

I didn't know fireworks could be so scary. Very cool.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Doc Wert says:

To just repeat what all the others have said "Great".
It captures the look of an old world painting.
I really like this, very well done!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

gumby* says:

This is a huge picture.
A favourite, of course.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

lightroach says:

Such a vivid and excellent shot!!!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Sissi. says:

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

cindi says:

o, this is not lucky - this is BRILLIANT! wow. i love the woman's expression.
when i logged on to explore tonight this image came up and i said (pardon my language) - this is effing amazing!!!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Jörg Dickmann says:

Awesome capture! Very dramatic. Excellent!

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

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Additional Information

Taken in Leicester Square, London (map)
Taken with a Canon EOS 30D.
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Taken on February 18, 2007
Viewed 42,030 times
Replaced on February 19, 2007

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