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Granby Street Market, Liverpool, 2022.
In early May, I visited Granby Street Market in the Toxteth area of Liverpool for the first time. It was a glorious day with clear blue skies and warm spring sunshine. Everyone was in high spirits and the market (the first one to be held since the pandemic) was buzzing with life.
I spotted Cathy in her luminous pink top and black hat as she tended to a small vintage clothes stall. My wife ended up browsing and buying a jacket from her, at which point I thought about asking for a photo but didn’t. As we moved on to the next stall, I started to regret not asking, so I went back and told her I thought she looked great in her hat. She was surprised and flattered, and when I explained my project and asked if I could take a photo of her, she agreed, and genuinely seemed to enjoy the experience.
For this portrait, I used my old Canon G9 compact again. I'm still trying to test myself and see what I can produce with something more technically constrained than a DSLR, and also gauge how people react to a smaller, less intimidating camera.
On reflection, I think I make a few mistakes with this picture. Firstly, I should not have tried to use the shady wall of that building as a backdrop, as the G9 doesn’t have as much dynamic range as a DSLR. Second, I admit with some embarrassment that I had the wrong exposure set, almost completely burnt out the highlights, and had to rely on Lightroom to just about save the shot. Third, I should have used a shutter speed of 1/100 with an aperture of f/16 and filled in with full flash in these conditions. That would have darkened the background further, made the image more dramatic, and preserved the highlights. Lessons learned.
Any constructive criticism and advice is welcome!
This picture is part of 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 also my 3rd submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family.
Ger (Stranger 75)
Despite his walking difficulties, Ger regularly walks around eight kilometers, but he does need his walking stick. And halfway through the walk he has his addresses where he can rest and get something to drink. This time I ran into him in the cowshed of the farm campsite where I am on holiday. Take a look at the cows, there is always something to do. He had a friend who unfortunately passed away and the friend also had cows. Ger liked to help his friend every now and then, for example when the cows were taken (or fetched) to the dunes to walk there in the summer months. In the stable, the light from the high skylights fell beautifully on Ger's hat and shoulders. Unfortunately, that put his face in the shade. That's why I asked Ger to pose in the stable door.
This is the 75th photo from my 3rd round of the 100strangers project.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the group 100 Strangers | Flickr: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
This picture is #11 in the 100 Strangers Project - Round 3
Meet Beata
It is always a pleasure to find a amazing stranger to photograph for the 100 Strangers project - a feeling difficult to describe but am sure "stranger" photographers can relate to.
But it is so much more special when the stranger just transforms into a model and completely rocks the random session. Beata who I ran into in Bethesda was a great example of the latter.
When I first requested to be a part of the project, she seemed to be in a little bit of rush (getting home and preparing for Easter) - maybe even wondering about this weird request. But she sportingly agreed as we chatted and did a few headshots. It was easy to see immediately that this young lady was a absolute natural - friendly with a easy smile and happy eyes and very photogenic. When I made a comment she resembled an actress she indicated people have mentioned "Angelina Jolie" which seems quite apt.
I learned Beata was from Poland (infact her name means "blessed" in Polish) and was studying Business & Management in the States. She's been in the US for about 5 years - and done halfway with her studies. She has been home only once in recent times - for her cousin's wedding which she had a great time. Beata loves "make-up" having studied it back home, and also enjoys dancing - especially traditional polish dance. When discussing her favorite memories, she reminisced about growing up in a village in Poland as a farm girl, and was quite proud of her journey so far (and I think rightly so). Once she finishes her education, she aspires to find a good job here, or back home in Krakow, and having her own family someday.
As we chatted we also moved to different spots along the streets, trying different poses and backgrounds. As we kept clicking, it was easy to see Beata was getting absolutely comfortable with the camera and just enjoying the experience (and I am grateful for that). It was like a planned session - I had to suggest an idea and she just pulled it of with super confidence. We had a few on-lookers to who genuinely cheered her on , and one even helped with the reflector and decided to join in for a click. Was just a fun set-up and our 5 minute session went for well over an hour without even realizing it as Beata channeled her inner "model" . It really was difficult to choose a few pics to edit since I had so many good ones to choose from.
Thanks a lot Beata for not only trusting me with these pictures but for all the time and energy in a random session with a random photographer, I look forward to work with you again in a more planned familiar setting. Wishing you the very best!
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.
