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Our annual village show is always worth a visit to see if I can add some strangers to my project. I got there early so I’d be able to approach some of the stall holders before they were swamped by eager customers.
Chris (see my previous stranger) and Angela run the Yesteryear Ice Cream business and were selling their ice cream from a Pashley Tricycle. They’ve been in business for two years, attending many weddings, corporate events and festivals.
The tricycle was positioned under a gazebo and this, along with the tricycle’s parasol, produced some beautiful soft light. Angela was already in this shaded area when I met her, so I asked her to stay where she was whilst I photographed her.
Angela told me she’s been a professional commercial photographer, but had stopped when she’d had children. During her photographic career she’d mainly photographed products, but had also taken pictures of many famous people when they’d visited a university she’d worked for. These included Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Judi Dench, Steve Backley, and Frank Whittle.
Angela’s guilty pleasure is playing the children’s computer game Tomb Blast.
Thank-you Angela for agreeing to being photographed for my stranger project. I hope you like your portrait.
This picture is number 318 in my 100 Strangers project, yes, I’ve decided to do a fourth round. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 290th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/
Meet Cordoban the Playful. Cordoban is a member of the medieval folk/metal band "Saltatio Mortis", and three of the members were busking in Darmstadt yesterday. Cordoban plays leather bagpipes, shawms and a fiddle. They made some great sounds for just three musicians, and they soon drew quite a crowd. In spite of their dangerous and martial appearance, Cordoban was very gentle and soft-natured and more than happy to fulfill my wish for some photos. I really like the embroidery on his clothes. Check out their website for more information and samples (German only).
Please view in the full size for the best effect.
This picture is #012 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
16 x 20", acrylic on canvas, 6-29-08, donated to American Cancer Society 2008 Graphic Arts Cancer Golf Classic.
I love Rosenmontags, its an excellent event to take stranger photos . This time a friend, Martin gave me company. The guy on the picture was one of my first subject today. I asked him mainly because I loved how the backlight looked on his hair. He was quite friendly and he allowed me to take the shot.
39th stranger in my www.100Strangers.com project.
Stranger #56 – Mathys
Mathys was sitting with friends of his, they were sipping drinks. I approached them and asked Mathys if he was willing to take part in my challenge. He agreed and walked with me to one of the painted cabins nearby.
Mathys is an undergraduate student of geography. He is learning about sustainable development and spatial planning. “I like to do things, I don’t like to stay idle, to spend the day doing nothing, I like to take walks, I like to fish. The toughest thing for me at the moment is becoming aware of a few things about climate change, about what that means for our way of life, about what’s needed to prevent that.
Thank you very much Mathys!
This picture is #56 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 51st submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Mathys était assis avec des amies à lui, ils buvaient. Je les ai approché et j’ai demandé à Mathys si je pouvais le prendre en photo. Il a accepté et a marché avec moi près des chalets peints.
Mathys est étudiant en licence de géographie. Il s’intéresse particulièrement au développement durable et à l’aménagement du territoire. “J’aime faire des trucs, pas passer ma journée à rien faire. Me balader, pêcher. Le plus difficile pour moi en ce moment? Prendre conscience de certaines choses, le changement climatique, ce que ça implique pour notre mode de vie, les changements nécessaires pour empêcher ça.”
Merci beaucoup Mathys
Cette photo est la #56 dans mon projet 100 strangers. Apprenez-en plus au sujet du projet et visionnez les photos prises par d’autres photographes sur la page Flickr du groupe 100 Strangers
C’est ma 51ème participation au groupe The Human Family. Pour voir plus de portraits de rue et d’histoires, visitez la page Flickr du groupe The Human Family
Stranger #68 – Dorian
Dorian was born in Lille, he then lived in England for 18 years and he has been living in France for 8 years now. “I like manga, I want to make an anime. My sister does necklaces from what I write, from quotes. I was homeless. I studied in order to become a receptionist for a while, that was my ticket out of the street. When I started doing the job, I didn’t like it. I spent so much time doing something I didn’t like, it took so much of my energy. I want to do what I like even if it only pays 500 euros a month. I’m studying to pass the French equivalent to the A level. I have my A levels but passing that diploma would allow me to study at university in France. My advice to my younger self? Educate yourself. Read the dictionary from A to Z. I used to wait for it to come from grown ups. Like it says in the bible: “Seek and ye shall find”. For me God is everything that is love. Every loving thing comes from God, empathy, solidarity, mutual assistance. When I lived in the streets, I didn’t have a single euro but I was happiest in my life. There are people who do things for money, in the end they’re not happy doing what they do, so they use substances to be happy. I’ve been sober for four years. No alcohol, no cigarettes, no drugs. It’s the best feeling, Bro!”
Thank you very much Dorian!
