Whilst I was up at Trabuquet photographing the war graves, these two ladies were playing at various ceremonies in Menton for Armistice Day.
Meet Mireille on the left. She lives in Nice. Caroline, on the right, is Australian and has lived in the Old Town of Menton, very near to Trabuquet, for 20 years. They play with La Garde de Menton which is the Harmonie Municipale and they practice once a week in the old Fire Station. Their instruments - the trumpet and the saxophone. There is no pay for this - they do it for the pleasure and the honour.
I didn't photograph them in ideal conditions, sun on their faces, deep shade behind but I've fiddled with this photograph in iPhoto - anyway apologies it's not quite up to scratch but I wanted you to meet these two great women.
You'll notice Le Balico in the background - closed for November - many places are closed but happily not Le Lido where Mireille and Caroline drink a well-deserved bière or pression as beer is known, when it's pumped from the barrel.
I like what you ended up with, Jilly. And that red hair is what some women would die for. Wow.
ReplyDeleteI wish my not up to scratch photos were as good. I love the setting.
ReplyDeleteLooks good to me, very natural.
ReplyDeleteI envy you your ability to chat to people and get to know them. It makes for an interesting post. I find it so hard, I just do a hit and run..
Wonderful portrait Jilly, you're getting so good at this. This one in my opinion could have been harder because it was posed (or at least the women knew they were being photographed) but it still ends up being very natural and I really like it.
ReplyDeleteIt is also a good way to show the spirit of autumn - the wind, the closed shops... really nice!
And yes, sorry for fooling you today. I couldn't help it. I can be very naughty sometimes...
If I find the original version of my photo I'll post it tomorrow.
Cheers
This looks like an ideal way to spend the afternoon.
ReplyDeletePleased to meet them! Thanks for sharing their stories.
ReplyDeleteYour photo turned out great. I wonder if they play better before or after the beer?
ReplyDeleteThe conditions look ideal to me. I'd love to sit there and enjoy a beer with them right now!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous as you tell the life and as you succeed with your photos in gathering the naturalness of the people
ReplyDeleteExcellent portrait--one that exudes joy!
ReplyDeleteYou captured their wonderful smiles, Jilly! Well done!!
ReplyDeleteAmateur musical groups (ie not paid) are the lifeblood of community so often. My dad spent decades in brass bands and was a stalwart defender of the concept of a volunteer activity where anyone could join in and learn or improve.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasure to meet these two ladies. I like seeing the background 'shadows', the uncrowded street, the closed shops. It makes me feel as if I'm there.
ReplyDeleteCommunity band players get their rewards just by playing and knowing their music is appreciated; I know I do.
ReplyDeleteoh, I'd love to sit there and enjoy a beer with them right now!
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