I met Kellina at Toronto's Dundas Square in October. She agreed to participate in my project and when I handed her my business card she asked me if I was related to Robert Pilon the opera singer. I told her my dad's name is Robert but not the opera singer. Kellina said the Robert Pilon she is referring to is a friend of the family, a renowned Canadian tenor, best known for playing the role of Phantom in the Toronto production of "The Phantom of the Opera". He also played Jean Val Jean in "les Miserables", and had a leading role in the Toronto production of Annie.
Kellina is 17 years old. She told me her name is Irish and means "war". She works at a nearby tattoo shop and she is a dancer in her spare time.
When I met Kellina she was in rehab, having left the detox centre three weeks prior. She spent two months in recovery for heroin addiction. She told me she only has her Grade 10 education because she screwed up using drugs. I asked her how she was doing with her rehab and she said "I'm not doing well, I'm still using." I asked Kellina what prompted her decision to go to the detox centre and she said "I was tired of working just to earn money to buy drugs. I want a better life for myself and I'm working hard to achieve this".
We chatted for a few minutes and I offered Kellina some encouragement and to keep trying to succeed with her rehab. I told her I was hopeful she would get out of her situation, not to despair if she falls from time to time and that the important thing was to persevere.
This picture is #82 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
Stranger Portrait - Grant is another regular downtown and can often be seen whizzing around the streets on one of his scooters. Grant builds his own gas and electric powered machines, as well as owning a couple of regular, off-the-shelf models.
He has been recovering from a serious accident when a car pulled out of a lane-way and ran over his leg.
Minolta 58mmf1.2 @f1.2
This picture is #009 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
The first thing I noticed was a beautiful woman wearing a cute hat, playing with her son, who was about four years old. The hat prompted me to ask if I could take a photo. She gave me a questionable look, wondering if she should allow it. Hey, it's just a question; no is also an answer. She gave me a judgmental look... How long will it take, and where?
Here, and it will only take a minute. Oh, okay.
Her son looks at us a little suspiciously. That man is going to take a photo. I make a funny face and wink. The first photo has a very harsh shadow on her face. Turn about 90 degrees. Yes, that's it. Absolutely wonderful. My gratitude is immense once again.
This is Tony.
Tony is standing in front of the Radcliffe Camera in Oxford. Don't be confused though, it's not a real picture-taking camera. In Latin, 'camera' actually means “an arched or vaulted roof or room”. The evolution of the word for a room to mean a picture-taking device comes from the Latin term camera obscura.
Camera obscura [L.; lit. ‘dark chamber’]. a. Optics. An instrument consisting of a darkened chamber or box, into which light is admitted through a double convex lens, forming an image of external objects on a surface of paper, glass, etc., placed at the focus of the lens. – Oxford English Dictionary
The Radcliffe Camera was designed by James Gibbs in the English Palladian style and built in 1737–1749 to house the Radcliffe Science Library.
Tony was looking at a row Morris cars that were parked in front of the Radcliffe Camera. The cars were there to mark the centenary of the start of production of William Morris’s first car, the Morris Oxford. See how it all ties in?
Tony likes old cars.
Yes, Tony has his eyes closed. But I'm using film and only take one photograph of each stranger. That's just how it is.
This picture is #62 in my 100 strangers project. See the rest of my 100 strangers pictures here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Taken in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England on 10/10/2013
Shot in Raval, Barcelona
She is from Latvia (curiously, the Latvia flag colours are the same that the background: red and white; it was a coincidence) and she is in Barcelona doing a ceramist Master. So lovely and nice person.
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My LEGO Stranger Things cars so far.
I was asked to build Steve’s Beamer for LEGO 11370 Creel House, but the LEGO Icons team went with a different design.
Since I don’t really care for the real car, I built it in a few days maybe, and after my version was rejected, I didn’t spend any more time on it.
Usually I will build a whole fleet of these 6 wide cars (I have at least 10 Blazers in craziest colors), trying out different solves, colors, whatever. Here I built only one extra in blue, and that only because I wanted to see how the trunk will look like using the new 1x3 2/3rd slope, and the dark red paint I have doesn’t match the bricks at all, and looks terrible.
My grey paint matches perfectly though, and I spraypainted some white 11mm rims from the collectible F1 cars, turned them spokes out and although I’m not a great fan of that wheel, I think they would look okay on the BMW.
The WSQK van that I built for myself looks quite a bit like the one that made it into the box. Actually they only differ in small details, I prefer my mirrors, and I could use the ancient chromed exhaust.
I also keep tinkering with the Blazer when new elements appear that make it possible to fix some issues. The new wheel painted black (it’s out in light grey right now, and will come in dark grey in the LEGO City Garbage Truck), makes it possible to add hubcaps, although I don’t know if I should rather have used saucers instead. They are too big, but look better than the 1x1 plates.
