On Friday, I decided to take my camera over the fields late afternoon to catch the sunset, thinking I might also be lucky to find a stranger willing to participate in my portrait project. Over the fields is actually Knowle Park which comprises four fields donated by a local farmer to our parish council for recreational purposes. The area was re-furbished with paths, some seats, a pond, a vivarium and an area for cattle.
As I started up the little hill of the first field, I saw two small dogs running exuberantly on the grass as their owner walked up the path. I made a comment to her about them and we got into conversation. I later discovered that her dogs are cockapoos, Tilly, aged 2, and Jasper aged 1, not related but bred by her mother.
Having introduced myself and my project, I found the dogs' owner was Steph. When I asked if she would let me take her portrait she did look very surprised and hesitant. There is always that little moment for me, although I have absolutely no problem asking strangers, when I wonder if they will say yes or no. After a little pause, Steph did agree.
I realized how much she generally dislikes having her photo taken when her friend, with her dog, came up the hill and and exclaimed in astonishment to see Steph as my subject.
Steph lives locally with her husband and two sons, aged 19 and 21. She works at IBM as a technical writer providing user information for software. Two years ago, having already completed her first degree, Steph achieved her Master's in Psychology. She is still very interested in psychology which she researches personally, now in an informal way.
I asked Steph if there was any information she could add to my story to accompany her portrait and she told me that she is passionate about 'Time to Change' which promotes openness and education towards mental health.
Anyone who knows me will understand that this is a subject also close to my heart. There followed a little discussion, rather heartfelt on all our parts, between Steph, her friend and myself. I intend to have a more in-depth look at the website:
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/
At some point in the conversation, a puppy scampering up the hill off the lead had got a bramble tangled in its fur so Steph helped the owner disentangle it. And then the sun set, a huge red orb slipping down behind the horizon in a matter of seconds. I took a few shots, not good, the sun becoming just a ball of white light in the photos. - something else to research!
We parted company and I reflected that I could also have asked Steph's friend for a portrait but I never want to have a 'conveyor-belt mentality' and like to keep portraits a bit discrete.
As I walked back down the green, a lady with a Jack Russell on a lead, spoke to me. Again, the temptation of another portrait beckoned. But dusk was settling and the temperature dropping so I soon ended the conversation and carried on home.
In Dutch I would say , she is : twee keer knap.
( If you don`t undestand it I `ll explain)
Pat, yes, I sent the photo to Steph and have just received an email from her thanking me, commenting on the experience of having her photo taken by me and also on my other photos - so warm and such sincere feelings, it's made me quite emotional.
Mickey, so sorry to hear your brother has been in hospital again as I do remember you mentioning him before. Hope he will feel really well soon and can keep at home.