It is difficult now to find stranger portraits with the spectre of Covid-19 lurking around any encounter. Thus I am revisiting existing colour portraits, seeing how they suit b&w conversions.
I met Richard and Maureen when they were volunteering in the tea room at the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester. One of the elderly Brothers who lives at St Cross and was standing at the counter took it upon himself to stage manage the photo-shoot. It made for a different style of photo.
It was soon evident that, although this husband and wife team are involved now with cake, all their life has been a love affair with chocolate.
Several of Maureen's relations have worked at Cadbury World and she and Richard met there in Birmingham. They became engaged in South Africa where Richard had been posted. He told me he was 'chief taster'; later in the conversation I learnt that he was in charge of the 'Overseas Production Department and Quality Control'.
The family who founded Cadbury World were Quakers, committed to knowing their employees and looking after their well-being. Educational opportunities were often provided and Richard himself was the recipient of a music scholarship.
Everyone has a story to tell.
Jan21words: together
Great photo....I'm sure you are glad you made the most of your stranger opportunities before all these restricted times. And I'm sure you smile at each one you review. Enjoy!
PS what a superb story they had to tell too. 😊
I like the b&w conversion and in the current situation I think it's a wise move. I heard media reports today stating that now one in fifty people in England have Covid-19. Please take care Hazel.
In London, apparently it's 1 in 30 with Covid. Merrelyn, I am just indoors as it's too cold to go out on the scooter, or to walk a few metres at my slow pace. If any post comes through our letterbox whoever picks it up washes their hands afterwards. Also I read that it's good to open windows every day in the house for a short time so we also do that, despite the freezing temperature. Thanks so much for your concern.
That’s a terrific idea. I call them encores. I think this is a good choice for b&w. I have been to that Cadbury factory in Birmingham. It is an absolutely fascinating museum about many people’s favorite....chocolate.
Oh, don't you long to see people's smiles again without the masks? And standing side by side? This feels like it is from another world almost. I love it. A super photo, so warm and almost nostalgic.
And what a story you tell with your lovely portrait image and text. I like the idea of a Chief Taster. (His head is touching the top -- do you have a little more room in the original photo? Did you crop it?)
January 8th, 2021
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PS what a superb story they had to tell too. 😊
In London, apparently it's 1 in 30 with Covid. Merrelyn, I am just indoors as it's too cold to go out on the scooter, or to walk a few metres at my slow pace. If any post comes through our letterbox whoever picks it up washes their hands afterwards. Also I read that it's good to open windows every day in the house for a short time so we also do that, despite the freezing temperature. Thanks so much for your concern.
I certainly am glad I took my opportunities and have these to look back on.
I felt it had a good range of tones which is needed for a mono shot.
Thank you everyone for such nice comments, all appreciated. I was beginning to get portrait withdrawal syndrome!
Thank you all for nice comments. Have a good day!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Your comments made ME smile! Yes the smiles give unqualified warmth!