I noticed Horatio sitting quietly drinking his coffee and painting some small art works outside a cafe in Fremantle. I asked if I could join him and he said yes. I then asked if he minded if I took his photo and he grimaced a bit and said he was the most photographed man in Fremantle so didn't really want his photo taken. I then said I was happy not to take his photo as the intent of the 100 strangers project is to make a connection with someone and take a photo of the encounter and we chatted a bit more about this and that. On finding out a bit more about the project and each other he then changed his mind and said it was ok to take his photo especially as I had asked him and not just taken one with a telephoto lens without his permission as most people do. He did tell me a story of one encounter when someone pointed their big camera at him and he decided to use the tube of shaving cream in his pocket to squirt on their lens, he did quickly add that it would easily wipe off and not do any real harm. Horatio is a lovely man, warm, kind and friendly and I nearly didn't stop to talk to him as I was having a rubbish day after visiting a seriously ill family member in hospital. I am so glad I did, not so much for the photos I took but for having the opportunity to pass some time with this interesting man. Horatio said if I was in Fremantle again I should stop by and say hello and I most certainly will. Thank you Horatio for allowing me the privilege to not only take your photo but to sit with you and chat for a short time.
This picture is #24 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
"Incredible beauty...the purest, but its the overwhelming undertone of vulnerability that's keeping me here." - LJ.
I saw her walking alone in Orchard. I approached her, and when I was about to ask her if I could take her picture, I literally lost my breathe and stood there for a moment like a fool. As I tried to regain my composure, she was just standing there with a faint smile. Finally, I was able to ask her for a photo and she said 'yes'.
you HAVE to see her large on black
Meet Kaisa, the ultimate thrill-seeker – lover of surprises and adventurer extraordinaire! For the past 17 years, she's been tearing up the hill tracks on her trusty dirt bike, a skill she picked up from her dad. But Kaisa's not just about adrenaline-pumping rides; she's also a connoisseur of wanderlust, globe-trotting through several countries before making her way Down Under. Adding to her adventurous spirit, she immersed herself in ten months of farm work in the remote outskirts of Perth, in the middle of nowhere!
From the quaint corners of Estonia to the wilderness of Perth and now soaking in the vibes of Sydney, her journey is nothing short of epic. Her dad, her lifelong mentor, not only taught her the ropes of dirt biking since she was 10 but also instilled in her the invaluable life lesson: "there's a solution for everything." Despite taking a tumble or two in her younger days, Kaisa emerged unscathed and stronger, now ready to conquer the globe solo.
Kaisa's most remarkable feat? In 2018, while in Sweden, she conquered one of the tallest concrete hills without a single spill. Yep, you read that right – she's a pro at hill gliding! Kaisa's remarkable achievements and zest for life make her one heck of an inspiring trailblazer.
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There are a lot more to this!
If you are interested about the whole episode, please head over to my website following this link as it contains much more information and many more images.
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(Constructive) Criticism is welcome as usual
This picture is #64 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
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Stranger #67 – Marine
I saw Marine walking with a friend of hers in the street, I approached them and asked Marine
Marine is studying psychology, if I remember correctly she has a degree in biology and decided to study psychology after her degree in biology. “What we’ve studied so far is general psychology, cognitive psychology, we’re learning how the brain works. 5-10 years from now? Why not have my own practice? My neuropsychology practice, or work in an association, or in a hospital. There are a lot of associations which hire neuropsychologists. I’d love working in one which helps women. My advice to myself? It’s not a waste of time, believe in yourself and go for it!”
Thank you very much Marine!
This picture is #67 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 62nd submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Marine étudie la psychologie. Si je me souviens bien, Marine a obtenu sa licence de biologie avant de se réorienter et d’étudier la psychologie. “C’est assez général ce qu’on fait, psychologie cognitive, comment fonctionne le cerveau. Dans 5-10 ans, pourquoi pas avoir mon propre cabinet de neuropsychologie ou travailler dans une asso ou en hôpital. Y a plein d’assos qui emploient des neuropsychologues, une asso pour aider les femmes. Un conseil que j’aimerais me donner quand j’étais plus jeune? C’est pas du temps perdu. Aie confiance en toi et fonce!”
Merci beaucoup Marine!
Cette photo est la #67 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 62ème 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
This is picture #3 in my 100 strangers peoject. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page. This is Jay. I met him while i was hiking up to some old WWII ruins here in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. He just recently got off a U.S. Coast Guard Ice breaker research ship. He had just come from the north pole. He was in charge of operating and maintaining the seismographic and oceanographic mapping equipment. We talked for a while about his work on the ship. He was a great guy to talk to and made my portrait easy to take.
