No longer a Stranger.

I've had the little Ilford disposable camera for a couple of weeks now, the one connected to the When You're a Stranger event! The notes suggested taking the image within 48 hours of receiving the camera....well i've been sick and also due to my solitary existence up here on Big Hill, i don't meet too many strangers - i've taken a lot longer, for that i duly apologise!

Yesterday I tried to take a portrait of an interesting looking chap in Value Village, unfortunately, because he was working there, the manager said it wasn't allowed! This struck me as pretty stupid given the fact that the lovely young guy was more than willing to participate....so today i headed down to Baddeck after lunch, determined to take a photo of a stranger!

So here you have Perla MacLeod! Even altho i have been served by her a few times in the Bean There cafe, she is a stranger to me, until today i knew nothing about her! Now, because of this lovely little project, i know that Perla comes from Mexico City, has lived in Big Baddeck for over 8 years now. She married a 'Macleod' who comes from Cape Breton and so they moved here. They have 3 children. Her and i talked about coming here from away....and both of us have experienced the same feeling....it feels like home! It was such a pleasure getting to know her, something i probably wouldn't have done otherwise! I must say i found it far more difficult than i thought it would be to ask a stranger if i could take their portrait. But i'm glad i didn't just approach someone in the street. Getting to know a little bit about Perla was far more enriching, because i will continue to see her when i go into the Bean There Cafe!

Thanks a lot Perla for being such a good sport!

Now I need to find another blipper to pass the camera onto....leave me a comment if you'd like me to send it to you!