Followers will know I photograph strangers on the street ( with permission) . Last month I met Daria and Tania ( strangers number 345 ) , who were 2 young ladies who fled Ukraine due to the war with Russia. See photo below
I kept in touch with Tania on social media . A couple of weeks ago she sent me an email telling me she had bought a Minolta film camera from a charity shop , but it wouldn't work when she put a battery in it . She asked if I knew anywhere in Nottingham that repaired cameras. I asked her to tell me the problem . She told me the problem and I did a google, the most common cause was a failed capacitor, a new part and soldering iron was the solution. Far too geeky for me to do and nobody local to fix it.
I collect old lenses to use on my Sony mirrorless cameras and I therefore have several camera film bodies and some duplicate lenses . So I looked in my collection and found a Praktica BX20 and some lenses for Tania. I met her last Friday , at the same location I photographed her and gave her the equipment.
Tania loves film photography, when she fled Kiev , she left all her camera equipment behind . She was overjoyed with the gear I gave her . Tania's family are still in Kiev and she hopes to return one day , she keeps in touch with them via facetime , but told me it isn't the same as being able to hug them.
I thought I'd share the story on the discussion forum as I think it is a story worth sharing . It's sad that the two young women find themselves ina foreign county , fleeing Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict . It is good though , that I was able to help Tania and allow her to continue her passion for film photography. I told her to give me a mention when she's a famous photographer 📷
beautiful story Phil. Having something meaningful and positive to focus on (no pun intended) is so important when dealing with distress and trauma. Nice work.
So kind of you. We are so blessed most times and don't know what some people have lost. A good story of restoring not only equipment but faith in humanity😊
Thanks everyone, I was a little hesitant to share the story as I thought it may be seen as me "blowing my own trumpet" saying what a "nice guy I am" . Yes, it made me feel good to give Tania the camera equipment , but I wanted to tell you that the war in Ukraine reaches far beyond the boundaries of the country , it reaches into the heart of our communities. A bit of kindness can make a lot of difference.
Thanks everyone for your lovely words
Thanks for sharing Phil - it is a story worth hearing on many levels - your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity and the plight of displaced people that we never hear about :)
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Thanks everyone, I was a little hesitant to share the story as I thought it may be seen as me "blowing my own trumpet" saying what a "nice guy I am" . Yes, it made me feel good to give Tania the camera equipment , but I wanted to tell you that the war in Ukraine reaches far beyond the boundaries of the country , it reaches into the heart of our communities. A bit of kindness can make a lot of difference.
Thanks everyone for your lovely words
@marlboromaam salt of the earth , that's so kind of you mags
@kjarn many thanks Kathy
@allie912 thanks Allison , I like to think anybody in my position to "gift a camera " would do the same .
@annied Annie, I think every displaced person has a story to tell , it's horrific what's happening in Ukraine
@jyokota thank you Junko , I was really pleased to be able to help Tania 📷
@corinnec Corrine , I must admit I don't read many of the blogs and discussions , I have trouble keeping up with all my friends photos !!!
@mona65 Mona, thanks . I was so pleased to offer my assistance
@olivetreeann Anne , the 365 community is a good place for sure, by far the best of the photo sharing websites !!!
@ludwigsdiana thanks Diane, we live in a mad world for sure, the plight of the Ukraine people is so sad to read and see !
@tinley23 awww thanks so much Lesley, I am sure others who found themselves in my position would have done the same
@susie1205 it is good to be able to create a little happiness to others , thank you for your visit