Sometimes, after my swim, I go into the hotel for a late breakfast. On this occasion, I just ordered a coffee, which was brought to me by this young man, who put it down on the table with a lovely smile.
My immediate thought, although I did not have my camera with me, was to ask for a portrait photo. We passed the time of day and I then introduced my strangers' portrait project and asked my question. He was hesitant, saying that he would 'think about it'. We made our introductions, shook hands and I went on my way. His name: Nuno.
On a subsequent visit to the club I went into the bar/restaurant (with my camera) where Nuno works and found him engaged in breakfast duties. He asked me more about my project and did finally agree that I could seek him out after my swim. Which I did.
With other staff, he was re-arranging tables and chairs in the dining room for a function later that day. I took two photos rather quickly but liked them both although the background lights were a little intrusive in one of them.
I discovered that Nuno is a nickname given to him when he was small by his grandfather and he is called Bebiano. His family are Portuguese, his mother being from Portugal and his father from Guinea-Bissau.
Outside of work, Nuno loves playing football and is a keen music fan. I asked what type of music and he replied different types. I put forward classical, which Nuno countered by saying classic hip-hop.
He plays drums and keyboard and plans a future in the music scene. He seemed very determined in this and I hope it will come true for him.
I have sent photos to Nuno and hope he will like them. I wonder if I was a little too persuasive in my request. Perhaps I'll ask him that question next time he is on duty when I go into the bar.
Even after 100+ portraits, every encounter, for me, is still a learning experience.
an alternative portrait of Nuno:
https://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/add-ins/2017-12-18
further portraits in my Flickr album:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150442566@N07/albums/72157681731338226
