"So good to meet intrepid photographers in any situation but extra special when it is in your home territory."
I received this comment in an email from Susan, who suggested during our chance encounter in the water meadows that we exchange email addresses.
It's usually just me who asks for my subject's email so that was a refreshing change..
I was on my way to one of my regular visits to the almshouses; Susan and Beau were on one of their regular walks. He's a 4 year old cocker spaniel, a working dog, and was assiduously following his nose working his way around the meadow. But when Susan called him to have their photo taken he quickly came to her.
At the time I was using my X20 for landscape shots and initially took some photos of Susan and Beau with that, but soon asked for a pause to get my a6000 plus the portrait lens out from my camera bag.
Susan told me that she and her husband have a publishing company, Pitkin at Pavilion Books, specialising in history and heritage. As part of their work, they provide a service to the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, and also to Winchester Cathedral and, like me, are Friends of St Cross.
The publication of my dad's WW2 diary being imminent and ever on my mind, I did tell Susan about it and she expressed interest.
Just as we were parting, I asked Susan about other interests and she replied, "Literature, Russian literature."
And off they went, Beau following his nose with great concentration.
I carried on to the almshouses and, after a cup of tea in Hundred Men's Hall, had a tour around the Master's garden looking as colourful and beautiful as I have ever seen it.
(Intrepid photographer - moi?!)
My strangers' portraits are also posted here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150442566@N07/albums/72157674948019094
What a lovely compliment - thank you!
Yes, a few pets but not too many. I did meet one of my subjects on a subsequent occasion along the river walking his dog and I took a portrait of his dog and sent to him!