Thursday, June 18, 2009

Solitary Shoe Shine Stand

Shoe Shine Stand in the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina
The traditional urban shoe shining is a dying vocation, but it is still very likely to meet a shoeshine man in Buenos Aires, especially in the city center. While the shoeshiner was not around when the picture was taken it was uncanny how accurate he had left everything behind. Well, I guess having everything at hand will make the job go smoother and be less frustrating. Who would've thought you need all these shoe shining supplies to shine shoes.
Have you ever had your shoes shined?

10 comments:

RogerB said...

No, I've never had my shoes shined. Most of my shoes look a little better with some dust on them - I prefer casual shoes or Teva sandals.

Prospero said...

This is a very organized shoe shine person. To answer your question - never.

Lowell said...

That must be the neatest shoeshine man I've ever seen. Haven't seen one in years, though. Can't imagine one can make much of a living doing that, either.

I suppose he took a coffee break?

Perfect composition!

Clueless in Boston said...

I always have my shoes shined. Why pay good money for leather shoes and not take care of them. Unshined shoes on a man is just slovenly; but I've seen men wearing suits and sneakers, so I think unshined shoes is preferable. I guess it all just goes back to upbringing and caring for your person and your clothes.

Buenos Aires Photoblog said...

Jacob, I guess he was around somewhere, small talking to someone or he was just out for a pee break.

AB said...

Have you ever had your shoes shined?

Not since watching "Midnight Cowboy".

VEB wortfeile said...

This looks so neat and accurate, just tempting. On one hand, I guess this job must be humiliating, but on the other hand he needs to do it for a living. I'm pretty torn on this one.

Unknown said...

This is a tradition already lost here, or almost...

Kcalpesh said...

Gives me glimpses of my own town... :-)

Carraol said...

Perfect composition, the price is cheap? ($4.00) Here in Mexico a shoe shine costs almost one dollar $ 10.00 pesos and if you work in a bank, office or anything like that, your shoes must look impeccable. Greetings from MC.