This is Aulton (not too sure on the spelling) who I met in Nottingham Arboretum on Wednesday.
Ruby and I had gone on an afternoon walk, exploring the outskirts of the city centre.
As we walked around the lake at the bottom of the Arboretum I noticed two people sat on a bench. From a distance I thought they might be stranger material.
As I approached them, I gave them a nod and Aulton said he liked Ruby;s coat (she has quite a collection of coats). I introduced Ruby to them and let them stroke her.
Aulton and his friend were enjoying a drink they had purchased from Tesco’s. I asked them if they were a couple, but they were just best friends !
They told me they were going to get a boat and take it on the lake ! I told them there was a big problem with that idea as there are no boats in the Arboretum.
“We can get one from Highfields boating lake”
“Well you will look a bit obvious carrying a boat 3 miles across the city centre!”
“Are you a copper? Those boots look a bit copper like”
“Do I look like a Copper? I’m retired ! These boots were £15-00 from Lidl, really comfy and ideal for walking a whippet”
“I had trials with Benfica you know”
“Did you. What happened?”
“I had too much attitude, they released me”
“Ahh right”
“Does Ruby want a drink?”
“I don’t think Dogs should drink white wine”
“Good point, I had a mate who gave his Dog some special brew, it went a bit mental “
“Can I take your picture for my project?”
“I can take you both if you want”
“Just take me”
So I directed Aulton for some shots.
“What’s your name?”
“Phil”
“Phil what?”
“Phil Howcroft”
“Ahh right, nice to meet you Phil, are you sure you are not a copper?”
As I continued the conversation, Ruby was distracted by a squirrel and pulled on her lead, I dropped my camera, it landed on the lens. I tried to use it and it would not focus. That sort of brought the shoot to an abrupt end.
When I got home it would not focus with my other auto focus Sony lens, so I was really cross !
I then realised the diopter on the electronic viewfinder had moved and a quick reset and everything was back to normal !
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
https://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
My own strangers can be seen here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/57144254@N08/albums/72157657822400168
Nice story & you meet all sorts. Great detail of his beard & face. The coat looks expensive so not just hanging about homeless then!
@happypat i was really worried Pat, i should have had the strap around my neck
@sangwann dione, yes he said he was an apprentice at Benfica, but didn't make the grade
@beryl thanks beryl , much appreciated :)
@kuva Megan , many thanks for your visit, I've been doing my strangers series for 4 years !