Chillin' on the lock gate

Another photo from Thursday night's outing to the Rising Sun pub in Berkhamsted and my first, proper, up-front 'strangers' shot.
I did what I could to 'lose' the background a bit and I'm not particularly confident of the processing I've done but love those smiles!
The lads were quite happy to pose for a harmless old biddy and kindly gave me permission to post the shot here.

[Milanie]

My granddaughter would definitely go for your shot! Those are some great smiles on the young men. Like the friendliness of your photo.

[Maggiemae]

That's a nice relaxed shot and would give you confidence to do something like this again! I've really got to try!

[Connie]

Great smiles...have wanted to do some photography like this...thanks. Great capture.

[Claire]

Such a happy carefree shot

[Mac]

What a fun shot! It's sharp! They look like models.

[Rachel Withey]

Great shot, great smiles. You are v brave, haven't managed to do this. One day maybe

[Dione Giorgio]

Beautiful shot and sc. Love their happy smile - maybe it was the beer, haha.

[Myrna O'Hara]

Are they old enough to drink?? LOL Nice capture of strangers. I've opened and closed a few of those locks when we had a week on our relative's canal boat a few years ago!!

[Kazzy]

Awesome image. Good on your for going outside your (and my) comfort zone and asking! I think you did a great job on the background, I completely focused on those smiles and took a little while to notice the b&w background...mission accomplished!

[Jen Hudson]

I didn't notice the soft coloured background either, so mission accomplished. All the focus on the lads and their great smiles and relaxed look. Well done for being brave.

[Jennifer C]

love it! They look so happy to pose for a lovely photographer, looks like they are having a well deserved after work drink!

[carol white]

Great capture,they look really relaxed,just chilling out!!

[Margaret Brown]

Well they look happy, what a nice photo, lovely capture

[Gena Pegg]

Awesome stranger shot....like that they are on a bit of tilt...fits the photo well. They look soooooo young, don't they. Did you ask for I.D.? hahahaha! Great smiles and nicely captured.

[Al Bailey]

Lovely shot ..... I didn't notice the background either so mission accomplished! :)

[Jean Tookey]

A great shot. They look so happy. The background is fine.

[Janet]

They too likes a drop of good beer! A superb strangers shot - well done!

[Lisa Stein]

Great candid shot! Nice job softening the background. I think your processing works very well.