I watched discretely for a few moments as this Sydney street performer performed his own personal ritual as he made his immediate surrounds, now vacated by peers and spectators, his own space as he prepared his show.

The expressions he wore during this private time were varied but when he looked up and spied my lens that smile was quickly painted.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Day 711, Painted Smile’ 1/500s f/3.2 ISO160 142mm