This week I took my camera to Hinton Ampner (NT) which is another of my regular haunts for photography. I was hoping mainly for photos with shallow dof, the brief for our next photography group meeting.
Sarah was working at visitor reception when I arrived. I thought I would like to take her portrait but she was a little bit busy and I never like to rush straight in.
So I had a wander around the walled garden, tried to use some mistletoe growing on an espalier fruit tree for the shots I wanted but it was quite windy.
Some areas of the garden were cordoned off because the grass was getting spoiled so I concentrated on a tree festooned with mistletoe, crocuses growing under the trees and failed to get a shot of a robin who was one step ahead of me all the time.
At some point I had a bit of lunch and when it was time to leave found that Sarah was still on duty so I asked her for a portrait. She was a little surprised and hesitant at first but soon agreed.
I asked her to stand in front of the 'weather-boarding' in the room, away from the overhead lights. Sarah was at first not too sure if she wanted photos but then I showed her the shots on the camera screen.
She has worked for the National Trust for 18 months and applied for this job after leaving Southampton University with a degree in history and archaeology. She told me that the job has fulfilled her expectations and she loves working in the friendly atmosphere at Hinton Ampner.
When I asked about life outside work, Sarah told me about her dog and her rabbit, saying that she loves animals.
Goober is a large lop-eared rabbit, white with grey markings and Murphy, the dog is a newfypoo. When she said this there was a small silence: I have heard of jugs, labradoodles, cockerpoos etc. but.... Sarah has obviously received the same reaction from other people and quickly explained that Murphy, is a newfoundland/standard poodle cross, quite a large dog.
Sarah also likes reading historical fantasy and being outside in the fresh air.
I gave her one of my cards so she can send me her email address to receive a photo or two and wished her all the best in her future career.
