Weekly Black and White Photography Thread # 13 (27 April - 3 May)

I'm in Ybor City often. Hop on the trolly and can be at the convention center and start of the river walk in a few minutes. This was shot at dusk, the lights are already on. It never really gets dark on 7th Ave - as it is the epicenter of nightlife in Tampa. Every time I have been there in the evening, these two guys are sitting in the same chairs in the same spot in front of the same cigar store sipping on a cuban coffee, enjoying a cigar and chewing the fat. With no indoor smoking in Florida and Ybor City being the old Tampa Cuban cigar district - the sidewalks are set up for those that want to partake of a hand rolled cigar to do so.

The grouping of the height variations plus the outstretched hands makes it clear. They are serious about the shopping - they are potential buyers.

A most unusual reflection image. Yes, it's visually disorientating but the railings carve a pathway all the way through and keep us grounded.
This is fabulous. Looking forward to seeing this year's catch.

I liked the first shot and I like this one better.
The fellas have more personality coming through in their poses. Both habdle their cigars with the care and respect of affectionados. Then we have the feel slipped out of the slides. The "Hand Rolled Cigars" sign in the second is doing a lot of weight lifting for the story.

I enjoy a good cigar too, but not everyday ;-)
The close up here is a great photo. The two guys seem to be relaxed, chatting away and just enjoying being there.
Looking into the window you can see more boxes full of cigars, so the supply is not going to run out anytime soon :-)

Nice contrast and detail makes this one come to life.

Fun geometry here. You've managed to flatten the stairs into a pattern that causes it to lose its spatial cues. Very nice.

That's a fascinating visual puzzle- all those overlapping squares and cubes with reflections in some but not others lending a curious sense of depth. Very nice.

I think the crop improves that first image, since the story is easier to follow without all the extra foreground. The closeup is a good lively image of two main characters, a fine capture in its own right, but the larger story with the two cigar store Indian figures and the tattoo parlor next door has its own charm too. I'm a fan of the bigger story in most cases.

Replies to

Thanks

Glad you liked it some, and glad it seems overloaded and restless, that is a good description of the intent!

Thanks. My initial scouting wasn't very promising but we had a lot more rain since then so I'll check it again soon. The swamp is full of visual treats.