busking – In Photos dot Org

Juggling Knives in London

I love that this street entertainer is wearing such bright and distinctive clothes but I wish his knives were brightly coloured. Still, the reaction of (some) people was worth it even if the background is too busy to see the knives properly.

Knives. He’s juggling knives over the head of a tourist lying on the ground. That could have ended badly, but people who perform in Covent Square are really good.

Street performers must audition for their spots in Covent Square through a formal licensing system managed by the local authority. Performers are allocated specific time slots and locations, with the most desirable pitches going to those who demonstrate the highest skill levels and ability to manage crowds safely. The system was introduced to maintain quality and safety standards after the area’s transformation from a working market to a major tourist destination in the 1980s.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7RM5
Focal length	101mm
ISO	1600
Shutter speed	1/500s

The Violinist and his audience

A man playing a violin on the street, with an older man sitting in the background with his arm raised, enjoying the music

I was in town this afternoon and walking up Oliver Plunkett Street, came across Ryan Parsons, a very talented violinist busking on the street. A sizeable crowd gathered around behind me, enjoying the music. The gentleman in the background of this photo was evidentially enjoying the music too, waving his hand in time with the beat of the tune.

I recorded a video of Ryan playing too. Enjoy his wonderful playing for yourself!

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	1000
Shutter speed	1/500s

Korey Power on Patrick Street

My wife and I came across Korey Power singing on Patrick Street, in front of Brown Thomas. A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered to listen. He has a great voice!

Yes, a gentleman in the background was dancing and enjoying the music too. Did a fine job of it!

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	1250
Shutter speed	1/500s

Happy Playing Music

A man busking in Emmett Place, Cork a few weeks ago. I forgot to ask his name and he apologised for his playing as he was learning a new song so he was likely going to be strumming the same chords over and over again.

This was shot when I was out with Blarney Photography Club and it was shown at the next meeting. Another photo of him was shown too from a lower angle and closer which I think is better than this one, but this is the one I have so it’s all I’ll post!

Anyway, is it street photography if your subject is aware of you and looking straight at the camera? Before you answer, watch Bruce Gilden in action:

Aperture	ƒ/4
Camera	Canon EOS 6D
Focal length	24mm
ISO	1000
Shutter speed	1/250s