Brighton ~ 11 by seanoneill

Brighton ~ 11

While I was shooting at dusk on Brighton beach, this chap approached me and asked what I was doing.

I struck up a conversation with him and he told me his story.

His name is John Adams, and he has found peace. Not a religious peace, but a peace that comes from nearly losing his life last year.

He set himself the challenge of repeating a feat he acheived as a young man. He set about swimming between two points at Newhaven harbour and got half way before he realised he could not make it. He went under 2 or 3 times and was prepared to meet his maker, when he found an inner strength that got him to the other side. His inner peace comes from this experience.

I have no idea how much truth there is in John's story, but I like to think he told me the truth. Why would he do otherwise. A nice chap with a dream of a face for a B+W photographer!
Great story and great portrait. He looks like he has lots of great stories--like he's weathered much in his years!
March 23rd, 2015  
Fantastic! Love the story, portrait and processing!
March 23rd, 2015  
Superb!
March 23rd, 2015  
Just fantastic! What a story and a wonderful portrait. (Yes, an ideal face for a b/w photog.)
And I've loved catching up with your album. I've not commented on each, but your recent series is fabulous!
March 23rd, 2015  
excellent portrait and I am sure he told you the truth
March 23rd, 2015  
What a great face and fantastic story!! Of course it's true - why would he tell you otherwise? Fantastic B&W portrait!! Fav!
March 23rd, 2015  
fantastic character study Sean, interesting story
March 23rd, 2015  
Superb,so much character
March 23rd, 2015  
Great portrait. Love the skin texture and the small lights in the eyes.
March 23rd, 2015  
The hair and patterned short are exquisite in this shot! Great story ... all good stories need not matter fact ir fiction as long as they draw us in. I'd say narrative and photograph complement one another gloriously! :)
March 23rd, 2015  
Super portrait, Sean - you have made his story look as if it might be true!
March 23rd, 2015  
What a fab face for a portrait shot. You have a cracker here, Always interesting to hear peoples stories.
March 23rd, 2015  
Fabulous portrait and a fabulous story to go with it. I can't imagine any reason to make up a story like that, it's so interesting to hear why people are at a certain point and to find peace has to be an ultimate goal for so many. Love it!
March 23rd, 2015  
Great portrait
March 23rd, 2015  
Tremendous eyebrows and wonderful story and portrait. Fav
March 23rd, 2015  
Whatever his story,he makes an interesting photo. The B&W really brings out the texture of the hair.
March 24th, 2015  
Great portrait. Definitely a face with lots of stories
March 24th, 2015  
I think he has found peace - his eyes speak volumes
March 24th, 2015  
Great portrait, lovely story.
March 24th, 2015  
Beautiful! And great stream to! Fav + Follow :)
March 24th, 2015  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.