Welcome to the first of a series of short blogs that are based around pictures from my archive , I hope the words that accompany the featured pictures give context , explanation and inspiration to readers .

Older readers might recognise the source of “inspiration” for the “The Foto What I Took” blog title , answers on a postcard …

I made this picture in 2015 while standing outside in the rain “enjoying” a cigarette , back in the days when I still smoked , seems like a lifetime ago , anyway , as I stood there I noticed how my reflection could be merged with the “Daily Mail Reader” on the other side of the glass , I was even more impressed when I realised that it was possible to place the strangers head strategically within this unusual composition , giving a surreal appearance …

I knew that the camera could not be lifted to my eye as that would have shown in the refection and signaled my photographic intentions to “Daily Mail Reader” , sometimes you just have to wing it , hope for the best and keep your fingers crossed !

I should point out that it is not rare for me to make Street captures without using the viewfinder , I have a hotshoe spirit level fixed permanently on my camera to accommodate this approach

This subject within a reflection of the photgrapher technique was used extensively by Vivean Maier with her TLR camera , reminds me of the advantages of wearing dark clothes on a Street Shoot, especially if we intend to “Borrow” the techniques of “Giants” as we walk in their footprints …

I hope you’ve enjoyed this picture and this new format of blog , let me know …