I had a small piece of equipment to pick up at the camera shop in Winchester and walking up the High Street, I heard a beautifully mellow singing voice with guitar accompaniment.
As The Buttercross came into sight, I saw him sitting just in front of it, playing, singing. I decided to carry on to the shop and, if he was still there on my return, to ask for a portrait. He was and I did. Meet Mike.
As I usually do in such circumstances, I just motioned to the camera, he nodded and I took a few shots on burst. I quite often feel 'caught out' when, out and about, I am fortunate enough to find a stranger but have only my little RX100 with me. It doesn't look 'the goods' but actually it is and I have taken some OK portraits with it.
When I finally got to talk to Mike and explain my project and asked to use a photo with some information about him, he readily agreed.
I learnt that Mike has fairly recently moved some 100 miles to live in this area, after a change in his family circumstances and has been busking in Winchester since January.
He explained that all his gigs were local to where he lived previously and currently he just has this busking opportunity. He reflected that obviously the income is welcome but he also likes the chance to talk to folk on the street.
Mike has played guitar for around 50 years since his university days, beginning with pop and then embracing folk/country music. A chance encounter with Diz Disley sparked an interest in jazz.
He writes his own songs and has recorded several albums of his work.
We exchanged our cards.
I have already been in touch with Mike by email. He sent thanks for the photo and wrote 'I like it'. It's always good to get a little feedback.
All good wishes to Mike and hopefully he will soon have a number of local gigs.
scroll down for an additional photo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150442566@N07/40325128644/in/datetaken-public/
I joined Instagram and then found I did not want to get started there. I like Flickr and its diversity of ;photography. Having thousands of followers as some members do, does not speak to me and I am resolutely keeping manageable the number of folk I follow on the site. Takes a little while to get established and to be accustomed to the 'size' of everything! I would recommend it. My confidence in photography has grown.
Do just one and you will be hooked!
I never saw that advert. It sounds fun! I never feel that I have special courage and think I am basically a 'quiet' person but talking to folk does not bother me. If they say no thanks, well they say no thanks but so far 138 people have said yes and everyone has an interesting story and several of my subjects have been extraordinarily pleased with their portraits.