This picture is #68 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 63rd submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Dorian est né à Lille, il a vécu en Angleterre pendant 18 ans et cela fait 8 ans qu’il vit en France. “J’aime les mangas, j’aimerais faire un dessin animé. Ma sœur fait des colliers à partir de ce que j’écris, des citations. J’ai été SDF à la rue. J’ai suivi une formation pour devenir réceptionniste, c’était ça qui me sortait de la rue. Quand j’ai commencé le travail, j’aimais pas ça. Je passais tellement de temps à faire un truc que j’aimais pas, ça me prenait tellement d’énergie. Je veux faire ce qui me plaît même si ça me donne que 500 euros par mois. Je vais passer mon DAEU en français histoire, philo. Un conseil que j’aimerais me donner quand j’étais plus jeune? Instruis-toi: Lis le dictionnaire de A à Z. Fonce, apprends. J’attendais que ça me vienne des adultes. En anglais dans la bible, il y a écrit “Seek and ye shall find” (cherche et tu trouveras). Pour moi Dieu c’est l’amour, tout ce qui est amour vient de Dieu, l’empathie, la solidarité, l’entraide. Quand je vivais dans la rue, j’étais le plus heureux dans ma vie et j’avais pas un 1 euro. Y a des gens qui font les choses pour l’argent, au final ils sont pas heureux. Ils prennent des substances pour être heureux. Ça fait 4 ans que je suis sobre. Pas d’alcool, pas de cigarette, pas de substances. “It’s the best feeling, Bro!”
Merci beaucoup Dorian!
Cette photo est la #68 dans mon projet 100 strangers. Apprenez-en plus au sujet du projet et visionnez les photos prises par d’autres photographes sur la page Flickr du groupe 100 Strangers
C’est ma 63ème participation au groupe The Human Family. Pour voir plus de portraits de rue et d’histoires, visitez la page Flickr du groupe The Human Family
I had taken my bicycle in to have the brakes adjusted and saw this painted wall in a laneway across the street. I had seen it once before and thought it could serve as a good background for a photo since it was shaded on the north side of a string of shops. I waited on the corner nearby, hoping for someone to come along and complete the picture. This young woman didn't seem to be in a hurry and her laid back manner and hat caught my eye. She listened attentively to my description of the project and said "Sure." Meet Bria.
I explained the painted wall concept and walked her to the nearby lane and she put down her backpack and we got to work on the photos. Bria had a friendly and gentle manner and was happy to follow any suggestions I made. For this head-on photo I had to step into the laneway and asked her to tell me if I was about to get run over by a truck. She gestured to show how she would warn me and I got a photo of her laughing at the silliness of it all. I liked the moment.
Bria is 22 and is from the Bahamas. She has just been in Toronto for a week and will be here for a month taking a Pilates course. She is a Pilates instructor back home. She is hardly a stranger to Canada, however, having gone to university in Nova Scotia. We chatted about the project and she took quite an interest in it. When I asked if she had any life advice to share she said "Trust your instincts." I asked if that's what she was doing when she agreed to my project request. She said yes, it was, and that she can usually tell if a situation is safe or not and said I seemed quite sincere in my request and she was happy to help out.
Thank you Bria for the friendly chat and for participating in The Human Family. You are #813 in Round 9 of my project. I hope you enjoy your month in Toronto.
Update: I received the following very nice email from Bria:
"It was a pleasure meeting you and being a part of your project! I like the finished product.
I wish you the best in your endeavors. Hopefully we meet again when I come back to Toronto!"
How nice that she took the time to write. Thanks Bria!
The sky was clear and the midday sun was strong. Hector looked like he would make a great subject for my strangers project. As he and a young woman entered a charity shop, I decided to scout around to see if there was any shade nearby. Possible locations found, I waited on the opposite side of the street for the couple to emerge.
Perhaps 10 minutes later the couple exited the shop with a large bag, I imagined full of bargains. I quickly asked Hector if I might take his photo and suggested a nearby side street. He was very amiable and we quickly made introductions.
Hector was visiting Verity. She lives nearby and Hector lives in London. They had met while both were studying at Oxford; keen on water sports, they had been on a trip to Morocco. The couple had also been to Croatia together; starting in Split, they had enjoyed visiting the islands.
I wondered what Hector did while he was at home. He told me “not a lot”; he likes to visit the coast to surf.
When I had photographed Hector, I asked if the couple would like a photograph together. Verity and Hector agreed. Then I asked if Verity would like to be in my project too and she agreed.
Thank you Hector and Verity for being part of my project it was great to meet you both.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
After taking my first stranger's portrait of Selim, I was got busy with some professional task, but finally I'm back on my stranger project with pretty much more courage to talk strangers (lol).
