John Loengard’s book ‘Moment by Moment’ focuses on the fact that “a good photograph cannot be repeated” but it “can hold our interest forever.” This image is an example of a moment that cannot be repeated, as while this image was being taken, the boy’s mother called him from down the street, capturing this cheeky grin on a scruffy, troublesome boy. He appears to be a typical working-class boy on a typical working-class street, his clothes are skruffy, his shirt tucked in wonkily, he’s even missed a button on his shirt. It is clear that his appearance isn’t a priority for him, or if it is, he must be very busy. He looks like the type of boy who never slows down for anyone – not even Loengard taking this picture.
Beth Harvey 