Music City Dreams: An Exercise in Street Photography (2 of 3)

This is the second post out of 3 from my venture through downtown Nashville. These shots are from the same roll of Delta 100 talked about in my first post. Again this is not some tutorial on street photography, but a practice run for improving my own street work. You can read my explanation from my first post here.

The first 2 images are a common scene in Nashville. Street Performers are on every corner. Young or old, male or female, black or white, country, blues, rock, the hopefuls show no boundaries.

Long Shot

Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee

Hustlers

Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee

As I walked up Broadway I noticed a young man sitting on a guitar case at the corner. When I got close, I knelt down to take the shot. He noticed me and turned away.

Music City Thoughts

Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee

After taking the shot, I walked by him and stood at the corner. A couple of seconds later I heard someone say “Hey”. I was approached by the young man I just photographed. He asked if I would like his cd. I thought he was trying to make a sale, but he was actually giving them away. I took the cd and conversed with him for a few minutes. If I remembered correctly, he was from the Southern Georgia area close to Florida. He said he was here with his dad who was across the street at the Bridgestone Arena. The cd was a body of work he had finally put together as a promise he had made to his sister, who was tragically killed years ago. His sister was a big fan of his talent and I can honestly say it was not just because she was his sister. My wife and I listened to the cd and he REALLY does have talent. Not only can he sing, but he is a good songwriter, too. I don’t know what the statistics are for up and coming artist, but I believe Connor has a good shot.

Dear Juliet

Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee

Below are a couple of youtube videos I found of his music. You can find him on Facebook here.

Connor Ashe – Angel

Connor Ashe – Moving On

After our talk, I asked if I could have his portrait. He agreed without hesitation. After the shot, I shook his hand and wished him the best of luck.

Tomorrow’s Star

Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee

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