100 Strangers : Round 4 : No. 347 : Aia by phil_howcroft

100 Strangers : Round 4 : No. 347 : Aia

My first stranger of 2023 on day two of the year.

We went on an urban walk this afternoon along the Nottingham Beeston canal. As we walked along the canal, it passes close to Nottingham Railway station. I saw two young ladies with suitcases drinking coffee sat on a bench, Elsie saw them too (our puppy whippet) and Aia one of the young ladies gave out an “awwww” at Elsie. So I walked over to the young ladies and introduced Elsie.

Aia made a big fuss of Elsie, admiring her eyes and cute little face. Aia has three dogs of her own, so easily bonded with Elsie.

I asked Aia if they were waiting for a train.

“We are off to London, to do some shopping”

I asked about their accents asking if they were from USA. Aia told me she was from Iraq and had attended International Schools and had therefore picked up an accent based on all the different English speaking people she had met. My wife told them both they spoke impeccable English. Aia is a student of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University Nottingham and is about to graduate with a B.Sc

I told Aia I was an Amateur Photographer and did street photography and asked if I could take her photo for my project. “Of course” replied Aia and I took some photos with my Sony RX100VII camera. Aia asked where I was posting them, I said I would post them to my 365 and Instagram and she added me straight away on Insta’.

My wife told them that Elsie had an Instagram account, so Aia added Elsie too.

I showed Aia and her friend the photos on the back of the camera and she thought they were fabulous, her friend said she looked lovely.

That was it, we bumped fists, I thanked Aia for the photos and wished them both a lovely time in London.

My wife said “I knew you were going to ask them”. Jane’s very rarely stood beside me when I meet my strangers and doesn’t really enjoy the experience!

I took some lovely photos of Aia, I like this one as she is smiling with her eyes.
Beautiful stranger portrait! You're the man!
January 2nd, 2023  
She looks bursting with enthusiasm for life. You must have met so many people on this project and I am sure that has enriched your life. great capture of Aia.
January 2nd, 2023  
@helenhall thanks Helen , yes I have met an eclectic mix of people and it is always lovely to engage with them :) I cannot imagine me ever stopping this project . Getting to 500 will be some achievement !

@marlboromaam Mags, thank you so much for your visit and accolade :)
January 2nd, 2023  
What a lovely narrative! And yes, she smiles with her eyes here. Just beautiful.
January 2nd, 2023  
@casablanca thanks Casa, I am pleased with this stranger shot a fabulous start to 2023 and I approaching 350 strangers !
January 2nd, 2023  
Wow, what a great portrait and model. You really are a great storyteller Phil!
January 2nd, 2023  
A nice start on your 2023 portrait marathon! Aia is a beautiful model.
January 2nd, 2023  
Such a beautiful and proud looking model - A great portrait PHIL!
January 2nd, 2023  
Lovely shot & narrative. Such a pretty girl!
January 2nd, 2023  
Great portrait and story
January 2nd, 2023  
Lovely natural shot. I wouldn't have guessed she was a stranger.
January 3rd, 2023  
Lovely natural smile from a very pretty lady. I’m not surprised that she liked it.
Lovely first portrait of 2023 album
January 3rd, 2023  
A terrific first stranger of 2023! She looks like she would be good fun. I like the light, and the movement in her hair.
January 3rd, 2023  
Wonderful portrait; very attractive pose with the hint of motion in her hair
January 3rd, 2023  
Fabulous eyes captured and a delightful little smile.
January 3rd, 2023  
Lovely portrait, very attractive young lady
January 3rd, 2023  
Fabulous portrait as always and wonderful story too.
(Perhaps that can be one of My challenges for the year had a fair number of chances last year while on my jaunts that regretted missing )
January 3rd, 2023  
This is a beautiful portrait of Aia, and a lovely back story. I lack the confidence to take photos of strangers, but I enjoy a chat, if it works out. We had a great chat with a couple in a cafe yesterday as we agreed to share a table due to it being so busy. It was a lovely moment. I guess once you've done a few, it gets easier!
January 3rd, 2023  
Strong characterful face.
January 3rd, 2023  
When you were younger I bet you never had any problem chatting people up!!! Another fab shot!
January 3rd, 2023  
Fav. Aia has sruck a fabulous smile especially for you. And you took the occasion to make her look like a princess.
January 3rd, 2023  
Great portrait! Are you in Nottingham where the premier league team is? I caught the game this week against Chelsea and Wowza what a GAME! My husband and I watch premier league games here!
January 3rd, 2023  
@sangwann thanks dione , that's a lovely comment

@stowgarden cherrill I was never confident s a young man , I was always shy. This project was way outside my comfort zone when I started it, I am confident approaching strangers now :)

@boxplayer thanks Box'. I agree

@jamibann Issi you are right it does get easier once you've done a few , its is still a thrill to get a photo though :)

@bizziebeeme go for it Laura, it is a great to talk to strangers

@kjarn thank you very much Kathy

@rensala Renee , I always try to get good catchlights in the eyes .

@amyk Amy the hair movement does work well :)

@ljmanning thanks Laura for your lovely words and continued support
January 3rd, 2023  
@denful thanks Denise, A great 1st stranger of 2023 :)

@mccarth1 thanks Kerry , Aia was very relaxed as I photographed her

@bkbinthecity thanks Brian , your visits are always welcome

@carole_sandford she is to Carole , thanks for your lovely comment

@beryl thanks Beryl , I do love meeting my strangers

@corinnec Corinne , I love your description of "portrait marathon " . I do love meeting people on the streets

@busylady thanks Judith , I do love the storytelling element of my project
January 3rd, 2023  
@darylo Daryl , hi , yes Nottingham in the East Midlands, home to Nottingham Forest and Notts County football teams. I follow a team in the third tier of football , Bolton Wanderers (in Lancashire , near Manchester) , I go to watch them on 'home game' Saturdays :)
January 3rd, 2023  
Beautiful! Love the story-you tell it well
January 5th, 2023  
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