At last a day without rain on Saturday and we ventured to Winchester. I had bought some 'copper heelers' (sounds like a miracle cure for arthritis but many folk testify to their effectiveness) and wanted to buy footwear to fit them, plus friends had given us a wheelchair (purple would you believe) to try out.
We arrived at the shoe shop by what seemed to me a lightning trajectory but Ray insisted he had only been pushing the wheelchair at a moderate pace. A pleasant young lady, Rachel I noted from her name badge, served us. She was quietly helpful. I was soon sorted and Ray also found some shoes in the sale.
As we were settling up for our purchases and having my camera all ready in its case, I thought to ask Rachel to participate in my strangers' portraiture project. She said she does not often have her photo taken and seemed at first a tad overwhelmed but quickly agreed and asked what I wanted her to do. My reply was basically 'nothing', just to be herself and I would take the shots as she carried on packing our goods, which she did and I took several shots. I think I maybe underestimated the power of the overhead lighting in the shop: I was pleased with the portraits and hope Rachel is too, but something to think about on another occasion.
I asked Rachel if she would like some photos but, although she liked what I showed her on the camera screen, she politely refused.
She has worked at the shoe shop for the past 18 months and said she really loves it: the atmosphere, the team she works with. Then she told me that she is mainly a 2nd year student at Winchester University training to be a teacher. She would like to work with primary school age children and then progress to teaching children with special educational needs, something she has held as a long-time ambition. Currently she is studying the effects on children of transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2.
Working with Brownies and partaking in Musical Theatre are two passions of Rachel's. From our brief meeting with her, I think she will be a lovely and compassionate teacher for little children.
Time to go and a thank you to Rachel and one last offer to her to have some photos which she then did accept so we exchanged cards and email addresses.
We looked for a café to have a cup of tea and found that most eateries only had upstairs seating but then remembered Pret A Manger. A table right at the back and out of the way seemed a good idea but then Ray found he had parked the wheelchair in front of the door to a store cupboard to which staff needed access.
The journey back to the car park was different as, at least part of the way, the wheelchair was occupied by a large bag of shoes plus lots of fruit we bought at a market stall, whilst I managed with my trekking pole.
A small and belated September update for 2024, where I am still, after many years' membership, on 365 Project, also now posting elsewhere but wanting...
Sounds like quite an adventure. Do you pretty much use the photos as you take them or do you process them first. I am asking, because when I take photos at our community events, I sometimes just email it right there and have them enter their email. Then I process a few for the community paper later at home.
It just depends - I do processing as I think necessary - some are used as taken. This was converted from colour.
Thank you. It’s good to be out, takes a little planning!
I think it will not be quick - if anything. Find them online to see testimonials!
Phil I wondered about fill flash or hdr?
I think yes, perhaps in general females are more communicative but I know/know of several men who participate in this project.