Posts tagged with bolton
Bolton town centre may not be the thriving place it once was as it is being redeveloped, but the diverse population is always interesting.
Friday lunchtime seems to have a special, more relaxed atmosphere as people begin to anticipate the weekend. Of course, the sunshine helps too.
"Alison's Fish Special" advertisement is intended to be eye-catching, and this passerby proves it works. Clearly taken by the sign, she concentrates on the message, perhaps considering a cod and chips with all the trimmings, at a bargain price.
I also like some of the other details; her over-the-ear headphones, the crammed full shopping bag, and the waterproof jacket - still needed in the middle of June.
Mostly, though, it is her concentration which is obvious, even with only one side of her face visible.
Market Street is often lively, and usually I am here later in the day, so I miss the urgency of around nine o'clock in the morning. There is a sense of having to be somewhere else, a need to be getting there, and finally, in the case of the man with the morning paper (how rare is that in 2026?), of being only a few steps away from your destination - even if it is a pub so early in the day.
Rainy days in Bolton happen often enough to give photographers plenty of opportunities for practise and enable other people to take them in their stride. The two main subjects seem completely unconcerned by the weather, and the younger woman with the umbrella is positively enjoying being out in the rain. Even the elder woman has a hint of a smile, despite the weather, and this is in July! The expressions on the faces of these two women are the photograph. The rain, their clothing, and the umbrella create the atmosphere along with the shiny pavement.
I love being able to capture people enjoying themselves and to be able to do it on a rainy day is a rare treat.
I wish I could thank them both.
