We went out for breakfast this morning and I took my X20 with me to Winchester in case I might get a red s/c shot.
As we were making our way up the main street, this seller of the Big Issue, seeing my camera, actually invited me to take his photo. I needed no invitation of course, and this is the fourth one I took of Kev.
Kev told us a joke about a snail, a slug, a house and the Big Issue, which he sells In Winchester on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the week he sells in other towns.
I asked if he lives in Winchester and he said in the country nearby - in his car. He told us he'd lived in his car for 3 years since having 'everything taken away' after working for 20 years and that he has no respect for 'the system'. Hardly liking to ask about meals, I did so and he said he goes to his daughter's quite a lot.
I showed Kev, on the screen, the photos I had taken and he reminisced about the days of film photography when you had to put the film into the camera, thread it in and wind it on and afterwards had to wait for the film to be developed, which all brought back memories of my dad who was a keen photographer.
As we parted, I thanked Kev for the photo and he thanked me for the chat and told me I was the best lady in the world - apart from his mum.
Well you are a nice lady and I'm sure it gave Kev a big kick to share a few moments with someone who saw him as an individual with views that count. Good portrait too, Hazel.
A great candid shot , you certainly have captured his "selling pose " and he was ready to share his life story with you ! I do like Emilie's comment @teiko -- so true !
Great portrait! Our local Big Issue seller loves having his photo taken too. I print them off for him. He's part of our local scene and people always stop to chat and give him coffee and sandwiches. Kev looks like a similar character. Fav as I love it so much
Kev may live in his car but he has purpose in his life selling the Big Issue on the street. A very evocative portrait considering his life story. Thank you for sharing Hazel :)
Great shot and a lovely story. So glad you bought a copy of the Big Issue because they are sold by homeless or disadvantaged people and they get to keep half the cost of the magazine.
I didn't warn him, Ferry but it did fleetingly cross my mind that he might derive some benefit in his circumstances from being on here - but I doubt he will.
I didn't warn him, Ferry but it did fleetingly cross my mind that he might derive some benefit in his circumstances from being on here - but I doubt he will.
David, thank you and I'm glad to have found a 'new face' to follow!
Richard, thank you - I was lucky to be in Winchester just then!