There but for the grace of God.

It’s like a psychic power but for some reason I have either been gifted, or else developed a keen sense of who to ask to let me photograph them, knowing subconsciously that they have a story to tell. Steve was walking down the canal towpath coming directly towards me; he was giving me all the signals that said ‘pay attention, this person has depth beyond his immediate appearance’. He had confidence in his stride, his gait was powerful, controlled and belied a person with great self discipline. He exuded the strong, hyper-masculine air of a body builder but there was something else, a vulnerability that I could almost feel like a crackle of static in the air. He must have noticed me noticing him because as we drew level he nodded in acknowledgment. That confirmed my suspicions and without breaking step I swung round and engaged with him. I was right. He had the most incredibly and profound story to tell but that will be for another time. So profound was the connection that he agreed to be photographed again, perhaps even over time. We will see but stay tuned for his story.