What a Surprise!!, a photo from Edinburgh, Scotland

Photographer's Note

Please click here for a larger version of this photograph on "beta" TE.

August is a busy time in Edinburgh because this is the time of the Edinburgh International Festival and its accompanying Festival Fringe, together comprising the World's largest art festival. The Old Town, especially along the Royal Mile, is filled with people promoting plays, readings, music and other events as well as comedians, dancers, musicians and jugglers.

Yesterday, just outside St. Giles' Cathedral, stood this "living statue" of an Elizabethan lady.

In the workshop you can see what happens when you put some money in the bowl beside her!

ISO 400, 1/1250 sec at f/4.5, focal length 40mm.

pajaran, Royaldevon, jhm, COSTANTINO, dale54, jean113, macjake trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

holmertz (102700) 2019-08-16 7:14

Hello John,
No doubt the WS is funnier, but maybe a moderator would have decided it somehow breaks the rules. But the main photo is a good enough portrait of one of these living statues that are often so fascinating. What a lot of time and effort it would take to transform from human to statue, and what a stamina that is needed to pose without moving (except when someone provides a donation) for long hours in public. I presume that you found this Elizabethan lady worth some money. I can't imagine you "stole" the WS photo.
Kind regards,
Gert

lousat (139266) 2019-08-16 7:58

Hi John,I had thought that the surprise was her exit from the base that resembles a wedding cake. Instead it was really a nice surprise ... ehehe ... the Edinburgh festival is really a must-see and everyone should visit it at least once in their lifetime. I was there 28 years ago but I still remember the magical atmosphere of the evening with the music from the castle and the hundreds of artists on the street. Two beautiful photos that are a bit of the juice of what you can find.Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

Nicou (193806) 2019-08-16 8:45

Hello

Avec son sifflet dans la bouche quelle vue et image de cette dame en robe blanche quelle image et scène d’animation du rue ce visage tout en blanc aussi superbe compo
Bravo et amitié
Nciou

Silvio1953 (221593) 2019-08-16 8:47

Ciao caro John, great view of fantastic living statue, fine details and splendid sharpness, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Royaldevon (85932) 2019-08-16 9:15

Hello John,

Well, that was most unexpected!!!
These two photographs give us really sharp details of the living statue and some very unexpected details of the living statue!
They are fine examples of using the shallow dof so that the focal figure is impressively sharp, whilst the slightly blurred b/g creates an excellent sense of place.
The only disappointment is that there are no open-mouthed faces in shot, as she lifts her skirt!

You seem to have had better weather in Edinburgh than we have been experiencing! The last two days have been none-stop rain and the wind is blowing hard, now! We had a lovely plum tree, heavy with fruit and the weather has brought down one of the main branches. The fruit is still green so I cannot imagine that it will ripen, though I have rescued a bit of it!

All the best,
Bev :-)

COSTANTINO (116490) 2019-08-16 10:11

Hello dear John and have a nice time
original version
I love the festivals and here
I see that it is the time of
the Edinburgh International
festival
I like this presentation of the living
statue of an elizabetha lady
regards
Costantino

kasianowak (17676) 2019-08-16 12:19

Hi John
What a funny surprise! I bet there was a queue of people wanting to put money in that bowl. She must have been glad people did - it would have been difficult to stand there without moving so that was her opportunity to get some exercise!
Great portrait, fabulous pair of photos.
Have a nice weekend
Kasia

dale54 (17768) 2019-08-16 12:21

john good evening and hello...yes,i ran into her last year..now if they catch you taking a shot they get all moody! but great job here! tfs dale

Tue (92360) 2019-08-16 13:29

Hello John,
It must be ten years ago already that I visited Edinburgh Festival. This is an excellent impression with the tall lady in white in front of the stately architecture of central Edinburgh. Excellent composition and exposure with a fine sunlight.
Lars

jean113 (27853) 2019-08-16 13:48

Hello John, the workshop picture was a total surprise!!
An excellent pair of pictures. Certainly a pair to bring a smile to our faces.
We get a good sense of place in your main picture, and I like the inclusion of the word ‘fringe’, that informs us of the time of year.
Thanks for sharing, regards Jean.

emka (158156) 2019-08-16 14:30

Hello, dear John. I should come somewhen to Edinburg during this Fringe festival There is so much fun there. The main picture is excellent. The skirt of this lady looks a bit like a lampshade, but this is a clever construction. She raises her hands up and ... what a surprise! What I found especially charming are these whiter garters. Probably young people have never seen such a thing. I do not wear skirts or dresses, always trousers so I do not use stockings anymore. This view made me smile.
Warm regards Malgo

jemaflor (147128) 2019-08-16 23:31

Hi John,
Well photographed, interesting attitude and very good management with an excellent sharpness, well done.

jhm (211736) 2019-08-17 0:31

Hello John,

This Lady have found an easy way for get money.
The main picture is the most beautiful.
But your WS care for a nice detail picture.
Have you given a good donation for the additional picture?
The atmosphere makes your picture attractive
Colours and details are sharply exposed.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

CLODO (45116) 2019-08-17 1:49

Hello mister John

I feel she blows the whistle when she gets some money, so everybody look what happens! Of course, you need to publish the 2 pictures together so we understand that she is a living statue!
Have a nice WE
CLODO

macjake (98456) 2019-08-19 19:31

Hi John
some things are worth every penny - THIS is worth every penny haha. It's actually quite ingenious of the performer, what a twist, what a surprise, and i'm sure it does get her some extra money. These performers need to attract attention to do well, and i'm sure she's successful. Is this in the same location as the street performers you and I walked up to? love this post
cheers
Craig