Helen [Stranger #84/100]

This picture is #84 in the 100 Strangers Project - Round 2

 

Meet Helen

 

During the last 3 years of the strangers project I have met people in different random places – on the streets, at the gym, in parks, at malls, at restaurants, airports but for a first time this happened at the church.

 

I would say Helen's personality and her very elegant dressing with the beautiful red dress sealed the deal. What was even more definitive is that wifey agreed whole heartedly. But as the service drew to a close I was undecided if I should wait and ask or pass it up. Eventually we agreed that I would drop p my wife and kid at Giants in the neighboring shopping complex to finish the grocery shopping and I’d walk back and try make a request. Of course by the time I walked back services had already ended and the crowd had dispersed. But as luck would have it I noticed the young lady, her red dress absolutely standing out, praying by the grotto. I excused myself as she finished her prayers and started walking with her sister. After hearing me out she was open to being a part of the pics. However I had to abandon my idea to walk towards a darker background when I realized she had a big family waiting for her. So we decided to instead shoot a few pics using open shade next to the church as her mom and dad after a quick friendly chat left for a walk and other family members stood around at a distance talking. It's always a little challenging to be in this situation and feeling a little rushed is natural but on the flip side am thankful to get the oppurtunity.

 

Helen was a pleasure to photograph though I honestly didn't do her justice. Her twinkling happy eyes screamed kindness.. and not surprising that kindness was her favorite quality. Her family hails from Ivory Coast in West Africa - which I believe explains her strong features and beauty. My interaction also revealed another quality I see as simplicity and almost a childlike directness and honesty.

An accountant by profession she enjoys cooking - photography is something she enjoys as well. We agreed to connect again to photograph her in a follow up session since she enjoys that as well.

 

Thanks a lot Helen for your time. It was wonderful making your acquaintance. I look forward to shoot I with you again. In the meanwhile wishing you all the very best and regards to the family

 

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

For my other pictures on this project: 100 Strangers - Round 2.

For pictures from my prior attempt at 100 Strangers: 100 Strangers - Round 1.

Done