100 Strangers : Round 4 : No. 324 :  Nadia by phil_howcroft

100 Strangers : Round 4 : No. 324 : Nadia

I’ve got four strangers to post from the last few days. I should post them in the sequence I shot them, but I was so pleased to be able to photograph this stranger I’ve posted them out of sequence. I’ve admired Nadia for some time and I was going to email her office to ask if I could photograph her, but as it happened I bumped into her at Nottingham Pride today, so I had no need to email her office.

I met Nadia at Nottingham Pride. Nadia Whittome is the Member of Parliament for Nottingham East, she was elected to parliament in the 2019 election at the age of 23. Nadia is 25 now and is they youngest MP in the House of Commons.

I follow Nadia on social media (Instagram), she always fights for social justice both locally and nationally. Prior to her election she was a hate crime worker, and prior to that a care worker whilst studying law at the University of Nottingham. Nadia only takes £35K of her £82K MP’s salary, donating the difference to local charities.

I saw Nadia walking down the street towards the start area for the Pride Parade. I approached her and asked if she was Nadia and then asked if I could take her photo. It was a dull afternoon so it was difficult to get catchlights in Nadia’s eyes, so I asked her to move around to face what little light there was. Nadia was very patient as I photographed her, as I was taking her photo we got photobombed by a group of furry creatures (dancers dressed in costume), this made Nadia laugh and is the main photo you see here.

I told Nadia, I follow her on social media and ‘like’ many of her posts. I asked her if she knew Micheal Payne, who has just been selected as a labour candidate for our constituency. Nadia knew Micheal (who is a long time friend of my daughters). I said he was a hard working local councillor who is probably going to be our MP at the next election.

I thanked Nadia for letting me photograph her and we bumped fists.

Whatever your political tendencies are, you have to agree that parliament needs more politicians like Nadia.

I am sure Nadia is going to have a long career as a politician, in fact I think she is so hard working and popular, she could quite easily become leader of her party and Prime Minister.
This is a wonderful portrait of an awesome young woman. Thanks for letting us know her.
July 30th, 2022  
@corinnec thanks Corinne, I am pleased with the photos :)
July 30th, 2022  
What a wonderful portrait. It captures all her liveliness and enthusiasm. She ought to get you on her PR team!
July 30th, 2022  
@allie912 she's a hard working MP Allison :) thanks for your kind comment
July 30th, 2022  
What a contagiously happy young woman! Well done, Phil.
July 31st, 2022  
Such a wonderful smile - great shot !
July 31st, 2022  
Such a beautiful smile and what an amazing young woman. We definitely need more like her in all areas of business, politics and life in general.
July 31st, 2022  
What a joyful, colourful portrait! Nadia sounds like my kind of people.
July 31st, 2022  
The colourful background seems to suit her personality! It can not be easy being that young in such an environment - good on her.
July 31st, 2022  
A beautiful portrait of a wonderful individual who it sounds like makes a huge difference in the lives of so many people
July 31st, 2022  
Wonderful portrait-she has a great smile and she sounds like a rarity in politics. How refreshing!
July 31st, 2022  
Great shot and inspirational story
July 31st, 2022  
Am inspiration. What a great portrait.
July 31st, 2022  
Fav. A great background for this portrait shot and Nadia fits into it fabulously. I like her lovely glowing smile. I think that from what you have written about her she has a great future in front of her.
July 31st, 2022  
What a smiley young lady. I was surprised to read she was an MP, so young. That top makes me feel quite itchy/scratchy tho!! :-)
July 31st, 2022  
What a lovely image and such a gorgeous frock! It will be interesting to see how her life progresses.
July 31st, 2022  
what a wonderful portrait and back story. She sounds like a woman of principles - we need more like her. And she exudes enthusiasm here.
July 31st, 2022  
Wow, what a fantastic smile and portrait. I'm sure Nadia will be pleased with this one. Love your narrative too.
July 31st, 2022  
I thought it was her! I think she's brilliant. We have friends in Nottingham who campaigned for her
July 31st, 2022  
I’ve never heard of an MP giving up half her salary before….she is an admiral example to all! ! Nadia has a very happy face!
July 31st, 2022  
@happypat thanks Pat, Nadia is a really hard working MP

@365jgh she is indeed Judy

@busylady thanks Judith, it's difficult not to be impressed by Nadia and her contribution to politics and society

@helenhall thanks Helen, glad you like this photo and back story

@casablanca Thanks Casa' , I think Nadia is going to have an excellent career

@stowgarden thanks Cherrill , it was the bedroom tax that motivated Nadia to get involved in Politics

@sangwann Many thanks Dione, your support and comments are always great to read

@boxplayer An inspiration indeed Box' , I am pleased you like this

@delboy207 cheers Delboy, one cannot help but be impressed with Nadia
July 31st, 2022  
@amyk thank you so much Amy for your support and words

@bkbinthecity thanks Brian , you are right

@christinav thanks Christina, that's a thoughtful comment, many thanks :)

@ljmanning Laura thanks for your words of support , I am pleased you like this
July 31st, 2022  
@annied an amazing your woman for sure Annie

@beryl thanks beryl , much appreciated

@marlboromaam thanks Mags, I am pleased with this shot
July 31st, 2022  
Lovely portrait & quite a heart warming back story.
July 31st, 2022  
@carole_sandford thanks Carole , the back story is a good one for sure
August 1st, 2022  
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