This time I found my second stranger (Latif) on a International Trade Fair held in my city. I was went there with my friend and walking around. I was shooting some candid shot's which i normally do all the time. Suddenly, my eyes stopped at Latif, he looks so fancy and seems so funny. I tried to take some candid shot of him. But he started to give me pose with smile after seeing me. Bingo, I just found my second stranger. :)
Latif's smiley face made my work so easy. He was very glad when I asked about taking some photo of him for my running project. I shot couple of photos and let him see those, I was wonder when I saw him thinking and surprisingly he select these two photos for the project :) . After shooting we chatted for few time and he revealed he was using this kind of fancy props from 6 years for attracting customer for the shop he worked. He has two daughter and both are married. He is very happy with his life. I have enjoyed a lot talking with him. A very jolly minded and friendly old man. after few times we both thanks to each other for our time and we back to our own way.
A big thanks to Mr. Latif for being a part of this project. And I would like to thanks the viewers hoping you
all enjoy the photos :)
You can also follow my '100 Strangers' project on my stream 100 Strangers and others on Flickr group of 100 Strangers
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My first time approaching and shooting a stranger, this girl on Brick Lane was happy to pose for me thankfully after almost 2hrs of trying to find someone who looked willing in an area that would be good as a backdrop. Conversely, the mate I was with must have approached a dozen people by this time and had far more success!!!
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The 2025 Beltane Pagan Market held in Nottingham’s Sneinton Market gave me lots of opportunities to add to my stranger project. As I threaded my way through the crowded avenues, I spotted a young lady with pink and blue hair at one of the stalls. I waited for her to finish her shopping and then went over and introduced my project to her. Kerry immediately said yes to being photographed.
At the end of the avenue I met Kerry on was a brick building so I decided to use part of its wall as a background. This also put Kerry in the shade. As soon as I began taking my photographs Kerry went through a series of poses and expressions. I asked if she’d done any modelling and she told me she had in her younger years.
Kerry is from Wisbech, which is a market town in Cambridgeshire. She had come to Nottingham to visit the Beltane event.
Kerry told me she runs an animal rescue centre for all kinds of creatures.
Kerry’s main hobby is collecting retro games and toys from the 80’s and 90’s.
The one-word Kerry would use to describe herself is soulful.
Does Kerry have a guilty pleasure? “Spending money,” she told me.
If I could grant Kerry a wish what would it be for? “For my best friend Olly to be alive again,” she said.
Thank-you Kerry for saying yes to being photographed for my stranger project. I hope you like your portrait.
This picture is number 432 in my 100 Strangers project, yes, I’ve decided to do a fifth round. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 403rd submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/
I saw him coming out of a shop. It was the hair and beard that caught my attention. I asked if I could take a portrait and he was happy to pose. He had the cigarette in his hand and I asked if he could pop it into his mouth which he duly did. He had a very posh accent which was not what I had expected. You can't judge a book by its cover. I again forgot to ask for his name but he was born in Yorkshire ...
He was the only stranger I asked to photograph today ...
The 365 challenge for this week is black and white images ...
Day 17 of 365 Project ...
Stranger #69 – Tomek – I see him quite often as he works in our favourite vegan place in the centre of Wrocław, Poland. Today it struck me that his portrait would be a great addition to the project. So having spotted him sitting in front of said restaurant I approached him and asked for a photo. He agreed without any hesitation and any questions whatsoever, yet still I felt obliged to explain the purpose behind my actions. The light was very harsh today but fortunately there was a little shady spot next to the building. I took a few pictures and quickly realised that I initially opted for the wrong direction. Well, it happens during sunny days. Thankfully, the opposite direction’s background was much more uniformly lit. After taking a significant number of shots I was sure I got something awesome and I think I wasn’t mistaken ;)
This picture is #69 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
In Pursuit of Spring is a tale of one man and his bicycle. It tells of a journey from Clapham Junction in London to the Quantock hills. Cally and his friend were inspired to follow the course described by Edward Thomas in his book.
Cally kindly sat while I took a couple portraits and waited for a moment so that I could get a shot of him with his bicycle before they set off again. He didn't want to take my card, as he was travelling light but his friend took one – so they will be able to get in touch for copies of the images.
When I mentioned that he would be my 375th stranger, Cally said that it was one of his favourite numbers.
Thank you Cally for stopping for me today. It was good to meet you. I hope that the rest of your journey went well.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
I saw this girl as I was walking around Limerick City. I was drawn to her hat and denim jacket. I asked could I take her photo and she said I could.
A quick snap that looked liked a model posed. I swear i do not know her, officer.
Facebook: Andrew Sebrio Photography
Instagram: kiko.shoots
A Stranger - 30 Seconds Project
All about the idea of this project can be read here:
Carl Zeiss Interview - English
Carl Zeiss Interview - German
f5.6 − 1/125 - ISO100 - No Flash - Nikon D850 - Nikon 105mm F2 D DC
Sylvia had just finished shooting one of her strangers in a back laneway near The Hub so we headed back up to the street stalls. In an instant I saw the back of a tall woman with long curly hair. Without even seeing her face I made my approach but realised that she was in the process of buying some sunglasses. Patiently we waited until she was done.
