#32David
Last week, we went into M&S in Winchester as Ray wanted to look for a shirt. He's a fast walker and was halfway up the escalator to the men's department on the second floor when he realised that I was no longer with him.
I had noticed a little 'stand' with an employee promoting the store's 'Sparks' card. Having recently picked up one of these cards in another M&S store and twice found I was somehow prevented from activating it online, I stopped to ask the gentleman working on the stand if he might do it for me. He was only too happy and, by signs, Ray carried on in the meantime to men's shirts.
It was a simple procedure, apart from the technology not always receiving the necessary signal and necessitating David as I later learned he was called, doing a little walkabout with it.
David was most friendly, helpful and smiling and gradually the idea came to me to ask him for a portrait. He agreed and we also had a chat to organise the accompanying story. As he was activating the Sparks card he reflected on technology and, in particular, the need for him, as a father of two sons, aged 11 and 14, to make sure they maintain a balance in their lives between the real world and the virtual world.
Originally from Reading, David currently lives in Winchester with his sons and his wife, who is an occupational therapist. He himself by profession is a chartered surveyor but is working part-time in the M&S store there.
When I asked about interests/passions, David told me he likes singing but his own church does not have a choir. In the past he has sung in Westminster Abbey, Winchester Cathedral and in a Norman church in London. He likes religious music and I imagined that as a singer, he must have a favourite composer and when I asked him, he nominated Handel.
The photography was more challenging than I had expected: I had asked David to move just slightly (bearing in mind he was on duty) but still found the escalator, shoppers, and goods on display crowding the background; the lighting also was generally harsh and there were obtrusive 'spotlit' areas which I had not really taken into account. Hence the conversion to b&w, although I have also sent David a photo in colour.
I still regard this series of strangers' portraits as a photographic learning exercise, and if anybody has helpful hints for me in respect of harsh lighting and busy backgrounds, they will be welcome.
David and his family are off to France for their holidays this summer. I hope they have a great time and also wish him all the best for his future professional life.
p.s. Ray found no shirt and as an initial enticement with my Sparks card I have 10% off a first buy of food and flowers - susceptible, moi?!
This is my #32 submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit:
www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/
This photo is also in The Portrait Group and STRANGERS!
#32David
Last week, we went into M&S in Winchester as Ray wanted to look for a shirt. He's a fast walker and was halfway up the escalator to the men's department on the second floor when he realised that I was no longer with him.
I had noticed a little 'stand' with an employee promoting the store's 'Sparks' card. Having recently picked up one of these cards in another M&S store and twice found I was somehow prevented from activating it online, I stopped to ask the gentleman working on the stand if he might do it for me. He was only too happy and, by signs, Ray carried on in the meantime to men's shirts.
It was a simple procedure, apart from the technology not always receiving the necessary signal and necessitating David as I later learned he was called, doing a little walkabout with it.
David was most friendly, helpful and smiling and gradually the idea came to me to ask him for a portrait. He agreed and we also had a chat to organise the accompanying story. As he was activating the Sparks card he reflected on technology and, in particular, the need for him, as a father of two sons, aged 11 and 14, to make sure they maintain a balance in their lives between the real world and the virtual world.
Originally from Reading, David currently lives in Winchester with his sons and his wife, who is an occupational therapist. He himself by profession is a chartered surveyor but is working part-time in the M&S store there.
When I asked about interests/passions, David told me he likes singing but his own church does not have a choir. In the past he has sung in Westminster Abbey, Winchester Cathedral and in a Norman church in London. He likes religious music and I imagined that as a singer, he must have a favourite composer and when I asked him, he nominated Handel.
The photography was more challenging than I had expected: I had asked David to move just slightly (bearing in mind he was on duty) but still found the escalator, shoppers, and goods on display crowding the background; the lighting also was generally harsh and there were obtrusive 'spotlit' areas which I had not really taken into account. Hence the conversion to b&w, although I have also sent David a photo in colour.
I still regard this series of strangers' portraits as a photographic learning exercise, and if anybody has helpful hints for me in respect of harsh lighting and busy backgrounds, they will be welcome.
David and his family are off to France for their holidays this summer. I hope they have a great time and also wish him all the best for his future professional life.
p.s. Ray found no shirt and as an initial enticement with my Sparks card I have 10% off a first buy of food and flowers - susceptible, moi?!
This is my #32 submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit:
www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/
This photo is also in The Portrait Group and STRANGERS!