This weeks Lens-Artist Challenge is set by Leya – Only One Picture. One that you find important, meaningful to you, maybe sending a message – and then explain why you picked just that picture.
The lady in this picture is Hoot for Peace campaigner Lois Atherden, who was around 90 yrs old when I took this image in 2008. She was a regular solo campaigner on Bristol City Centre, UK, for many years. She always stood in the same spot, on St Augustine’s Parade, during the early evening rush hour.
She campaigned for many years and was well known to local people and commuters making their way home after work. She became a well known figure in our city. It was always noisy around here with drivers giving her a toot on their car horns.
I happened to be on the city centre this particular evening so I asked Lois if I could take a picture of her. She wouldn’t engage in conversation with me but just nodded yes so I grabbed my pic and walked on.
It’s an old pic that I’m particularly fond of for lots of reasons. It tells it’s own story in a documentary sort of way and it’s a little bit of Bristol history. I put the image on Facebook a couple of years ago and lots of people commented on how they remember seeing her stood here. It was also early on in my photography adventure and shot with my very first digital camera, a Canon 400D.
The original picture was ok. I didn’t use a flash gun (I didn’t own one back then and wouldn’t have had a clue what to do with it if I did), so I had to rely on the ambient light. The conditions would have tested a modern camera, let alone that 400D. The original was in focus but quite grainy. However, modern software, i.e. Topaz and Photoshop, are brilliant at dealing with noise so it’s had a new lease of life in recent years.
I couldn’t find any more information about Lois online. I have previously but it seems to have disappeared. If I can find anything I’ll update the blog.
So, this is my Lens-Artist Challenge submission. I think it hits the brief and it’s been nice to acknowledge Lois’s efforts in making the world a better place.
All images: ©Stephen Hyde 2007-2025 – All rights reserved.
Steve Hyde 
Such a great choice Steve – in fact I’m guessing you didn’t need to think for more than a minute or two about your choice for the week. It’s such a wonderful caricature and speaks to her courage and commitment without needing a single word. Terrific response!!
Thank you Tina 🙂
Such a wonderful story and image. We need peace, especially now.
Thank you Anne, yes we do. When I read your comment, I thought naively, I wonder if there were any major conflicts in 2008. I then realised, there must have been because there’s always a conflict happening somewhere. I had a quick look for 2008 in Wikipedia. There were so many they’re listed in alphabetical order!!
There will always be a conflict of some kind. Humankind isn’t always “kind!”
Great story Steve, I have to admit I wanted to find out more information about her as well, to see if she was still with us, though if she was 90 in 2008, maybe she isn’t anymore. Who knows. I love the story.
Thank you Leanne, I’ve had another look for anything on Lois this morning but can’t find anything.
Great story and lovely shot – I understand many people would remember her! Good you asked her for a photo and posted it on fb. I think she would have appreciated it. And the fact that you enhanced the photo now, is also a sign of how much that photo means to you! Excellent choice.
Thank you Ann. You set a great challenge 🙂
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Wow, Steve! That’s a powerful photo and story.
Thank you Egidio 🙂
I love your photo, Steve and I love that people like Lois believe we can make a difference. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Sofia 🙂
Excellent. 👍
Thank you John 🙂