Soft Drinks Only

Street Portraits
Written By Mark Moran

This is ex-long distance lorry driver Robert Leslie, known as Bob. He used to be called Les but there were too many Les’s at his work place so now he’s just Bob.

Street portrait of Bob with Mamiya RZ67 and Ilford HP5

I was with Bob for at least half an hour. I love the way people can be so at ease with strangers, openly sharing their stories, problems and the odd issue or two.

Bob has cancer and was telling me about his classic early symptoms and how he eventually got it checked out. Sadly his worse fears were confirmed and he’s already started chemotherapy. The medical teams seem to be succeeding at getting his blood counts down and I got the feeling the future is looking hopeful.

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Bob is really missing going down the pub for a pint and a natter. Soft drinks only though thanks to a concoction of powerful medication and social distancing.

Other than that he spends his time on his allotment growing runner beans. He’s built an extension on the front of his shed with some panels so he can sit and admire his plot while enjoying a cheeky swift half.

Soft drinks only of course.

Street portrait of Bob with Mamiya RZ67 and Ilford HP5
Street portrait of Bob, Ruthin, North Wales
Street portrait of Bob with Mamiya RZ67 and Ilford HP5
Street portrait of Bob, Ruthin, North Wales
Street portrait of Bob with Mamiya RZ67 and Ilford HP5
Street portrait of Bob, Ruthin, North Wales

Above: 35mm Ilford HP5 contact strip. Shooting Bob with the Zorki 35mm while Bob was talking I captured him more informal and relaxed.

Mark Moran https://www.markmoran.co.uk
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