Haze's strangers: No.89: Chris by quietpurplehaze

Haze's strangers: No.89: Chris

As I came out of the supermarket today, I noticed the car park attendant checking tickets and just wondered if he would be amenable to having his portrait taken.

I'd had an appointment in Eastleigh and had parked in this car park planning to take some photos around the town after my appointment and before doing a bit of grocery shopping.

It had been a disappointing little non-photoshoot, no interesting street scenes and everybody rushing about looking pinched with the cold and closed inside their own little worlds.

I admit I did make a rather more direct approach than usual to Chris the attendant (or civil enforcement officer) as I thought he might disappear suddenly to check the cars round the corner.

He listened carefully while I explained my strangers' portrait project and I thought he might say no. I admit I'm always pleased to be taken seriously as I would do the same if approached in this way.

After a quick call to the office, Chris agreed to a photo - so I took four or five and this is the one I've chosen for No. 89.

I asked Chris if he minded being out in all weathers His response was one word: 'Lovely'. He has worked as a civil enforcement officer for eight years and is hoping that in May, when he could retire, he will be able to take semi-retirement, working three days per week.

Chris enjoys competition rifle shooting and showed me a shot on his phone of a good result he had. He and his wife also like cycling together. Travel is another passion: recently they have been on cruises to the Arctic, Antarctic, and Japan and China. Their family includes two grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Seeing a shot on Chris's phone of a baby seal, I commented that he obviously also likes photography and he told me he has a Nikon DSLR.

I commented that Chris had made my morning as I had imagined coming home with no photos. He gave me his email address so I could send him a photo and we parted company.

I know this is a photography site, but your writing always draws me in so much. I'm never sure if I follow you more for the stories or the pictures
January 4th, 2017  
@pandorasecho

Thank you, Dixie! I've been writing much longer than I've been taking photos so maybe that shows. The writing component of this project certainly takes more time than taking and processing (just a bit) the photo.
January 4th, 2017  
That puts you in credit in case you are over time in the future! What a jolly looking man. You certainly get your subjects to open up about their lives.
January 4th, 2017  
What a very Civil enforcement officer he seem.
Nice capture of nice face, just love this project of yours look forward to the next.
January 4th, 2017  
another great shot
January 4th, 2017  
Bep
Your strangers always have nice stories to share with us. Another beautiful portrait.
January 4th, 2017  
Great portrait shot...nice light, details
January 4th, 2017  
Great portrait
January 4th, 2017  
Great portrait and interesting story Hazel lots of lovely detail and colour:)
January 4th, 2017  
He looks too young to be a great grandad! Lucky him going to the Antarctic!
January 4th, 2017  
Fabulous
January 4th, 2017  
@quietpurplehaze For me it`s the reading . Keep me busy for a while.
Great shot of this nice smiling guy.
I got from my sons the photo book : Before they pass away by Jimmy Nelson. He photographed people of a nearly past world.
January 4th, 2017  
Wonderful portrait!
January 4th, 2017  
Great portrait. That is a man happy with his job!
January 4th, 2017  
Brilliant portrait and another interesting stranger you can certainly pick them out.
January 4th, 2017  
Pam
Wonderful portrait and a fun story behind it.
January 4th, 2017  
Fantastic portrait.
January 5th, 2017  
That is a super portrait. Instantly attention-grabbing.
January 5th, 2017  
You are still rocking these portraits! I think there should be a book when you've reached your goal!
January 5th, 2017  
Great portrait Hazel
January 5th, 2017  
Another great shot and an interesting story. I wonder if you could coax him to join 365.
January 5th, 2017  
great portrait
January 5th, 2017  
@pyrrhula

I think that was a wonderful gift!
January 5th, 2017  
A great photo, lovely sparkles in his eyes and a new friend.
January 5th, 2017  
Such a handsome photo! Hazel, you clearly have a way with people, and you're making a wonderful compilation!
January 6th, 2017  
cool stranger meeting and you did well with the cap and shadows too haze
January 9th, 2017  
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