Rob Berry Blues Busker.

Blues Artist Rob Berry.

Rob Berry Blues ‘n Boxes. The sun was out, and my mind was filled with a number of ideas for the subject of today’s One Photograph. This was most certainly not it, though! Armed with filters and tripod, I was after a daytime long exposure.

My journey took me first to the pier, where I got a couple of decent shots. Then, onto Bournemouth Square, where I was intending to experiment a bit, capturing the movement of people as they went about their business.

Several photographs in, the sound of street music caught my ear. Not uncommon, at this location. I packed my kit up, and wandered towards the source of the sound.

What came across as an entire band was, in fact, a solo artist. Rob Berry Blues Musician, I discovered. Sadly, after a few songs, he decided to pack up for the day. Although gloriously sunny, the wind was cold (not good for playing guitar, blues or otherwise), and there were not that many people around, let alone listening.

This gave me chance to chat. His “Cigar Box” guitar he made himself. He does not have a backing track. He records a riff live on his echo loop, then plays along to himself, using the bass string of the guitar. A simple drum box provides the beat, and harmonica and voice completes the combo.

So, Rob Berry Blues Busker extraordinaire. Getting brave, I asked for a pose with his guitar. No problem. A tweak into Black and White completes the atmosphere.

For more information on Rob Berry, his website is www.robbery.com.

Photograph Details

• Taken: 19 Jan 2017
• Camera: Canon 5D MkIII
• Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm 1:2.8 L II USM
• Focal Length 45mm
• F/2.8
• 1/1600 Sec
• ISO 200