I’ve just taken off from Barcelona airport on my way back to the comfort of Liverpool, and I thought writing this blog would be a great use of my time during the flight. Part 1 of this blog was about how much I didn’t enjoy the city, and to be honest, I’ve come away with the same feeling. I spent a full day in Barcelona with my good friend James, which as always was great company, and we both did better with our street photography now we had each other for support.
Before I go any further, I want to say that I will never let James loose with directions again; he almost killed me that day and I will get you back, James.
Frankly, I couldn’t have wished for better company while doing street photography. The banter between us was highly enjoyable. However, the day progressed swiftly, and before we knew it, we were bidding farewell.
Barcelona, unlike New York, where everything happens all at once and you have lots to capture, Barcelona is a city where everything happens all at once, and yet there’s nothing to photograph; it’s a very strange city. Regrettably, I once again encountered a general lack of friendliness from the local populace. Tourists are not well-received, and there is definitely a risk of being exploited if you’re not careful.
The primary challenge I faced while attempting street photography was the pervasive sense of unease I experienced due to my discomfort in the city. Street photography, for me, serves as a therapeutic outlet, aiding in the management of my anxiety and depression. However, in Barcelona, my anxiety was exacerbated, unfortunately rendering the experience unenjoyable.
If I’m honest, I wanted to call it day within a couple of hours, but I was with James and so pushed on. James’s company provided invaluable support throughout the day. While I refrained from expressing my discomfort to him, I didn’t want to ruin his day. I ultimately found solace in the prospect of returning to the tranquil surroundings of Sitges and the hotel’s swimming pool.
During my brief time in the city, I managed to capture a small collection of candid street photographs. Despite my lack of expectations and the absence of inspiration from my surroundings, I was able to seize a few fleeting moments that unfolded before my lens. One thing I should mention here is that this time round I was shooting with my Leica SL3-S, unlike last week when I was shooting with the Leica Q, a camera that was very new to me. I was a lot more comfortable and confident with the SL and I think that’s why I came away with better photos than last week.
Would I return to Barcelona for another visit? The answer at this time is no.
_
