Those of you who are familiar with my strangers project will know that several of my strangers have been captured at my visits to the football.
My last 3 football matches have seen heavy rain before the match (and I mean really heavy rain), so I have "missed a few opportunities" (a bit like my football team Bolton Wanderers who are always missing opportunities)
Most football clubs work in close contact with nominated charities charities, to make spectators aware of various campaigns.
Today Bolton Wanderers were hosting a "Men United Match Day at the Bolton Wanderers v Burnley match" to make people aware of prostate cancer
As I walked around the stadium prior to the match there were several volunteers with buckets collecting donations for the prostate UK charity. It was rapidly approaching kick off time so I did not have much time to approach a stranger.
I put a donation into the bucket of a young man named Dean and asked him if I could take his picture for my project (Dean is my next stranger). Dean said yes and to my surprise his colleague Laura asked if I would take her picture too.
So I got two portraits for my project.
I decided I would do a portrait style shot and include Laura's scarf and vest to show the charity information. Laura had a lovely smile and was a willing 'stranger' . Both Laura and Dean were happy for me to publish their pictures.
As for the football, Bolton lost 2-1 and we are next to bottom of the league and will most probably be relegated at the end of the season in May.
Everything you need to know about prostate cancer can be seen in the link below.
This picture is number 18 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
She certainly has a great smile, and she's doing such a worthwhile thing to on match day (and Dean too) It makes me curious to see Dean's portrait too. Also a fab idea to have the charity scarf like a football scarf. A supporters scarf for Men United. Hope they found many fans of the cause, and continue to do so.
Very interesting back story and intriguing idea of asking strangers for their photo...brave. Great capture shows what she's supporting and she has a lovely smile!
A lovely happy smile from Laura which made me smile too. Men United has a good ring to it - for obvious reasons. Interesting (and potentially life-saving) info in your post today, Phil.
I always like your portrait shots, Phil. This is definitely not the least, with her beautiful smile. A great cause and sorry for another match lost. I went to see my Stoke friend when we were in Gozo this week-end.
@sangwann cheers dione , yes another dreadful game for BWFC, at least i got two strangers :)
@busylady thanks judith , yes an excellent young volunteer :)
@nicoleterheide thanks nicole , she has a great smile
@jennywren yes jen , i was lucky to get two shots :)
@quietpurplehaze thanks have , yes the "men united" is part of the campaign slogan. I am pleased wiith this shot :)
@colinbarber013 cheers colin, no winning matchday smiles for BWFC supporters !!
@juleshoogstraanderson thanks Jules, my strangers project will take some time to complete
@eyesmile thanks gena, your support on my pics is appreciated
@gamelee cheers lee, always there for saturday games :)