Aperture Zero 01. The Pipes Man

By Merik

With one hand cradling a cigarette inwards, sheltering it from the clear sky, he extended his other arm perpendicular to the horizon. Well steadied, he stared ahead beyond the mess of chicken wire to the plastic chair in front of the stairwell. It was faded and stooped to one corner from a splintered leg. Four pigeons completed the scene, one lazily stalking a plastic bag as it drifted in and out a shard of sunlight. Shadow, light, shadow.

First releasing breath and smoke in a slow letting of valves, he pulled in his gut, drew in air, and squinted through the lens. Still, ready, owning that moment he coughed deliberately and triggered the shutter.

Something shifted but it wasn’t right. A muffled thud instead of a crisp thwack. The pigeons scrambled, flying perversely towards him, and the moment was lost.

‘Balls,’ said the Pipes Man.
‘Thwack,’ said the shutter.

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About The Author

By Merik
Images and tall stories in high contrast. Photo edits to annoy your uncle.
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Comments

Jonathan Leavitt on Aperture Zero 01. The Pipes Man

Comment posted: 27/08/2021

Great writing and photos to match -- keep going!
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NigelH on Aperture Zero 01. The Pipes Man

Comment posted: 28/08/2021

Hmmm thinking about this.... Yes this is good. An interesting narrative that provokes the mind and photos to prompt the imagination. Thank you :)
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Zilla on Aperture Zero 01. The Pipes Man

Comment posted: 28/08/2021

LOVE THIS!
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Tobias Eriksson on Aperture Zero 01. The Pipes Man

Comment posted: 28/08/2021

Love it! More photography fiction!
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Peter Roberts on Aperture Zero 01. The Pipes Man

Comment posted: 28/08/2021

Wonderful! Hemmingway has taken up photography and is contributing to 35mmc.
More please.
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Wes Hall on Aperture Zero 01. The Pipes Man

Comment posted: 29/08/2021

Very cool, the blend of imagery to tale is evocative- which came first I wonder...
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