Description:

Mid-day in the town square at San Giminiano. All the locals are seated outside enjoying the warmth of the day and the slight breeze blowing through the town. I had my Olympus XA out and ready to take some closeup candids. However, the mood in the square was tranquil, nothing caught my eye until an animated discussion to my left broke the silence.

I Placed the camera in my right hand and held it on my left hip, pretending to cross my arms. I took this image at a suitable moment when arms were being waved around to emphasise points of view or in readiness for a defence. Surprisingly, I only took one shot of this scene, which annoyed me when I got the pictures back. I was annoyed that I had not been able to include the full face of the standing man.

On further study of the image I have convinced myself that It may have helped me to make the story behind the picture a little more enigmatic. Is this an argument or is it just one man telling the other what he has got for supper? You cannot tell from the evidence in the picture. Had the eyes of the second man been visible we might have been able to determine his mood. His mouth and jaw seem to express anger but he may be naturaly gaunt and have a permanently agressive face. The man on the left looks to be on the defence about something but who can tell to be sure. No clue can be gained from the other occupants of the image. The man in the foregroung shows no interest in what is happening; is this because nothing IS happening or does he merely wish to stay out of the argument.