100 Strangers : No. 14 : PC Wood by phil_howcroft

100 Strangers : No. 14 : PC Wood

This is Police Constable Wood who was on duty today at the Bolton Wanderers versus Blackburn Rovers Championship match at the Macron Stadium

It was a high profile match as it was a Derby between two rivals. occurring on a bank holiday with a large away following. The police presence outside the stadium was quite considerable with mounted police in attendance too.

I read that it is OK to take photos of policemen, but I was still a little apprehensive when approaching PC Wood. He readily agreed to let me take a few shots. I was also wary about asking for information about PC Wood as he was on duty and had a job to do.

As for the match , well my team, Bolton Wanderers are in what can only be described as a 'big mess'. We are cut adrift at the bottom of the league, losing 1 million pounds a month, the players have not paid since October and we are subject to a HMRC winding up order for the none payment of PAYE and VAT !!! We did however manage to win today with a late winner sending the Wanderers fans home in good voice as we recorded only our 2nd win of the season.

Edited in Rawtherapee with a a natural skin tones profile and then some slider adjustments. It was a difficult portrait with the officers cap pulled down so low

I've just realised too, that my last three strangers are all wearing high vis jackets !

This picture is number 14 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

My own strangers can be seen here:
www.flickr.com/photos/57144254@N08/albums/72157657822400168
It's a very good portrait photo!
December 29th, 2015  
Glad you're back working your strangers project, Phil. Always enjoy your narrative and portraits.
December 29th, 2015  
i do like his face and your portrait of him
December 29th, 2015  
I did think that you weren't supposed to take pics of policemen! Maybe its alright at a game!
December 29th, 2015  
You know, at first I didn't like your 100 strangers project much, but I have really come to enjoy reading about these people, and find myself keenly anticipating the next one. Keep them coming!
December 29th, 2015  
Nice pic!!
December 29th, 2015  
Really great portrait. I'm with Poppy, so interesting to read about these strangers, who are no longer strangers...since they have a face. Excellent series, though I know I have missed several.
December 29th, 2015  
Great portrait of a strange.
December 29th, 2015  
Fav for a wonderful portrait. I think the officer looks slightly quizzical. Fabulous clarity. It sounds like living dangerously going to these footie matches, Phil. So glad they got a win.
December 29th, 2015  
Amazing job with the shadows and eyes. Good portrait.
December 29th, 2015  
Very nice shot. I'm surprised you're allowed to take photos of policemen, especially when they're in uniform - although in this day and age, with almost everyone having some sort of device that takes photos, it must be difficult to stop people.
December 29th, 2015  
I am happy to hear that Bolton Wanderers have had a win and winning a derby match is even more satisfactory. Since I've been to my Gozo 'Stoke supporter, friend I have started following news about Stoke City and it seems they are doing very well. Another wonderful portrait Phil. I always look forward to see them.
December 29th, 2015  
Lee
Is he a Blackburn fan?
December 29th, 2015  
Thanks everyone for helping this shot make the PP

@gamelee thanks lee. Possibly :)

@sangwann a good win, but a bad season dione. Stoke are indeed doing well

@nickspicsnz thanks nick, yes we are allowed to photograph policemen

@gazdi thanks for the supportive comment :)

@quietpurplehaze thanks Haze, football matches are well policed these days , very little trouble .

@rhodie many thanks rhodie

@eyesmile thanks for the kind words gena

@photographycrazy cheers bill

@ahleena i will keep them coming poppy, but i might be a tad slow :)

@maggiemae maggie it is ok to take photos of policemen :)

@annied thanks for your words of encouragement annie :)

@allie912 thanks aliison, it is going to take a while to reach 100 :) , glad you enjoy the series

@fayee thank you very much :)
December 30th, 2015  
What a great face!!
December 31st, 2015  
Really good portrait. Nice to see someone using rawtherapee also. I've just started using that and pixeluvo.
December 31st, 2015  
@sketch2 cheers dave. Rawtherepee and gimp are my editors of choice. Have you tried the film simulation filters for Rawtherepee .... Google "rawtherepee film simulation pat david" .... they are awesome
December 31st, 2015  
@phil_howcroft Thanks for the follow. I'll be giving them a go.
December 31st, 2015  
I think this is a fantastic capture Phil......as good a photo as PC Wood will ever have! He looks very nice in his uniform!!
I think Bolton is in even a worse position tha Blackpool & that is dire for Bolton. Funny Blackpool don't owe any money because they never spend any even having to borrow kit from other sources! The chairman keeps things tight but they hardly have enough players for a team! Beginning to think owing money is worse though. Such a shame....they need big help & a new power at the helm & good accountants! Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2015  
beautiful portrait I loved it! = )
January 6th, 2016  
Wonderful portrait, and interesting commentary. Do you send the stranger you take the picture of a copy?
January 6th, 2016  
@happypat thanks Pat, it gets worse by the day at BWFC, glad you like the pic of PC Wood

@andybong8 thank you andrea

@skstein sandy, i ask the strangers if they want an email copy and printed some for my earlier pic of John at the Car Park

January 6th, 2016  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.