A beautiful sunny morning yesterday so I took my camera to Winchester. I found a parking space in my usual car park right in front of the ticket machine and had just put £1 coin in the slot when I heard a shout.
I looked behind and saw that a driver had slowed and wound his window down - and then he repeated, 'Bank Holiday'.
It took a few seconds for the penny to drop and then I said 'Thank you. I'll use the money for my coffee.' I got the £1 back out of the machine and was just about to get my stuff out of the car when the car driver, Jim, walked across the car park on his way to the city. 'Did you get your money back?' he asked.
'Yes, thanks', I said. And, suddenly, I remembered my camera and portrait lens on the front passenger seat.
'Have you got a minute?' I asked and then felt the need to hastily explain my strangers' portrait project.
Jim asked: 'Shall I stand in front of the ticket machine?'
So, here's Jim. He lives in Winchester, is married with three children and works in Richmond as a lock keeper on The Thames.
I admit to being in a bit of a tizz getting organised so quickly to take a portrait as I usually 'suss' out my subjects before approaching them. I forgot what I had done with my car key (in my pocket) and the lens cap that I had taken off (in the camera bag).
I wonder if Jim mentioned to his family this scatty woman he met in the car park. I felt he was slightly bemused...........
Wow, that's a commute - Winchester to Richmond! Mind you, it's probably worth it as it's such a pretty area (we used to live in Twickenham so know it quite well).
Lovely shot. I wonder if he told his Mrs that he is now world famous too.
Thanks for the email, will reply soon. Lots of ups and downs here at present.
the blue background and bokeh lettering helps tell your story haze and this is a fabulous portrait too . Nice to see you back on the "strangers" . Often the unplanned shots are best, I feel the spontaneity of this one
Phil, thanks (and for fav). Afterwards I reflected that I could have tried to have the lettering also in focus (smaller aperture, I think?) but not time anyway as Jim was rushing away from the car park - good of him to stop. I have my enthusiasm back for strangers now!
December 31st, 2015
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Yes, I thought that and in fact asked Jim if he was in Winchester for Christmas.
Thanks for the email, will reply soon. Lots of ups and downs here at present.
Phil, thanks (and for fav). Afterwards I reflected that I could have tried to have the lettering also in focus (smaller aperture, I think?) but not time anyway as Jim was rushing away from the car park - good of him to stop. I have my enthusiasm back for strangers now!