Hi Hubert,
As I look at this image there is going to be absolutely no confusion in the world that I'm actually looking at a barbershop (that is unless you've bumped your head recently and have woken up speaking a different language). The 'Barber' sign is the largest feature of this photograph and hardly needs to be highlighted in red.
Getting beyond the obvious though, what are the essential elements that go into making a barber’s shop special. For me, the obvious icon would have to be the barber's chair, which is why I think it is really important to make that chair stand out from the shadows.
In the image below I have reworked the tones to increase the detail in the chair while at the same time adding some contrast and clarity to the shop window.
For good measure I think it is also important to highlight what I will assume is one of his customers sitting in the café to the left of frame.
My final adjustment has been to darken down the accountant’s window and with that I think the picture is starting to tell more of the story.
I think you should make this gentleman a personal
project. Go back and spend a couple of hours in his store and this time, get
closer with the camera… chances are you might be able to capture more of his
wit.
As I write this I am reminded of The Beatles song, Penny Lane… get it right and
this barber could be showing your photographs!
Cheers, Anthony
Image Doctor's edited version
