I can’t remember an April as busy as this in a long time.

But it’s been a really good mix of play and work.

First there was my little exhibit, then Easter/Spring vacation followed by the launch of my very own small flash lighting workshop.

Faces from Santa Barbara

Interesting character–I bet this cowboy’s collection jar is usually full by the end of the evening. Demeanor and persona is important when you’re a musician performing in public. The best musicians don’t necessarily have that, that’s probably why they need to hire a publicists? I shot with my 50 mm lens as well and in the end, I liked this one with my wide angle best because it gives you a sense of location and therefore “context.” For vacation pictures, sometimes that’s important.

On Tuesday evenings the city of Santa Barbara hosts its Farmers Market on State Street, downtown.

I’m a sucker for an interesting face so I gravitated towards the street performers and musicians.

In particular I liked this guitar-slinging fellow who sang Country songs, used a train whistle and harmonica for accompaniment.

When you’re out in public, you can’t assume everyone wants a camera in their face.

He didn’t seem to mind my taking his picture so I dropped a couple dollars into his collection jar when I was done.

You can’t say the same for everyone who was performing.

I wondered why a trio performing New Age music didn’t want me to photograph them. Maybe I should have asked first.

I moved on when it became clear they objected.

It got me thinking, “Why object to being photographed if you’re out in public performing?”

After all, it’s not like I was videotaping their performance, making a DVD or poster and selling it for profit and stiffing them.

Again, let me reiterate, I’m okay with them not wanting me to take their picture.

Fun pair to watch–These 2 blues style singers were rocking. They didn’t even make that much eye contact with the crowds. They would occasionally nod when someone dropped some dead presidents in their collection jar, but that was it.