We visited Mottisfont Abbey to see the exhibition of work by Norman Thelwell. As we went into the entrance room. we were greeted by Martin, one of the house guides.
Funnily enough, I had my camera ready with the portrait lens. But I went to see the exhibition first - well worth it and a revelation to me as I did not know that as well as cartoons, Thelwell painted beautiful watercolour landscapes near his home in Hampshire.
There were lots of people viewing the paintings and I did a quick tour planning to return another day as the exhibition runs until April. I told Ray I'd meet up with him back at the entrance room.
A log burner was heating the room so I took a couple of shots of the flames for my 'red' theme. Martin commented on my two cameras. I said it was my laziness that day not wanting to keep changing lens.
Then I told Martin about my project and he was happy to have his portrait taken. It was a bit difficult to find a suitable background in the room and it was a bit cold to venture outside. So I took a few shots with different backgrounds and then asked Martin to tell me something about himself to post with the portrait online.
"I teach photography at Brockenhurst College" said Martin.
NOW - I just cannot remember what I said, OR if I said anything at all! But after a couple of welcome hints on portraiture, I took one more shot and this is it.
I asked Martin what subjects he likes to photograph and he replied all sorts but he finds especially that dead flowers have interesting textures.
(The Thelwell exhibition has attracted 6,700 visitors since it opened mid January - and in the first hour when we were there yesterday, 110 people had already passed through.)
Great portrait of Martin he seems to be the right subject for B/W. I would have loved to have seen your face when he told you what he teaches but you had a few tips from him that was good.
I had the feeling that Martin would not be interested in having a copy of his portrait but now I wish I had asked him and could maybe have had some feedback. I may well meet him again at Mottisfont as we go quite often.
Wonderful story and portrait. Your bravery to ask for a portrait got you a free photography lesson. P.s. I've never seen anything of Thelwell's besides his famous ponies, which I totally love.
A super portrait and very interesting narrative Hazel, I think I would have been a bit flustered if I had found out he taught photography, but would have recovered enough to get a few hints and tips!!
i like your grey tones in this haze. and lots of detail in Martins portrait and a hint of catchlight in the eyes. A little tip is to try and keep at eye level with the sitter as this makes it more engaging (you seem to be a tad lower than martin.....not that I always manage to get eye level I may add)
I had the feeling that Martin would not be interested in having a copy of his portrait but now I wish I had asked him and could maybe have had some feedback. I may well meet him again at Mottisfont as we go quite often.
That was one of the tips - not to do portraits full face on.
Emilie - have a look - a few landscapes shown alongside cartoons - I love the seascape in the second row https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A7x9UktSLrJWKwYA_vR3Bwx.;_ylu=X3oDMTBsYWhiN2NvBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2lyMgR2dGlkAw--?_adv_prop=image&fr=yhs-avg-fh_lsonsw&va=thelwell+images+of+landscapes&hspart=avg&hsimp=yhs-fh_lsonsw
I think my reaction was pretty much the same!
You made me smile!!