After a visit to Kenilworth Castle, we looked for a pub for lunch and discovered The Queen and Castle almost opposite. It had a nice feel when we went in and a member of staff was soon at reception and found us a table.
A young man, who I discovered to be Chris, came to take our drinks order. He was very welcoming, perhaps 'upbeat' is the word. I got into conversation with him about a beautiful purple anthurium in a vase on our table. I asked was it OK to take a photo of it and he quickly helped me arrange a still life.**
I'm unsure now at what stage I told Chris about my strangers' portrait project and asked if he would participate. He was quite happy with the idea but rather wanted to include all the team on duty. I thought this was so nice of him but explained that I usually take solo portraits and find it harder to have more people in the frame.
We took shots in two different locations. Some with the background of a wall with a log effect were spoiled by lights as I had anticipated. Chris and I liked different shots so we agreed to disagree and I have sent him a selection of three.
Chris has worked full time as shift supervisor at The Queen and Castle for eighteen months. He is responsible for customer feedback generally for all the Mitchells and Butler pubs in the area, and specifically for monitoring comments about The Queen and Castle on TripAdvisor.
Chris was previously a chef for eight years, running his own kitchen, but felt eventually there was a lack of a possibility of progression in that situation.
In his free time and with his partner, Craig, who is a gardener, Chris likes to explore the natural beauty of Britain.
We had good meals: Ray a pizza followed by an apple and raspberry crumble, and mine was steak and ale pie with mash and veg - including purple carrots - well fancy that and I had no idea until I saw them on my plate.
All good luck to Chris in his career and I'll definitely be writing a good TripAdvisor review.
**
https://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/add-ins/2017-04-12
Wendy, thank you, I took care to include it!
Thanks for comment and fav. I'm always thinking I'll cut the narrative down as it's labour intensive but I always find I cannot!
It's always gratifying when you express enjoyment of my portrait series. thank you!
@sanaaijaz @megpicatilly @amyk @pcoulson @pyrrhula
Thanks Babs, no worries. I am also that word beginning with 'b', so much been going on here too. I look forward to hearing from you when you have time. Take care.
your post 100 strangers is going well
And he sent me an amazing email afterwards!