The Central Market at Monistraki, Athens Greece

[xoxoxoBruce]

Chris, do you speak Greek? If not, how did you communicate with these guys in the market?

[Sundae]

Just to jump in - Greece has been a holiday destination for Brits for MANY years, and America has been an emigration destination too. I think you'd be hard pushed to find a Greek who didn't at least know a Greek who spoke English.

And yes - I've known Greek people, as well as Brits who have lived there. Not to mention holidays.

[chrisinhouston]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Chris, do you speak Greek? If not, how did you communicate with these guys in the market?

I always try to learn and use some words or phrases in which ever country I visit but ni, I don't really speak Greek. Most Greeks on the mainland and the more popular islands speak English to some degree. I also find that people generally don't mind having their pictures taken in most places and take simple directions well even with a language barrier. That being said there are some countries where you should not photograph people's children because the parents sometimes feel you might be in the child abduction business.

By the way, I shoot everything now in color and then go to B&W if I feel it is more suited. The market had a big mix of flourescent and tungsten of all kinds so the color versions didn't look too good in my opinion. These just seemed to ask for being made into B&W shots.

[Pico and ME]

I thought the black and white was genius, especially since it was still dark outside...it gave the lighting more impact and mood.