This is Dafra.
We moved to our favourite blue wall and with a little help from the gold reflector held in place by Sylvia, we managed to get a few shots of this very confident & gorgeous woman. I really like how her strong and powerful attitude comes through in this shot.
Originally from West Africa, but now living in San Francisco, Dafra was in Sydney on a 3 month working stint. Both she and her friend were very friendly and we spent some time talking about notable street photographers that we both admire.
Thanks for being part of the project and I hope you enjoy your stay in Oz. It was a pleasure to meet and make your portrait.
This picture is #244 in my 3rd round of The 100 Strangers Project.
You can see my 1st round of 100 Strangers photos here
Round 2 is here
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Sometimes, great timing happens and everything connects for one short moment in life and makes you feel present in the universe.
As I was turning from a corner, I saw these delightful autumnal colours around the red brick wall and there walked a lovely young person dressed in perfect matching colours with Nature.
At that very moment, she had the same thoughts--as I learned a minute later--and that's when I stopped her for a portrait.
It was easy to talk to Riina, 23y/o, almost 24, in a fortnight. She acted naturally in front of my camera and my camera loved her. She become one with this delightful autumnal tableau.
Riina is a student of philosophy; her reflections upon my questions emphasised her philosophical education. I would have loved to discuss longer with her, but there wasn't enough time. She was on her way to support the Extinction Rebellion, the global environmental movement's manifestation in town. She did, however, promise to answer my questions by returning email.
I sent her the photos and was so glad to receive her answers within a few hours.
The floor is yours, Riina.
"When one is asked about "The Meaning of Life" I like to paraphrase whomever it was--I don't remember where I heard this and whether I'm remembering it right--who said that life does not have a meaning per se, but things within life have meanings, which I think, gets formed through specific subject's experiences and that same subjects relations to things they bump into within these experiences.
I'm talking about the meanings of life since those things that have a meaning or meanings to this specific subject, are the things that inspire me and are connected, I think, to all the your questions. So, at this moment in time I'm rather into--which means deeply in love with--books, philosophy, dancing, nature, especially forests, humour, especially satire, animals, especially dolphins, art, history, solitude, walking, writing and, I guess, thinking. These are the things I do in life, that I like to do in my spare time and that inspire me.
"What I love about myself is that I'm insanely curious--it brings a lot of meaning to my existence and keeps me, most of the time, rather satisfied, by which I mean excited and joyful. Interestingly, it seems that the more curious you are, the more curious you get; and the more curious you get, the more you get the learn. And I've had some amazing luck with ending up being this almost strangely inquisitive person. I really dig it!
"The Younger-Me question was to me definitely the easiest to answer; I would advice her to not be so deeply afraid of feelings, to not think of them as something one should wish to get rid of or worse, hide them and imagine them non-existent. It would have made things a lot easier, I suppose, if I'd understood feelings as mentionable, understandable, acceptable and manageable and not as some kind of demonic and horrible signs-of-weaknesses.
"And I thought a lot about what I would say to the world, but I suppose I can't imagine myself being a worthy advice-giver, since I'm myself actively trying to find a way to flourish. However, there's this one thought-provoker I like, which often helps me to answer a question of what it is that I "ought" to do in any specific situation; that is, "Imagine a person who would be in your opinion morally 'perfectly good'. How would they act in this situation?" I like this since it leaves us to imagine our own kind of goodness and own kind of perfection--which in my case means a person who definitely is not "perfect" in all kinds of situations, not even in most situations--and I don't have to end up implying that I'd know better about living a flourishing life than I do. It's kind of a version of "What would [...] do?" but a more imaginative one."
Thank you, Riina, I was happy to run into you so totally randomly, a second later and we would have missed each other. You were a breath of fresh air.
"It was really great to meet you, Ann, this was a lot of fun! I've never experienced anything like this and I appreciate you and all this!"
Riina
This is my 858th submission to The Human Family group.
Visit the group here to see more portraits and stories: The Human Family
I walked up to the bus stop wondering if there would be any strangers for me to photograph. The bus arrived and an orderly queue formed while people got off. One of those getting off was Lily. Instead of heading away, she went to the bus shelter.
I asked Lily if I might take her photo, that it was for a project to take photos of people that I don't know and that she would need to be at least 18 to be in my project. I must have gabbled because she asked me to repeat my request. So I started again a little more slowly. At the end Lily asked if it was like “Humans of New York”. I said “a bit”. Lily sounded interested but hadn't said yes, so I asked her if she was at least 18 and if she was up for it.
Once Lily had agreed we chatted for a bit. She told me that she was waiting for a friend. When I was ready to start taking photos, I asked Lily if we could take them somewhere else as the bus shelter and other people in it would make a clean background hard – the shelter was green and there would have been a horizontal bar behind her, other people were behind me too. Lily said that she was early for her meeting so she had time. We crossed the road to the library gardens.
