Joyce Grenfell Lives!

[bill]

This splendid lady was marshalling her "troops" for their march down Guildford High Street today (Remembrance Sunday). Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her charges obviously enjoyed themselves too.

IIIc, Kodak 400, VC 35mm

Rememberance 2007 1.jpg

Rememberance 2007 2.jpg

Regards,

Bill

[paulmac]

Eh - No comments on these pics?????? Come on these are excellent images by any standards and would be bread and butter for any local evening paper picture editor. I love em - well done!!! Only minus is the traffic cone on pic one - crop it out and it is a perfect pic. Pic two is a classic - excellent!!!

When I look at these images I think of Bert Hardy and Picture Post - long gone I know but hey wouldn't it be great if we still had a national weekly that gave exposure to great images like these of ordinary people living ordinary lives and not some crappy celebrity pap that now passes for photojournalism. In years to come images such as these will STILL tell a STORY of how we lived at the turn of the 21st century.

Paul Mac

[bill]

Thank you kindly, Paul.

The irony is that while taking these I was approached by a member of the local press, carrying a Canon with a couple of chunky lenses. He was more interested in the little old M6 I was using than in taking shots of his own.

I'm also surprised that after 190 views yours was the only comment on this one - perhaps people don't know who Joyce Grenfell was...

Regards,

Bill

[mhoersch]

Hi Bill,
I have returned to these two shots several times and find it extremely difficult to put my reaction into words so as to do your pictures justice - and Joyce Grenfell. I know her very well, I have read her autobiography "Joyce Grenfell Requests the Pleasure" and I have loved her catchy smile, her humor, her voice and movements for as long as I can remember.
However, I can find nothing of all this in your pictures of an attractive young woman leading a gang of kids in uniforms. The woman looks nice, the kids look nice, the compositions don't quite work for me, though, and I keep coming back, looking for Joyce. She just isn't there. For me, that is.
Now you know at least, why I hadn't posted until now, and I hope you don't mind my frankness.

[paulmac]

Joyce as the Policewoman from the St Trinians films springs instantly to mind - this lady is a dead ringer for her confidently organising her brood in true British stiff upper lip style.

Paul Mac

[ejd]

George......don't do that.

[Artichoke]

and I love your subject line
the St. Trinian movies are favorites of mine (which sadly are almost never shown here in the States anymore) and your photograph assures me that at least all is well in Britannia
I enjoyed your story about the photographer you encountered as well

[bill]

Thanks chaps, and Manfred, no, I certainly don't mind your frankness! I post images here for comment, good or bad - it's all part of learning to be a better photographer.

As to the St Trinians references - that's it exactly! I couldn't remember, the film,.but I remembered the uniform.

I understand that a new St Trinians film is due out next year.

Nurse! Bring my blood pressure pills!!

Regards,

Bill