Midday at La Cova Fumada, a photo from Barcelona, Catalonia

Photographer's Note

Conversation, Contemplation and Osculation in La Barceloneta. This tapas bar - La Cova Fumada in Carrer Baluard - is described as a 'hole in the wall', and has little in the way of 'decor', but it was teeming with local people at this relatively early hour in the old barrio not far from Barcelona's closest beach. A little away from the sand, the promenade and the bars and cafes, is this old quarter - built mainly in the 18th century - with its narrow streets and old fishermen's dwellings. In this area the washing still hangs from the upper windows and neighbours chat outside their doorways. I took this one with my compact Canon, rather hastily as I noticed the couple get into position for a little 'osculation'. Only later did I notice in the photo the contemmplative man on the right and the younger one conversing on his phone. I cropped the photo, and thought of cropping quite a lot more, but the red highlights in three corners took my fancy and I decided to keep them, along with the coloured plastic washing bowls in the kitchen window.

I will just add that the tapas in this little place are the best I've ever had; sincere thanks to my friend Rosa who took me there after a long walk along the beaches from Diagonal Mar.

Royaldevon, tyro, snunney, holmertz, thebest, abmdsudi, delpeoples, jhm, fabbs99 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Royaldevon (85606) 2013-07-21 1:16

Hello Andrew,

Such a different photograph to the ones we normally see from Barcelona and no less interesting because of that!
You have often noted the people of a location. What I love about this, apart from the interesting d嶰or and, as you say, the red highlights, I the fact that the 'contemplative' man appears to be waiting his turn!

An interesting observation from 'old' Barcelona.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

lousat (138599) 2013-07-21 1:51

Hi Andrew,very nice pic from the Barceloneta waiting the tapas,i have a bad memory of Barceloneta,i eat a terrific and evry expensive paella in 2012....ehehe...but i was lucky to meet Juan this year,he know where to eat the best....i like your original and different pic from this beautiful city full of opportunities.Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

daddo (28748) 2013-07-21 1:52

Hi Andrew. Although i like the humour in Beverley's comment, I would have cropped the couple too- there is a time and place for such displays. Still, c'est la vie, as they say.Interesting assortment of homo sapiens. Great light. Regards. Klaudio.

tyro (30513) 2013-07-21 3:02

Hello Andrew,

An interesting note and an even more interesting photograph, not only with lots of things and people to look at but also so many different scenarios to contemplate. I cracked up at your discussions with Bev about a queue forming here - who will be the next lucky chap to "osculate" with the tall blonde girl?

I agree that the splashes of red in three of the four corners do hold the composition together well as also do the oblique lines of the kerb and the architrave of the building behind.

Good strong lighting and contrasts, fine colours, perfect exposure and exquisite details and sharpness.

Superb!

Kind Regards,

John.

snunney (130967) 2013-07-21 3:10

Hello Andrew,
Here we have a street scene full of life and captured at just the right moment. I like the juxtaposition between the various protagonists. Also, the lighting and judicious cropping. Very well observed and nicely presented.

chrisvek (7003) 2013-07-21 7:44

Hello Andrew

Great capture with splendid lightning and a so interesting and romantic composition.Nice POV and framework.Very good job.

Have a nice day
Chris

serp2000 (47063) 2013-07-21 8:39

Hola, Andrew,
I can say I had a short flight over this town two years ago.
It's very informative note and good illustration. Simple but interesting capture of a daily life.
best wishes,
Serghei

holmertz (101980) 2013-07-21 10:51

Hello Andrew,
I think you did well to keep those red items, however unimportant they may seem. They add brightness to this picture otherwise dominated by somewhat murky colours. The clarity and light on the other hand are superb, and the kissing couple were a most perfect reason for a photo. Besides, I am sure they had more fun than the guy babbling on his phone. Actually, there's quite a lot going on in this small part of the street.
Kind regards,
Gert

williewhistler (16606) 2013-07-21 14:15

Hello Andrew,your compact has come up trumps,this is a lovely street scene with so many interesting characters not least the gentleman deep in thought,for me the overall composition is nicely balanced and the clarity first rate.
All the best,
Les.

thebest (4276) 2013-07-21 17:09

Hi Andrew,

Please forgive the long delay in responding to your last critic... my husband & I have just returned from a 9 week overseas trip.
WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! - BARCELONA - We had 4 nights there & the best tapas & sangria we have ever had in our lives.
Barcelona has to be on everyones bucket list of places to visit it is fantastic!!!

Love this photo Andrew hope you are keeping well?
Kindest regards,
Dawn.

emka (157280) 2013-07-21 23:08

Hi Andrew,
does it mean you are back in Oz? I hope you had great time i n Europe and pity you didn't come to Warsaw. We are rather used to modern Barcelona and specially to Gaudi's work, you show us something different. I like three scenes in this one small picture (do you know it can be bigger now?). The couple is kissing, someone is calling, someone is pensive. Funny. And the building behind is nice, with windows shutters giving mediterranean atmosphere. excellent composition.

Warm regrads

Malgo

abmdsudi (95869) 2013-07-22 7:42

Hi Andrew
A group of street people gathered together in their typical fashion getting on with their everyday existence and issues, an image full of possible tales each and every one! There's lots to see I guess, and body language is quite entertaining too and the picture also shows the relaxed atmosphere. It takes the eye from extreme left to the right of frame and then the backdrop characterful architecture and it kind of sums the place up for me. This is a great insight to another street life and culture skilfully captured. Brilliant photograph. TFS
Best regards

delpeoples (60342) 2013-07-27 0:58

Ciao Andrew

What a great title and thank you for "learnin" me a new word. Osculation, I love it and will try to use it as much as possible :) A beautiful and thoroughly Mediterranean scene here, especially the "osculation part". Thanks also for the tip for the tapas. We will be in Spain soon, so your travel tips are very welcome.

Cheers
Lisa

PS: Yes, Ken Cross makes a better Rebus IMHO. Actually, Rankin also said this at his talk. Hannah is a great actor, but he was too good looking and clean cut for how we all picture Rebus to be :)

jhm (211734) 2013-07-28 1:48

Hello Andrew,

This is real a nice daily life picture with the kiss of the couple in centre of the picture.
Excellent composition, nice captured
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice Sunday,
John