Lily is studying English in Bristol. It is her second go at University. Initially she had been doing French and Italian at Swansea but within a couple months she realised that it wasn't the right course for her. She still enjoys foreign languages but sees her future working with English.
She plans to work in publishing and already does proof reading in her spare time. She is working on a novel. It is a book for young adults. Lily liked to read while growing up. It was one of the things that had helped her when suffering with anxiety. She told me that writing for young adults is a way that she can give back.
We talked about the differences in the universities, as my boy will be applying for Uni soon. Lily told me that having a gap year before restarting her education had been really profitable. We talked about all kinds of stuff including a bit about books and computer games (Lily likes fantasy and role playing games).
When I asked if Lily had anything to share with the world, she said “don't let others tell you what to do with your life but work out what you want” or something like that. I asked Lily if she had a significant other and she told me about him. She met him at a party 3 years ago. Because he was dressed as Austin Powers Lily had thought that he was gay. When he came to chat her up, she told him of her initial assumption. Thankfully for both of them, this didn't put him off and their relationship developed well from an honest beginning.
When I asked about interests outside of English, Lily told me that she enjoys photography. She likes to photograph people especially her 3 year old nephew. She likes to make photographs when people are not aware that she is doing it. Lily likes the creativity of capturing images. I think that she mentioned landscapes and sunsets too.
I asked if other people had stopped Lily to take her photo. She said no but her Dad is a photographer and he likes to photograph her. He sparked her initial interest in photography. She thought that he would be interested in the 100 strangers project too. I suggested that Lily might like to give it a try too. She has a good camera already but is planning to upgrade to Nikon D7100. I suggested that she think about getting a prime lens for taking pictures of people. She said that she would like to have a fish eye lens.
When Lily's friend, Louise arrived, Lily had real excitement in her voice as she told her about what we had been doing. When we parted Lily thanked me, saying she was so pleased that I picked her. I said that I was sorry that she wasn't my 200th stranger but being the 199th was quite cool too.
Thank you Lily, for agreeing to be in my project. It was good to meet you. I look forward to seeing your book in WH Smith and your name at the top of the best sellers list
This picture is 99 in my second round of 100 strangers. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I was walking around the mall with a friend, looking for a place to eat. First I spotted the funny hat, then our eyes met, and she smiled. I knew I had to take her picture.
We walked passed the pizza restaurant. I was deferring to my friend to choose where to eat. We ran out of options and doubled back to the pizza resto but there was a line outside.
While waiting, I approached the girl with the funny hat. Her name is Aleli. She is new and wearing the hat is like her rights of passage. I asked if I could take her picture, she was shy about the idea but relented. I then asked if there was a table for two, she checked, and we got a table, ahead of the line outside. Ooops...
This picture is #54 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
My name is Younes Sheikh Ali, I always have cared about heritage.
I have been open to other cultures since my childhood, especially the Moroccan culture. I'm a trader, but one day, I had the idea to open a special place for the old culture of Tangier. We gave it the name “moments of Tangier Coffee”. I am proud of my city and its long history, It is has a large legacy of civilization, and I participated and contributed to making it beautiful because I'm one of its citizens.
I’m an expert on collecting memories of the history of Tangier, and I like to work and invest in it.
I aspire through my work to make others happy and define to the new generations of the city our old heritage. We hold multiple exhibitions throughout the year, Tangier is known historically for its tolerance.
Moments of Tangier coffee is a simple coffee where there are 300 free books available in various fields that there is a demand for our guests.
I always had the power of seeing something different in people. I had the idea of creating this project in 2014 when I realize I’m shooting a lot of portraits for my friends, clients, people on the street… So I transformed this passion into an artistic project where my goal wasn’t take just average pictures of strangers, but make portraits of them that reveals something.
It’s an on-going project which I want to take 100 portraits stories.
Stranger #45 – Khaled
As I was on the lookout for strangers, I saw Khaled talking with friends of his on a bench. They looked like they were having fun so I thought I’d join in. I asked Khaled if I could take his picture.
Khaled is from Syria, he’s 20 years old and has been in France for 3 years now. When he arrived in France, he didn’t speak French, he didn’t know many people in France. Now he speaks French very well and he has made friends. Khaled wanted to go to medical school in order to become a doctor but his way to look at the world has changed since then. “12 years, that’s a long time to spend studying. Things can change so much in 12 years.” Khaled is a self entrepreneur. He delivers food with his scooter. In September, he will start studying computer science. Khaled asked me if I smoked, I told him I didn’t. “That’s good, you’re right not to,” he said as he lit his cigarette.
Thank you very much Khaled!
This picture is #45 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 40th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Alors que je gardais l’oeil ouvert pour trouver des inconnu-e-s, j’ai vu Khaled parler avec ses amis près d’un banc. Ils avaient l’air de bien s’amuser et j’ai décidé de me joindre à eux. J’ai demandé à Khaled si je pouvais le prendre en photo.
