The townspeople of Shefford had been told that a camera club was coming to take picture during their festival weekend and Ray spotted me trying to get a picture of the gates of his pub - The White Hart. Truth is, I thought I saw a letter E in the stag painted on the gates and was sizing it up for an Alphabet picture.
Ray approached me and asked if I wanted to take his photograph. How could I refuse? He told me that he was the landlord of the pub and I sympathised with him that even on a sunny day he didn't seem to have any custom. But Ray wasn't disheartened and said that a cycling party would be arriving very shortly.
Ray approved this portrait and so with a sigh of relief I moved on.
This could be the closest to the start of 100 strangers project I ever get. I have immense admiration for those who do this project - even when the stranger approached me I felt uncomfortable, and under pressure.
The closest I got to the strangers project was taking a few shots of the Track Car owners, but even though I asked and they agreed, I still felt out of my comfort zone since I really don't do portraits- studio or candid. I really admire the people who can do that. That being said, I think you've done Ray proud. He's obviously a character of sorts and it shows in the expression you captured here. I also like how you turned the shadow and sunlight into a nicely abstract background which makes him stand out all the more. Good job!
