Charlie was behind the bar at The Bell when I called in after a visit to St. Cross this week. I must admit it had not been one of my most inspired visits to the almshouses, so it was good to find the bar warm and cosy and smoked bacon and pea soup on the lunchtime menu.
My request for a photo for my strangers' portrait project met with swift approval and I took two 'regular' portrait shots of Charlie in front of the colourful array of bottles. We started to get some information together to accompany the photo and then a few customers came in and my soup arrived. It was delicious, hot and tasty and served with warm crusty bread, and butter.
A bit later I had the chance to talk with Charlie again and found that he has been at The Bell since June and used to work in a bridal shop in Portsmouth, mostly IT and that he found that job a lot of fun. I asked him what is the going price for a wedding dress today and he said average around £1,000 but that designer dresses can cost much more. (I reflected on having made mine when Ray and I got married 46 years ago.)
Asked about his interests and hobbies, Charlie said that he works a lot and does not have much spare time. But he did go on to mention that he loves computing and does private work creating websites. The current website for The Bell was created by him.
Charlie has a BMX (grey & red ) stunt bike. I thought that sounded a bit dangerous and he agreed that it can be and confessed that he has had a few minor incidents.
He likes going into Winchester and also goes to the cinema from time to time.
The portrait you see was the last one which I took. The first was also good but more a regular straightforward portrait. In between these two, and in between customers, I took a few more portraits. I'll send the first and last to Charlie and also a link to this post, with thanks for his participation in my project
I just look on it as something I really enjoy, always treat people with respect - and the rest, as they say, is history. I never think of it as being brave etc. I've had just a handful of refusals which I don't take personally. Some folk are a little hesitant but all have been happy when showed their photo on the camera screen. I'll be sorry when I reach the target of 100 - thinking of starting Haze's strangers mark 2 then!
You don't just take a photo Hazel, it turns out to be quite a project! If I ever dare ask anyone for a photo I just aim & shoot & im off! You get so much more out of a picture, great photo in a suitBle place, a nice relaxed smile from the participant & best of all a story! Very interesting to hear all about this handsome young man.
Great website btw Charlie, I like the writing font.
@craftymeg Reading your narrative and Meg's comments, you cannot stop when you get to 100 , I mean you can't. It isn't allowed !!!
I like how you have Charlie pulling a pint :) Have you thought of using the fill in flash for indoor shots, the bit of light really makes the portrait pop and you will get some lovely catchlights (Ive looked at my strangers and they are all outdoors !!!)
OK so it's going to be 101 etc etc! I'll try fill flash, thanks, but I think it will make the subjects close their eyes? A few of my portraits are shot indoors - armchair photography!
I just look on it as something I really enjoy, always treat people with respect - and the rest, as they say, is history. I never think of it as being brave etc. I've had just a handful of refusals which I don't take personally. Some folk are a little hesitant but all have been happy when showed their photo on the camera screen. I'll be sorry when I reach the target of 100 - thinking of starting Haze's strangers mark 2 then!
Great website btw Charlie, I like the writing font.
I like how you have Charlie pulling a pint :) Have you thought of using the fill in flash for indoor shots, the bit of light really makes the portrait pop and you will get some lovely catchlights (Ive looked at my strangers and they are all outdoors !!!)
OK so it's going to be 101 etc etc! I'll try fill flash, thanks, but I think it will make the subjects close their eyes? A few of my portraits are shot indoors - armchair photography!