Flickr a Day 17: ‘Geisha Hunting’

Today’s selection, and the next one, come from search “pester”. Many photographers are reluctant to fully identify themselves, as is the case with Peter “monkeylikemind”, who lives in Shanghai, China, and joined Flickr in February 2013. Other shooters, like Thomas Hawk, use pseudonyms.

Flavor is the word that describes Peter’s street photography, which gives a Westerner’s non-tourist taste of China. Self-titled, “Geisha Hunting”, which he shot with the Canon EOS 550D and EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, is delicacy. Same can be said of another, which I almost chose instead. 

About the photo and name for it, Peter describes:

Tongue-in-cheek. But not far from the truth. Tourists and photographers would hang around in corners almost like predators. Sometimes geikos and maikos (apprentices) would be swarmed by tourists and the geishas would rush into a nearby restaurant. I know the adage that if your photos are good, then you’re not close enough, but I just couldn’t stomach getting too close to pester these women.

I selected the pic, taken on June 29, 2012, for its pleasing color and composition—and Peter’s contextual story behind the shot. Vitals: f/5.6, ISO 3200, 1/800 sec, 55mm.

Photo Credit: Peter “monkeylikemind”