Yesterday I took Jinks to Upham Pet Clips for a trim. The fuss he makes when I try to groom hm myself makes it really not worth the hassle.
Hilary, who owns the dog-grooming business, was not around when we arrived and we were met by Katie. I handed Jinks over to her and she suggested I could collect him at 3 o'clock. I didn't recall ever meeting Katie before so I explained my strangers' project and asked if she would agree to me taking her portrait when I collected Jinks. She immediately said yes.
When I returned for Jinks, Hilary was in the dog grooming room and I checked that she did not mind me taking photos. She suggested that Katie might stand in front of a doggy poster for the photos and as it was bright sunshine outside, that's what we did. Jinks meantime, was trying his best to extricate himself from his confinement so I bribed him with a couple of dog biscuits I'd taken with me.
The photos of Katie were all lovely except that I had not realised how much the sunlight streaming through the door and window to the side of her was reflecting on to her face. It was not evident on the camera screen when I checked the shots.
Thus I decided to post a black and white portrait. To date, there are only 10% b&w shots in my 74 strangers' portraits - perhaps when I've finally completed 100 portraits I'll begin again but exclusively in black and white.....
Katie started at Upham Pet Clips on her work experience project. She obviously liked it as she has worked there for 7 years. She told me that she finds it creative and could not think of any disadvantages to the work. She herself has a miniature schnauzer in the salt and pepper colour.
Outside work, Katie's interests are mainly her role as a scout leader and she also enjoys visiting American hot rod car shows with her dad who has a 1940 Plymouth in turquoise green.
Great capture Hazel, Katie looks just right in black and white, love the detail from the tonal range, I've also got a long way to go to match your impressive tally of 74 strangers:)
This photo is good in black &white Hazel, I think there might have been a chance that the colourful dog poster behind might have overshadowed the lovely Katie!
Katie is genuinely enjoying the portrait experience, obviously comfortable with your way of handling the shoot, and you've taken her with a lovely smile. The light adds contrast and shows a natural environment.
Hope Jinks survived his ordeal.
I AM retired!!!!!!!
Thank you and yes, but I started way before you, Peter!
A good point, Pat - hadn't thought of that but I did want to include the dogs on the poster.
Phil, thank you - I had to take some trouble post processing this.