I'm really famous in the world of painting and my paintings are sold everywhere, but I'm a good hider, nobody knows me here.
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.
"This picture is #65 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
I watched her for awhile. She was seated with three men on the steps of Pioneer Square. They were all dressed in black and heavily engaged in a conversation. When I finally walked up to them and asked if I could photograph the woman with the amazing hair, the men began to barter. They asked what it was worth to me - $5.00? I was startled because she said nothing and let them speak for her. I finally agreed on a lessor price and when she turned towards the camera I saw an intensely shy person. What a shock! She kept giggling and avoiding eye contact with me. I asked her if she was shy and she nodded. I pointed out that it was a funny characteristic since her hair calls so much attention to her. I added that she was "beautiful" and this seemed to calm her. I got little out of her, except that her name is Iris, and she lived in Portland for three months, some time ago. The men said she needed at least $3.00 since that is how much she put into her hair gel everyday.
I truly believe this girl has no idea of her beauty. She must be younger than I first thought.
I first heard this man chanting
The pain in his voice drew me toward him
True emotion is shown so much in the voice and this man was hurting
He had a small group of people with him Handing out flyers and trying to engage the public
I made my way to them and asked if I could take a photo
Then having a conversation with one of the other men
I found out that he was not with them
They were trying to raise awareness for Islam
And this man seen what they were doing and just stood in the middle of them and chanted apparently for half an hour before I got there
This is Ana. Taking advantage of the traffic lights changed to red, I asked her for a portrait and she agreed very friendly.
This picture is #14 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
I had already seen Alex a few times in Caen. He raises funds for an NGO. We talked for a while, I explained the 100 strangers to him and he was very keen to take part in it. I asked him if he’d be fine with us talking a bit more before I took his picture. I told him people were usually more comfortable after we’d talked for a while. That was true although it wasn’t the whole truth. It so happens that I’m more relaxed once I feel like I know people a bit more before I take their picture.
The NGO for which Alex works raises funds to try and improve access to education all over the world, whether it be in Europe, France included, in Asia or in Africa. Some of the barriers to education are things I had never thought about. Alex used one of the NGO’s projects as an example : In Togo, there are villages without easy access to water. Boys are sent to school while girls are sent to water holes to fetch water so that they can drink, because of that, they can’t go to school. The aim of the project was to create water holes in these villages so that girls would be able to go to school as well. Elsewhere, this NGO gets solar panels to villages so that they get access to electricity and contributes to child protection. Alex has a beautiful way to put it “The dream is to change the world. We do what we can with what we have.” When Alex started his contract, they were nine. On the day I met him, they were down to four and one of them was on sick leave if I remember correctly. I don’t recall whether this was due to how cold it had been the week before or if there was some other reason for that. Stopping people in the street and talking to them isn’t easy, it’s even more difficult to raise funds, yet Alex’s enthusiasm was unwavering. “I’m like a madman, I’m jumping everywhere.” After having seen him working a few times since, I can bear witness to his energy.
Alex had had a job interview a few days earlier to work in a senior home serving meals to the elderly. He got the job and he’ll start two days after his contract as a fund raiser ends. He will start his new job on his birthday. After I took his picture, Alex checked my Flickr page and when he browsed through the pictures I had taken, he recognised Julien which surprised me at first. Then again, Caen isn’t that big a city. What struck me with Alex was how contagious his energy and enthusiasm are.
I weighed the pros and cons of taking Alex’s picture in soft light or in hard light and I settled on hard light, the sun was already quite low on the horizon. This isn’t something specifically related to Alex’s portrait but I should try to troubleshoot a portrait before I even look into the viewfinder. Once I look through the viewfinder, I tend to get tunnel vision.
Thank you very much Alex!
This picture is #12 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 7th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
J’avais déjà aperçu Alex à plusieurs reprises à Caen. Il démarche les gens dans les rues pour une ONG. Nous avons discuté quelques minutes, je lui ai expliqué le projet 100 strangers auquel je participe et il a été pour le moins enthousiaste. Je lui ai demandé si l’on pouvait discuter un moment avant que je le prenne en photo, j’ai argué du fait que les gens sont souvent légèrement plus à l’aise après avoir fait connaissance, c’est en partie la raison. Il se trouve que je suis également plus détendu quand j’ai parlé avec les inconnu-e-s avant de les prendre en photo.