Khaled vient de Syrie, il a 20 ans, cela fait 3 ans qu’il est arrivé en France. Lorsqu’il est arrivé en France, il ne parlait pas français et ne connaissant presque personne en France. Maintenant, Khaled parle très bien le français et il s’est fait beaucoup d’amis à Caen. Khaled voulait faire des études de médecine mais sa vision du monde a changé entre temps. “12 ans c’est long comme études. Les choses changent beaucoup en 12 ans. Khaled est auto-entrepreneur, il livre de la nourriture avec son scooter. En septembre, il va commencer des études d’informatique. Khaled m’a demandé si je fumais. Je lui ai dit que non. “C’est bien, t’as raison de pas fumer,” m’a-t-il dit en allumant sa cigarette.
Merci beaucoup Khaled!
Cette photo est la #45 dans mon projet 100 strangers. Apprenez-en plus au sujet du projet et visionnez les photos prises par d’autres photographes sur la page Flickr du groupe 100 Strangers
C’est ma 40ème participation au groupe The Human Family. Pour voir plus de portraits de rue et d’histoires, visitez la page Flickr du groupe The Human Family
Stranger #6 is Jeff. I ran into him on one of my late night/early morning photo excursions. It had been raining pretty hard for most of the night until I arrived at the waterfront. Jeff was out walking his dog and agreed to let me take his picture. We then had one of those rambling conversations about life, the universe and everything. Thanks Jeff.
This picture is #48 in the 100 Strangers Project - Round 3
Meet Dilsat.
I had an opportunity to photograph this amazing stranger at the Istanbul airport during a stopover to India. A beautiful lady with a warm personality, it was a rather unique encounter given the language barrier (since Dilsat did not speak much English). But luckily a couple of friends were able to help with some of the translation. We managed to find a spot in one of the waiting areas with decent lighting and managed to click a few pictures. In our short rushed conversation, Dilsat, whose name I understand means a rare flower, was quite candid about what she loved - she loved sleeping she said with a smile. She enjoys trekking and sports. Her friend also added that she also loved her eyes (which I can see why)
We didn't have a chance to have a longer conversation as the young lady to go - and so did I. But I am still thankful she agreed to be a part of this unusual request - especially since an airport is not an easy place for such stranger photographs.
All the very best Dilsat for your future - it was great to make your acquaintance
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
For my other pictures on this project: 100 Strangers - Round 2.
For pictures from my prior attempt at 100 Strangers: 100 Strangers - Round 1.
Stranger #75 – Lëanna
Lëanna has just graduated as a fire safety officer. “I wanted to be a firefighter, they told me I couldn’t do that. I have to have this diploma first and then after a while I can become a firefighter. I’ve graduated two months ago but I’m waiting on some papers from the government. I’m fed up with not doing anything. I need these papers to work in fire safety, I have a lot of job proposals already which I can’t accept without these papers because then if I work without a security certification number, I run the risk of being fined. As a fire safety officer, I have to know everything about fire safety, I have to know what to do in case of a fire. I have to be able to guide firefighters on site and I need to know as much as firefighters do. My advice to my younger self? Don’t worry about other people. I used to worry about what other people said and thought. That’s not good for self-confidence. Whereas if we only have what we think of ourselves, we trust ourselves more. It’s tough at the moment, everything’s closed, we can’t meet anyone. My advice to people? Try to live as best you can.”
Thank you very much Lëanna!
This picture is #75 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 70th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Lëanna est diplômée en sécurité incendie. “Je voulais faire pompier, ils m’ont dit que je pouvais pas, que je devais faire sécurité incendie, au bout d’un moment je pourrais devenir pompier après. Ça fait deux mois que je suis diplômée, j’attends les papiers de l’état pour pouvoir travailler, j’en ai marre de rien faire. J’ai besoin de ces papiers pour travailler dans la sécurité incendie, j’ai plusieurs propositions d’embauche que je ne peux pas encore accepter sans ces papiers. Si je travaille sans numéro de sécurité incendie, sans certification, je risque une amende, mon employeur aussi. En tant que responsible sécurité incendie, je dois tout connaître de la prévention incendie. Je dois savoir quoi faire en cas d’incendie, guider les pompiers sur place. Je dois en savoir autant que les pompiers. Un conseil que j’aimerais donner à moi plus jeune? Te soucie pas des autres. Je me souciais de ce que les autres pouvaient dire, penser. C’est pas bon pour la confiance en soi. Alors que si on a juste ce qu’on pense de soi… C’est dur en ce moment, tout est fermé, on peut rencontrer personne. Un conseil pour les gens en ce moment? Essayez de vivre du mieux que vous pouvez.”
Merci beaucoup Lëanna!
