I saw Ashley in the High Street in Winchester collecting for a charity to help prevent children's cancer. Probably the colour of his jacket drew me first (and red is my second favourite colour).
As I've mentioned before, I usually 'circle round' potential subjects before requesting a portrait for my project, but when Ashley asked if I had 50p to spare, I gave him a pound coin and asked if I could take his photo. He readily agreed.
Ashley told me that he writes Grime music. When I looked a bit blank, he threw in the name of Dizzee Rascal. I tried hard not to look blank again but it obviously showed and he kindly wrote down the address of his personal website: http://www.officialashlow.com/
I've had a look at, and a listen to, one or two YouTube clips of his songs, and by coincidence found on the same page an interview with Fatou Diome, author of the current book in our French Lit group: 'Celles qui attendent' which treats the subject of illegal immigrants and their womenfolk left behind to wait and worry. (So I have an unexpected offering for the next meeting.)
Ashley is a graphic designer by profession. I took a few photos of him, the close-ups being the easiest, the others requiring a bit of 'negotiation' with the many shoppers passing by. It was hard to choose which portrait to post.
Lovely capture and what a handsome guy with such a warm and friendly smile. The charity collection must be country wide today as I gave to a nice lady whilst out shopping for the same I recognised the jacket.
A handsome young man -- such a kind and friendly face and those gorgeous brown eyes and winning smile !! You have captured the warmth of this young man so well !!
My intention was to ask Ashley about that P and I am annoyed with myself that I got sidetracked and forgot!
Thank you for your (one zany!) votes of confidence. Truly, it just doesn't feel brave at all!