Ron and his tattoos
I was standing on an escalator at Islington tube and standing in front of me was a shaven-headed, tattooed young man. I could only see the back of his head, but the tattoos on his arms and head made me think he was angry inside his body. I could not see his face, but I felt I had to say hello- however would he be friendly… or tell me to F’ off?
From behind he looked interesting and it made a good picture. I quickly took six pictures of him- as the front of him may not be so interesting visually.
At the top of the escalator, I went for it. I tapped him on the shoulder, and as he looked around I said; “Your tattoos look great from behind!” This disarmed him and he thanked me for the compliment.
I said; “Can I do a few pictures of you for my book- the wonderful people of London?” He said; “Err-no-“
I said; “Go on please, you have a great look”.
And he replied, “Go on then mate, you’ve got ten seconds, as I’m already late for work”
So, I posed him up against the wall and shot him from behind again, but this time with his face looking to the side.
I popped off twenty frames and I said; “Ron, can I ask you what you do for a job?” What he said knocked me for six.... When he said he played the organ at Bethnal Green Church, I almost fell over!
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