Cette photo est la #75 dans mon projet 100 strangers. Apprenez-en plus au sujet du projet et visionnez les photos prises par d’autres photographes sur la page Flickr du groupe 100 Strangers
C’est ma 70ème participation au groupe The Human Family. Pour voir plus de portraits de rue et d’histoires, visitez la page Flickr du groupe The Human Family
Longyearbyen, Spitzberg (Svalbard - Norway).
Pour la première fois depuis que je fais de la photographie, j'ai osé : j'ai osé demander la permission à cette étrangère de la prendre en photo. J'en rêvais depuis des années ; à chaque fois que je voyais un portrait intitulé "Stranger", j'espérais moi aussi avoir un jour le courage d'aller vers des inconnus. Ce soir là, j'ai eu confiance en moi, et je crois que c'est le regard de cette jeune fille qui me l'a insufflé. Elle s'est au premier abord montrée surprise, mais je la sentais tout aussi compréhensive. Elle s'est alors mise à sourire, comme elle l'aurait fait avec un simple client venant commander une bière.
Je n'ai appuyé qu'une seule fois sur le déclencheur, pour une seule photo. La voici !
Stranger #22 – Lucie
Lucie and Cédric met through their studies at university and became friends. Lucie is also a 3rd year student of Russian, before studying Russian she used to study Nordic languages. Her interest in Russian was sparked by Russian literature and as it turns out it was also her reason for not pursuing Nordic languages further as she was disappointed by Nordic literature. She would like to do a post graduate degree in linguistics, she disagreed with Cédric when he said Russian was a complicated language. Both Cédric and Lucie had had a grammar exam that morning and were enjoying the warm and clear spring afternoon, ideal for a stroll.
Thank you very much Lucie!
This picture is #22 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 17th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Lucie et Cédric se sont rencontrés dans le cadre de leurs études et sont devenus amis. Lucie est également en 3ème année de russe après avoir fait une année de langues nordiques. Lucie s’est intéressée au russe de par la littérature russe. C’est d’ailleurs une des raisons qui a fait que Lucie a arrêté les langues nordiques, elle était déçue par la littérature nordique. Lucie aimerait poursuivre ses études en faisant un master de linguistique, elle n’était pas d’accord avec Cédric quand il a dit que le russe est une langue compliquée. Cédric et Lucie avaient eu un examen de grammaire russe ce matin là et profitaient d’un après-midi doux et ensoleillé pour se promener.
Merci beaucoup Lucie !
Cette photo est la #22 dans mon projet 100 strangers. Apprenez-en plus au sujet du projet et visionnez les photos prises par d’autres photographes sur la page Flickr du groupe 100 Strangers
C’est ma 17ème participation au groupe The Human Family. Pour voir plus de portraits de rue et d’histoires, visitez la page Flickr du groupe The Human Family
At the point where the ley lines cross, near St Michael's Tower, at the top of Glastonbury Tor, Dainis stood. With his sandals off and eyes closed, his arms apart, he appeared tranquil. Unusually I took a few candid shots and left him in peace, to look for someone who would be happy to be interrupted by a stranger.
I met Jude and Mollie. Friends who were content to be interrupted by me, and photographed. They became my stranger 395. When I had made portraits with them, I saw, Dainis again. This time his eyes were open. I said my goodbyes to Jude and Mollie and introduced myself to Dainis.
I explained a little of my project, meeting and photographing people that I do not know. He was happy to take part. I mentioned that I had already photographed him earlier. He said that he had felt it. He told me that when the five senses are combined then you get a sixth sense.
When he told me his name, I wrote it as Dennis but corrected it when he gave me his email address, which had the correct spelling of his name. He said that people here find Dennis easier. Dainis has been in the UK for 8 years, living in Latvia before that.
Like many of the folk that I have met recently, Dainis has strong connections with Music and Sound. He does not limit himself by genre but listens to any music that he likes. I have sympathy for this, as I have been enjoying diverse music lately.
Dainis practices Tai Chi. He was telling me of how sound relates to the body and nature, for example the bones are low frequency, like stone and the mind is high frequency like the air. Dainis has been traveling in the mountains of France and Spain recently.
He shared how some of the very twisting narrow roads were scarey and beautiful at the same time. Dainis then saw the same lovely sunsets when travelling on a straight piece of road. He found this enlightening. In life we have challenging times (like the winding roads) which can be beautiful times of growth and easier times (like the motorway) where we can appreciate simple relaxation.
Dainis is volunteering at the Glastonbury Festival. Working as a sound engineer; he will get a free pass. He has been studying Sound Engineering in Bristol. Before that he worked as a DJ. Recognising the power of sound and music at influencing those who hear.
Thank you Dainis for being part of my project. It was good to meet you. Sorry that I have not sent you copies of the photos. I had trouble with the email address. I could not tell whether it was doniks or donixs or donirs. I tried everything I could think of.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Last semester I took introduction to Anthropology which completely changed my view of primates. It is fascinating how close the human species is to primates!
