MR. BOJANGLES
I’ve quickly learned that when you begin to point a somewhat professional looking camera at people, you never know what to expect. I was drawn to this gentleman when I saw him sitting at a nearby table. (Let me just say, when I’m trying to photograph people in their natural activity, I usually shoot in every direction to keep from drawing attention to whom I’m actually trying to capture.) But, this man was not to be fooled. Even though I was several yards away, he noticed me and smiled. But, look at that smile – it’s more than just a smile. What was he thinking?
© 2010
For a moment he just sat there, watching me as I was watching him. We nodded to each other and smiled, and I was about to move on to my next shot. But then all of a sudden, he jumped to his feet, moved to an open area and, well…this is what I captured:
© 2010
© 2010
© 2010
© 2010
I knew a man Bojangles and he’d dance for you… Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles…dance…
It was magical entertainment!! He continued for several minutes – as long as my camera was clicking.
So keep shooting – you never know what you might see when you pan the crowd with your camera.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Photographyfree4all's Blog 
Great capturing his personality. Makes me want to sit and talk with him a spell – have him tell me his story. I bet there’s some “magic” behind that smile and dance.
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I love it! I love when people step out of their shell and let their real selves show through.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, and I look forward to your next post.
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haha that is just awesome. people are great
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Love it! What a great smile. I still can’t bring myself to take photos of strangers. Great photos.
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Ah, great cameo. Love that he performed for you.. Unfortunately, I now have Mr Bojangles in my head! Awesome shots….
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cool guy 🙂
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oh my goodness! i just love that! How fun!
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This is a great sequence of photos. I love when poeple play to the camera – they provide the best shots! Thanks for posting.
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The happiness and the love is everywhere, just be pure and open to everything and everyone. I know it might sound old and religious-like but that’s true, and this man showed it.
I would have stopped to talk to him as well. Sometimes strangers are just friends that we still did not (or we wont) meet.
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Great shots and it goes to show there is a little showmanship in everybody! Great work I loved it
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Awww, he was just waiting to perform! You probably made his day. : )
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Man, that’s hilarious. At least the guy wasn’t shy. Good catch. 🙂
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Mr. Bojangles is captivating, and you captured his spirit with beauty and thoughtfulness. Wonderful work!
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This series of photos made my day! What a fun guy and you did great capturing the moment.
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What a great series of photos! Really captures the spirit of the day!
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Wow that is great! Haha! I can’t find the courage to take pictures of strangers, it makes me nervous and I feel like I’m imposing. How do you do it? What’s the best way to approach a stranger to take their picture?
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Thanks for your comment e410. Sometimes I ask if I can take a couple of shots while they do whatever they are doing, especially if it’s children. Parents can get rather edgy if you just start taking pictures of their kids. But, there are times when I just shoot everything – by that I mean, if I happen to be at an event you’ll find me shooting everyone and everything. Some people have even thought I was the event photographer. Believe it or not, some people ask me to takes their pictures when they realize I’m shooting different aspects of the event. It varies, but most people are OK with it.
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LOL – this is amazing. I love California 🙂
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