The big Saturday markets will never cease to be a goldmine of opportunity for capturing the wealth of Italian faces
Recently, when visiting my dear friends Novelia and Peppe in Sulmona for the Easter festivities, I discovered the huge Saturday market held in the piazza. I had wandered out of my B&B (close by) with my camera to see if anything might catch my attention. Suffice it to say, I was snapping away almost immediately.
Sisters – © 2017 Jed Smith
Italian markets are no laid-back affair
Wow, there’s serious life going on. The interactions. The commerce. The smiles. There’s enormous energy and movement. This is a photojournalist’s dream! And, what started out as a designated twenty-minute exploration turned into a two-hour project, with multiple passes through the market. Each lap would yield a fresh batch of Italian faces and interactions.
Due? – © 2017 Jed Smith
Italians speak with their whole bodies.
I wish I was more fluid in this regard. But, I’m simply a restrained westerner. And, rather than trying to emulate these gestures, and fail miserably, I think it’s wise to simply applaud these masters of communication. Actually, I think it would be fun to have a caption contest with images such as these to see what the viewers infer from the facial expressions and hand gestures!
O Dio! – © 2017 Jed Smith
Radiant, friendly Italian faces abound
I’d be happy, too, if I was surrounded by so many artisanal cheeses, like the woman below.
Happy – © 2017 Jed Smith
Carving – © 2017 Jed Smith
The market is an orchestra of constant activity and movement.
At times, I was almost on visual overload. But, I reminded myself to breathe, and to “take it as it comes”!
Pomodori – © 2017 Jed Smith
Ready to Shop – © 2017 Jed Smith
Cigarette Break – © 2017 Jed Smith
And, when you’ve had enough…
You find a spot to rest, with your faithful friend safely tethered close by!
Cooling Her Heels – © 2017 Jed Smith
See these and other photos in my online gallery!
Ciao my friend and brother, I know that you have published other stories, the one I loved was seeing your beautiful house in Umbria, it looks like it has come out of a magazine your taste is superb, like everything you do. The stories you write with your amazing photos can be about Venice, other parts of Italy,of course Abruzzo, and the message that I get,( but I am sure all your readers) is your love for Italy. no doubt about it. Your day at the mercato in Sulmona has captured faces and expressions that only you with your camera could have done, they alone tell a lot of stories. BRAVO|||||||| like allways. Please come back again. They say that I am the Ambassador of Abruzzo. I am glad that I am not the only one. You are playing a big part in letting the rest of the world know that in this country there is an hidden gem and that is Abruzzo in this case Sulmona. GRAZIE, Novelia.
Ciao, cara! I always love your enthusiastic comments, Novelia. Yes, I love Italy, and I’m glad that comes through consistently in my posts. And, you know, so well, that I have a special fondness for Sulmona. I will endeavor to come back when I can – especially to see you and Peppe. Mi manchi moltissimo! Baci, Jed
Awesome photos, Jed! You never cease to amaze me with your enormous talent for capturing the perfect moments and scenery around you. I especially love the one with the man whose head is tilted, peeking through the hanging sausages. Bravo mio caro fratello for another wonderful post!
Thanks, Doodlebug. I’m glad you like the little photo excursion! The man who like was so nice in letting me take photos of him. Loads of good juju in that face!
Wow! Market day in Sulmona is one of the things I’m looking forward most to when I’m there in October. Now you’ve made my anticipation shoot off the charts! lol Enjoying your stories and photos immensely….so happy I found you!
Buona giornata……
Debra
Casa Grande, AZ
(Yes, from the place that will be 120 degrees this week)
Grazie, Debra. I love fueling the passions for all things Italian, and as you have discerned, I have a particular love of Sulmona! Stay cool in AZ, however possible. It’s hot here (north of Venice) but nothing like what you’re experiencing. Jed
So beautiful Jed! Thanks for taking and sharing these images.
Great shots Jed. Pity you can’t capture all the beautiful aromas of frutta e vedura, porchetta, formaggio, salumi, pesce etc. etc. in the photos as well! The mercato is real blast for the senses.
Great hearing from you David! I hope you’re in paradise being back in Sulmona! Hope to see you and Sharyn soon.