the yellow man — Joseph Lockley Photo

the yellow man - updated april 2025

in november 2024, i came across a man sitting outside a restaurant in central london. he was wearing all yellow, smoking a cigar, and looked extremely comfortable in his spot. like he was a regular. when i gestured to him with my camera, he grinned, puffed his cigar, and held his arms outstretched. i snapped some photos, thanked him, and carried on my way. (continued below)

only 45 minutes later, he happened to find me on a nearby street. he tapped me on the shoulder and, with another big grin, asked if i wanted more photos. as i took his portrait, he said “can you send a copy to my mother? she’s in heaven!” and “if you make any money from these pictures, you know what to do? spend it!”

i was so caught up in thanking him and making the images that i forgot to ask his name. so, for now, he’s the yellow man. hopefully we meet again.

UPDATE: i returned to where i first saw the yellow man and asked the doorman if he knew where i might find him! the doorman remembered him well and shared that he was in fact NOT a regular and had only visited that one time. he spoke with the yellow man and found out that he was a recovering alcoholic, and that he planned to go travelling - so it’s unlikely i’ll find him again any time soon. sad!

moral of the story - learn more about the people you meet and photograph, because you might not get another chance.

martina francone - noctis magazine

vol. 1 zine