My Friday people this week is Gary the team leader of Huddersfield's Mens Sheds Association, I was spotted taking a photograph of their sign over the entrance to their centre, was approach and asked what I was up to I explained about 365 project and was asked if I would like to see around their workshops and discover the things they do for local charities, it was Gary that showed me round and on leaving I asked if I could take his portrait he was not to keen but agreed,
Men’s Shed is a place of skill-sharing and informal learning, of individual pursuits and community projects, of purpose, achievement and social interaction. A place of leisure, where men come together for peer support.
They welcome men of any ages, who are living with mental ill health, family breakdown, unemployment, in recovery, low income or social isolation, leading to unhelpful coping behaviours. they also welcome men who have time on their hands, retired, skills to share and those who would like to be part of a community group and make a difference.
Their activity focus is around bike maintenance, gardening, woodwork, and up-cycling but we also have other activities which are a part of our community space; Pool, Darts, Cards, Games, books and a WII console, there is something for everyone, as well as a cup of tea!
Great shot and a great idea. They have a Men's Shed in a suburb not too far from where I live and a bunch of Greenies tried to get it stopped because it was on the edge of parkland. Luckily the Men's Shed went ahead and it hasn't caused any disasters for the local birdlife, plantlife or any other form of life, except for the red faced Greenies I suspect.
@suesouthwood Thank you for you comments Sue, it didn't help that we standing in strong sunlight and I made him move and stand against an old sea container then turn to have the sun on his left side, don't think he liked been told what to do, lol:)
i'd never heard of Man's Shed, until now.. it's an excellent idea..
Gary looks non too happy having his portrait taken.. looks a bit belligerent.. this is not your usual close crop but, nevertheless, it is still recognisable as being one of your's.. i like the pose you had him assume, pity you couldn't straighten the face, lol.. lovely skin tones and good focus too..
@jorlam Thank you very much for your wonderful comments Jorlam, belligerent describes him very well, he was not happy to be ordered about by me even in my jovial manner, BTW the centre is part of Huddersfield Train Station, the entrance is just to the lift of the Head of Steam pub just before you walk up the cobbled slope:)
Not heard of this, sounds a great idea and makes a great narrative to accompany your portrait. I have not met you but I cannot imagine you really bossing anybody about. Perhaps he is just not naturally a smiley person - a good photo anyway. You should have suggested it would be good publicity perhaps ?!
What a great cause the Men's Shed sounds like! Interesting story behind your subject, but your powers of persuasion proved themselves once again! He couldn't have been too annoyed as it appears that he complied with your instructions. A good photographer has to have the upper hand over his subject, and I'm sure he respected that. Hopefully he will be happy to see this result. You always seem to capture the personality of your subject, and you've done so superbly here once again.
What a remarkable idea the Men’s Sheds is. You noted this was Huddersfield’s group so is this a national organization? This is a wonderful portrait, Peter.
@louannwarren Wow you have stepped back in time for this one Lou Ann, its a great organisation and yes they are all over the UK, Ireland and even in Australia ( in fact there's one close to Babs @onewing in NSW)
March 13th, 2018
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Gary looks non too happy having his portrait taken.. looks a bit belligerent.. this is not your usual close crop but, nevertheless, it is still recognisable as being one of your's.. i like the pose you had him assume, pity you couldn't straighten the face, lol.. lovely skin tones and good focus too..