As I was greeted at the entrance to Winchester Cathedral by one of the volunteer welcome guides, I realised that the name on the badge pinned to his red cloak was familiar. And I quickly remembered that Bill is the groups' secretary at Winchester U3A of which I am a member.
I introduced myself and spoke about my strangers' project and asked for a photo. Bill demurred at first as he didn't think he was a stranger to me. But I felt he was as I'd never met him, just read his name on the website and in the newsletter. He did then agree to a portrait.
It was quite difficult snatching a shot in between Bill's welcoming duties, particularly as it was busy with visitors coming in constantly to the cathedral. In a lull I took a few shots using the interior stone wall as a background but this portrait was taken when Bill had his back partly to visitors in the cathedral. Even though there is 'noise' behind Bill, it's my favourite and the portrait lens blurred the background nicely (oh the joy of shooting portraits with my lovely portrait lens).
Bill speaks a little Italian and some German, also Malay from the time he was in Malaysia in the army. He likes walking and drinking. He drinks real ale and one of his haunts is The Flowerpots at Cheriton where there is a little brewhouse on site (and where I had a small photoshoot recently: poppies, thatched cottage, red church door......)
Bill works every Wednesday in Winchester Cathedral and is one of 80 volunteers. He said his dearly beloved would like to see the photo so this morning I emailed it to him explaining that the photo title '65 Bill' refers to his place in my 100 strangers' photos.
I received this reply which I'm sure he will not mind me sharing:
'Good morning Hazel and thank you very much for the photo. My dearly beloved likes it very much. I like the reference to 65; I just wish I were that again. Good luck with your project.'
It is a lovely shot of Bill. The red cardy holds the shot together and I like that you kept the pamphlet in shot as this helps tell the story. Cool bokeh too. Excellent all round haze.
Thank you Phil. Yesterday's strangers' shot of Malcolm was taken with my new RX100, which, while it's a fab cool little camera, cannot compare with the 50mm portrait lens + a6000. (Incidentally, this is the first time I've noticed a loss of detail when uploading to 365: the lettering on the leaflet is crystal clear in the original.)
This is my favourite yet Hazel, I brilliant portrait of Bill & I agree with @phil_howcroft that the inclusion of the Winchester Cathedral pamphlet is a very good move! ....I could burst into song here....he looks a very happy man! I notice that all the volunteers & busy people in your project look needed, busy & more important happy & healthy! Fave!
Wonderful portrait with lovely light and fine detail Hazel, what a very interesting man, great narrative all adds interest to the image, I'm also a member of U3A Bradford and Queensbury photographic groups:)
What a lovely man, and super portrait. I have joined the U3A in Windsor , I'm in a 'singing for fun' group and a yoga class. I'm off on an outing with the theatre group next month for an 'Elizabethan experience' at Shakespeare's Globe in London!
Oh, this is just delightful. So much charm and personality in his face.... your lens works a treat on this shot. :). It sounds as though he has led quite the adventurous life.
Many congratulations on your "Strangers" series Hazel, I find each photo and story a delight and pleasure! I hope they continue to come for a long time yet. Oh, and I like the sound of The Flowerpots!
Thank you Phil. Yesterday's strangers' shot of Malcolm was taken with my new RX100, which, while it's a fab cool little camera, cannot compare with the 50mm portrait lens + a6000. (Incidentally, this is the first time I've noticed a loss of detail when uploading to 365: the lettering on the leaflet is crystal clear in the original.)
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I guess you could do that, David. Thank you for the comment, appreciated.
I think I'm reserved more than anything - perhaps 'emboldened' by 365 and a camera! I read what you write, David.
William, thank you. I admit to finding great pleasure and satisfaction in this mini project!