We should respect all these animals before we wipe them off the earth just for their hands and feet :(
I was walking with my camera in my hand, not yet actively looking for strangers, I was mostly checking the streets I often roam and seeing what the light was like when I noticed Arthur smoking. I walked up to him and asked if he’d let me take his picture. He was very enthusiastic about the project. I knew a church with painted doors just across the street that might make a nice background and Arthur agreed to walk with me there and obliged me by taking off his mask.
Arthur studies languages at the university of Caen. He came from Lille in the north of France to study here. He studies English, Spanish and Portuguese. Before he took up languages, Arthur studied performing arts for a semester. Arthur told me studying was tough at the moment with everything being done through distance learning. “There is no student life” which in French not only carries the meaning of studying but also partying and going out, something that is next to impossible at the moment considering all the bars and restaurants are closed and there is a 6pm curfew. Though Arthur did mention the fact that he has made friends since he moved in Caen. He likes calling his friends and taking pictures of his friends with his phone.
Arthur’s enthusiasm for the 100 strangers project encouraged me a lot.
I hadn’t foreseen the fact that his cap would cast shadows around his eyes and I failed to notice it on the spot. Something to keep in mind when next I meet someone wearing a cap. While I have slowed down when compared to the first few stranger street portraits I shot, I still need to slow down a little more both the shooting and my conversation, I need to work the scene more, take the time to review my shots and improve upon them.
What drew me to the 100 strangers project in the first place, years before I started it, was always the human side of it. Not just the photos but the stories, the idea of meeting people which to a shy introvert looked like a skill that was impossible to pick up. Meeting people these days, seeing the masks come down, seeing new faces, talking with people feels like a breath of fresh air. We might be social distancing, that’s no reason to remain estranged.
Thank you very much Arthur!
This picture is #8 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 3rd submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Je marchais avec mon appareil photo à la main, pas encore en train de chercher des inconnus de façon active mais plutôt en train de faire un premier tour dans les rues que j’arpente habituellement afin de me faire une idée de la lumière ce jour là quand j’ai aperçu Arthur qui était en train de fumer. Je l’ai abordé et lui ai demandé si je pouvais le prendre en photo. Il a été très enthousiaste par rapport au challenge 100 strangers. J’avais mémorisé qu’il y avait une église tout prêt dont les portes peintes feraient un arrière plan qui pourrait être intéressant. Arthur a accepté de traverser la rue pour y aller et a enlevé son masque.
Arthur est étudiant en LEA à l’université de Caen où il étudie l’anglais, l’espagnol, le portugais et il est originaire de Lille. Avant d’entrer en LEA, Arthur a fait arts du spectacle pendant un semestre. Arthur m’a dit qu’être étudiant était compliqué en ce moment, tout se fait en distanciel. « Il n’y a pas de vie étudiante. » Avec tous les bars et les restaurants fermés, le couvre feu et les diverses mesures de distanciation sociales, les espaces de liberté individuelle se réduisent. Heureusement depuis qu’il est arrivé à Caen, Arthur s’est fait des amis. Il aime prendre des photos, appeler ses amis et prendre des photos d’eux avec son téléphone.
L’enthousiasme d’Arthur pour le challenge 100 strangers m’a beaucoup encouragé.
Je n’avais pas prévu le fait que sa casquette projetterait des ombres autour de ses yeux et je ne l’ai pas remarqué au moment où je l’ai pris en photo. Il faudra que je garde cela à l’esprit la prochaine fois que je rencontrerai quelqu’un qui porte une casquette ou un chapeau. Bien que j’ai déjà ralenti dans ma façon de procéder et de prendre des inconnus en photo, je dois encore ralentir un peu à la fois dans les conversations et dans les portraits que je prends. Je dois prendre le temps de vérifier les photos que j’ai prises et essayer d’en prendre de meilleures à partir des erreurs que je fais initialement.
Ce qui m’a attiré dans le projet 100 strangers en premier lieu, des années avant de commencer mon projet, a toujours été le côté humain, pas uniquement les photos, mais les histoires. L’idée d’aborder des inconnus, pour quelqu’un de timide, avait l’air impossible. Ces derniers temps, aborder des inconnus, voir les masques tomber, voir de nouveaux visages, parler avec des gens qui au fur et à mesure de la conversation ne sont plus tout à fait des inconnus est rafraîchissant. Il me paraît d’autant plus important d’apprendre à se connaître, de se rencontrer, de ne plus être des inconnus en cette période où tout est fait pour nous isoler.
Merci beaucoup Arthur!
Cette photo est la #8 dans mon projet 100 strangers. Apprenez-en plus au sujet du projet et visionnez les photos prises par d’autres photographes sur la page Flickr du groupe 100 Strangers
C’est ma troisème participation au groupe The Human Family. Pour voir plus de portraits de rue et d’histoires, visitez la page Flickr du groupe The Human Family