Haze's strangers: No.178: Jeff by quietpurplehaze

Haze's strangers: No.178: Jeff

Although my shiny new purple trekking poles enable me to walk a certain distance, we decided that, for a few days away, the hire of a scooter would give both of us more mobility. So we paid a visit to Ableworld. Once inside the premises we were amazed at the variety of equipment available.

We were soon approached by a very helpful and empathetic gentleman who produced a scooter for me to try and suggested I take a turn around the car park. Which I did including a 3-point (or was it a 5 or 6-point) turn. Ray found out how to dismantle/re-assemble it and stow it in the boot. Whilst the paperwork was being completed I thought I might ask for a portrait, my camera being with me as usual but left in the car and, as luck would have it, with the portrait lens.

I explained my strangers' portrait project and found that I was speaking with Jeff, the owner of Ableworld who, together with his son, has run the shop for the past six years. Jeff was happy for me to take photos, although when I outlined how I would use them, there was a slight hesitation - but he did not change his mind. In response to my request for a little further information, such as hobbies or pastimes, Jeff told me he is too busy and concentrates on his work and directed me to their website. There I found wonderful reviews from satisfied customers and a 5-star rating.

This is the first stranger portrait which I have captured for several weeks, in fact since I acquired my trekking poles, as I have felt a bit self-conscious, so I was happy today to meet Jeff. We exchanged cards and I will be sending him photos.

There was just one purple scooter in the shop - maybe I should have put a reserve on it for future reference.......

to see more photos including the 'purple peril' visit this ref and scroll down
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150442566@N07/48854142296/in/dateposted-public/
Wonderful portrait.
October 6th, 2019  
Great idea and very friendly stranger.
October 6th, 2019  
Sounds like a fun visit!
October 6th, 2019  
Great portrait Haze and a good decision to keep mobile however you can.
October 6th, 2019  
Nice portrait
October 6th, 2019  
Great portrait and an advert for his store too.
October 6th, 2019  
Good looking portrait :)
October 6th, 2019  
good to see you on the stranger trail again Haze, I hope your scooter helped you get around better . Lovely detail in Jeff's portrait
October 6th, 2019  
Great portrait shot and narrative :)
October 6th, 2019  
a twinkle in his eyes
October 7th, 2019  
Great portrait and smile from Jeff. Good idea to use a scooter whilst away and save the pain of walking about handy for your camera as well as it saves carrying it.
October 7th, 2019  
I have always liked your portraits of strangers. This is an excellent portrait that captures the spirit you described. Good luck with your scooter. We see a lot of them around here. I hope it makes things better for you.
October 7th, 2019  
Sounds like a friendly and helpful sales person. Sounds like a fun way to get around.
October 7th, 2019  
Fabulous portrait once again, what a great way to get around.
October 7th, 2019  
@vignouse

Richard, thank you - I am now trying the Mediterranean diet, and when all the fish in the freezer is eaten, I will be going vegetarian.....
October 7th, 2019  
Super shot! Scooters are a great invention for when you need them. One purple one! Oooh yes, reserve that one when you can!
October 7th, 2019  
@wendyfrost

Oh yes a handy basket on the front for the camera!
October 7th, 2019  
@khrunner

Kathleen thank you for your lovely comments and good wishes.
October 7th, 2019  
@phil_howcroft

Thanks for support, as ever, Phil. We will pick up the hire scooter next Sun ready for a few days away. Hope I shall not be a dangerous driver!!
October 7th, 2019  

Thank you everyone for visits and comments. It would be great to own a purple scooter but, even better, if these diets I am following are as good for me as they have been for others, I won't need a scooter at all!

@agedrunner @sarah19 @countrylassie @julie @onewing @gilbertwood @seattlite @tunia @shutterbug49 @ludwigsdiana @casablanca
October 7th, 2019  
Great portrait and narrative.
October 7th, 2019  
Superb portrait Hazel, wonderful composition, colour and focus:)
October 7th, 2019  
Very well captured portrait fav:)
October 8th, 2019  
Good portrait
October 8th, 2019  
Another lovely portrait. I have the same camera and lens, just not your outgoing personality! Have fun with the scooter...and would you let me know what you think of it and what brand it is...always on a lookout. Thanks. Enjoyl
October 9th, 2019  
@granagringa

I hope you like your a6000! It's a myth that I have an outgoing personality: I am really quiet but just operate within the parameters of the strangers' project. You can see scooters here: www.ableworld.co.uk
October 9th, 2019  
@granagringa p.s. I guess my hire scooter will be rather ordinary....
October 9th, 2019  
I don't recall ever seeing a less than excellent shot in your strangers portrait collection! Some of us are bit envious! Well done Hazel. I use hiking poles to help me get about, too. But I struggle to take pics.. typically I prop them against a wall, one or both falls down and I trip over it/them!
October 11th, 2019  
@lostphojo

David, thank you so much for the vote of confidence for my portraits. And, yes, I have had that moment when one (or two) poles are clattering to the ground and I'm wondering if I shall be able to retrieve them!
October 12th, 2019  
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