Street Photography: Hair on Times Square

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Even jaded seen-it-all New Yorkers will look my way as I walk by with my long hair freed from its elastic tie. It flows and practically invades other people’s personal spaces. But this lady has me beat.

At first I thought she was a new entertainer at Times Square wearing a wig. I’ve had people ask me too if my hair is real.

But, as far as I could tell, her Afro was genuine and she was rushing off to get somewhere. So, no, she was not a street performer.

Her impressive locks were so big that they actually cast a shadow over her face. You can just barely make out an eye under there.

There is so much to think about at this size. It makes me think of broccoli. It also looks like a cloud of smoke billowing out from an explosion. I suppose my own unruly mane conjures up whimsical thoughts in others.

This was my first shot of her, which I reflexively took as she walked by me. I snapped a few more, but they were not as close and it was mostly of her back.

I’m glad I was able to make the image. It takes time to develop the muscle memory to shoot reflexively. It’s still something I am working on. Too many times I have gotten lost in observing the moment and by the time I realize I should be clicking the shutter, the moment is gone.

Are there photographs you regret not having taken because you were not quick enough on the draw?

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