Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Service with a Smile

Ms. Terry: Brightwood Post Office's friendly postal clerk

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, this is Ms. Terry. She's a United States Postal Service employee who sells stamps and helps customers with their mail and packages at the USPS' post office on Georgia Avenue at Tuckerman Street. Ms. Terry has worked for the USPS for 26 years and has been at this location for the last two years. The last couple of times I've gone to the post office, she's always been there ready to help all of us and doing it with a smile.

Today, I happened to have my camera with me and she asked me if I was a photographer. I replied, "Erstwhile." Then I asked if I could take her picture. She very graciously said yes and here is the result!

If you live in Brightwood, be sure to stop in and say hello to Ms. Terry. And maybe the next time I go in, they'll have the Chinese Lunar New Year stamps I was hoping to buy!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

13 comments:

The Artful Eye said...

I love how Ms. Terry has kicked up her USPS outfit a notch with those cool glasses and necklace.

I like how the colorful stamp samples and swag in the background create a frame around her. Great photo!

Virginia said...

Wonderful capture. Framed it nicely too. Around here, I'd have to throw a piece of red meat across the counter before I asked for permisson to photograph. Grrrrrr.

You go Ms. Terry.! We need more friendly employees in this world!

Anonymous said...

Terry looks like a friendly soul. I know we have some great people in our local post office too. Nice shot.

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Rob said...

A friendly portrait with all the post office wares. I only wish they were open longer hours during the week. I prefer buying stamps and such from the post office.

Debi said...

I agree with Artful Eye that Ms. Terry's bling makes her even more interesting. Your composition does the rest. I like how you've put her off center and have included all the stampy goodness on the wall.

You are making this 100 Strangers challenge seem like it would be a hoot. I'm inspired. Still not ready to try it myself, but inspired.

But, girl, why would you say "Erstwhile?" I don't get it. You ARE a photographer.

RoeH said...

I'm always amazed that so many people do not object in having their photo taken.

Janet Kincaid said...

Andrea: She was so cute about those glasses. They were resting a little further down her nose before the shot and she straightened them right up before I took this! I like all the swag, too. Now I wish I'd framed it to include the poster with the picture of this year's Lunar New Year stamps.


VJ: Hm. Bribing people with steak. That's an idea!


Abe: Not only is she friendly, she's patient. At least, she was with me yesterday.


Rob: Me, too! The only post office in the area with longer hours is a huge sorting center out in Merrifield, Virginia. They're open until 8:00, but they're not at all convenient. I think the post office should put retail locations in malls and be open during mall hours. I have no doubt they'd do plenty of business. While we're at it, let's add DMVs to that list, too!


Debi: It was my attempt at humility? Okay, I know. I know. I need to stop with the erstwhile and pure dumb luck business and just own it. I am a photographer. Period.


Lucy: I've been amazed, too. And grateful. I think everyone likes a little recognition and validation, and a photo is a nice way to do that.

Bob Crowe said...

She does look friendly and she looks like she enjoys her job. The USPS can be a bad place to work, especially in the big central sorting and distribution centers. The local branch offices would be much more pleasant.

marley said...

Nothing better than service with a smile. She must like her job, 26 years is a long time in one job.

I need someone to ask me if I'm a photographer. It'll give me a way in for my first 100 Strangers photo. I wasn't brave enough to ask anyone on monday. I'll keep trying though. Maybe I'll try it drunk, a bit of extra courage. Second thoughts, that could be a very bad idea, ending in a police cell! Lol!

Janet Kincaid said...

Bob: Ms. Terry is a lovely lady. My guess would be, she prefers her current job assignment to working in a sorting center, but I don't know for certain. I'll ask her the next time I see her (which may be in a few days.)


Marley: I agree! I'm really surprised no one has asked you if you're a photographer, given your coverage of Cheltenham.

Oy! Yo! Chelties! Pay attention! Marley here's your city daily photo blogger. Show him some love people!

:-)

Maya said...

I love Ms. Terry! I wish I could go that post office and meet her in person. What a great photo for your strangers series!

Brian said...

She looks like she holds a lot of pride in what she does. I alsoultely love this series!

Janet Kincaid said...

Maya: Next time I see here, I'll ask if she's interested in a transfer to Seattle!


Brian: Thanks! I'm starting to have more fun with this series as I shoot more and more people. You should join us. It was go perfectly with the 50 states series you just wrapped up.