Elizabeth - No 6

Heavy snow today. I got back home with snow falling and it only got heavier. Plus the natural light was fading. Wandering around I found reasonable light from a store window. But people looked miserable and stressed. Probably concerned they wouldn't be able to negotiate the incline out of the car park.

And the snowfall became heavier.

I decided to go and shelter under the A2 overpass. Which is where I saw Elizabeth. Bending over, sorting out her bike, and no doubt building up will power for the next stage of the journey.

'Excuse me, do you mind if...?
I thought I was chancing my luck. Would I be open to having a portrait taken after struggling through snow on a bike having, it turns out, just having been to the gym, with still a few miles to go to get home. I like to think I would, but then I like photography.

'I'd rather you not.' Replied Elizabeth. Which I could whole heartedly understand!

When rejected I always ask why. In this case it was probably a stupid question! Statistically I believe 85% of the British public do not like having their photograph taken. Today, in this weather, I should imagine it was closeer to 99.999%!

Like a lot of people Elizabeth found it a difficult question to answer.

Then, taking me by surprise she said 'Go one then.'

I had to ask if I heard right! I had! So had, once again, to think very quickly. I didn't want to keep Elizabeth from her journey, but I also wanted to get a reasonable portrait to be able to send on to her.

I tried to use the lights from the underpass which worked to a certain degree. Unfortunately I needed to get Elizabeth to raise her head to add some light. If someone was with me I'd use a reflector - I will make sure I carry a small one with me in future - to bounce light into the shadow area below the headwear. I liked the background being bright. I don't like the colour caste created by the street lights.

But I really like this portrait! It is not just a photograph. It is a pictorial memory trigger for the day a mad photographer met a pleasant and determined woman battling to get home through rediculous weather. I think it is a situation we will both remember for a long time!

Thanks, Elizabeth.