L’ONG pour laquelle Alex travaille lève des fonds pour tenter d’améliorer l’accès à l’éducation dans le monde, que ce soit en Europe, y compris en France, en Asie ou en Afrique. Certains des obstacles à l’accès à l’éducation sont des choses auxquelles je n’avais pas pensé. Alex m’a donné l’exemple du Togo où dans certains villages, les garçons vont à l’école pendant que les filles doivent ramener de l’eau pour que les garçons puissent boire, de ce fait, elles ne sont pas scolarisées. L’un des projets de cette ONG a été de créer des points d’eau dans ces villages pour permettre aux filles le même accès à l’éducation. Ailleurs, les projets de cette ONG prennent la forme d’installer des panneaux solaires pour fournir un village en électricité ou encore contribuer à la protection de l’enfance. Alex a une belle manière de résumer l’action de l’ONG pour laquelle il lève des fonds :
« Le rêve c’est de changer le monde. On fait ce qu’on peut avec ce qu’on a. »
Quand Alex a commencé son contrat, ils étaient neuf, après la semaine de froid que nous avons eue sur la région, ils ne sont plus que quatre dont un était en arrêt le jour où j’ai rencontré Alex si je me souviens bien. Je ne me rappelle plus si c’est le froid qui a découragé certains collègues d’Alex ou bien s’il y avait eu une autre raison. Arrêter les gens et leur parler n’est pas évident, il est encore plus difficile de lever des fonds, ce n’est pourtant pas l’enthousiasme qui manque à Alex. « Je suis comme un fou, je saute partout. » Après l’avoir aperçu à l’œuvre à plusieurs reprises depuis, je peux témoigner de son énergie.
Alex avait eu un entretien d’embauche en début de semaine pour travailler dans une résidence senior pour servir les repas. Il a été embauché et commencera son contrat dans la résidence deux jours après l’échéance de son contrat actuel. Il découvrira son nouveau travail le jour de son anniversaire. Après que j’ai pris sa photo, Alex a été sur Flickr voir les photos que j’ai prises et il a reconnu Julien. Cela m’a surpris initialement mais le fait est que Caen n’est pas une si grande ville que ça. Ce qui m’a marqué c’est à quel point l’énergie et l’enthousiasme d’Alex sont contagieux.
J’ai hésité entre prendre Alex en photo sous une lumière douce ou une lumière dure, j’ai opté pour la lumière dure du soleil qui était déjà assez bas sur l’horizon. Ce n’est pas une remarque spécifique par rapport à la photo d’Alex mais à l’avenir je devrais tenter de vérifier quelques détails avant de regarder à travers le viseur optique.
Merci beaucoup Alex !
Cette photo est la #12 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 septième 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
It’s not often you see a woman casually strolling bare foot through the main street with a sulphur-crested Cockatoo perched on her shoulder, but as I silently stood pondering how unusual this was I completely missed how captivating the woman carrying the bird was. By the time my brain caught up with this fact she had walked a fair distance down the road, so I made the chase.
Billie was a little cautious as I explained my interest in her and her white feathered friend and as my wife caught up we had begun to talk about her life as a fire dancer and hooper, performing with her partner around Australia’s festivals and other venues for the last 4 years. Ochre, her pet Cockatoo, was orphaned so Billie took on the responsibility of looking after him. Billie was easy to talk to and so relaxed.
I really liked her head dress that she wore over dreads and it was a pleasant change to meet someone not wearing any make up. We added a bit of additional light to Billie’s face with the reflector which unsettled Ochre a little but he did manage to stay still long enough to get a shot of both of them.
Thanks for being part of the project.
This picture is #248 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
Models: Akiina Cosplay & Tinkery Cosplay
Photo: Thomas Ohlsson Photography
www.thomasohlsson.com | 500px | Facebook | Flickr | Instagram
Most definitely a surprise in California was a sighting of Damory-liveried Leyland Olympian and one-time Southern Vectis stalwart H729 DDL about 5,000 miles away from home. A brief loiter saw it return, and the discovery that it and three ex-Lothian Alexander-bodied examples were on a shuttle service to the Del Mar racetrack. Here it is seen outside the Amtrak station. Solana Beach, California.
We had a family reunion in a restaurant. In between courses, I decided to scout for a stranger. All the waiters were occupied so I had to go to another side of the restaurant. That's were I met Kristine.
Kristine is one cheerful lady. After a quick explanation of the project she readily agreed to be part of it. Sad to say though, it's one of her last days in the restaurant. She just resigned since she got 1 year-long training contract in the US.
She's looking forward to experience. Good luck Kristine, and make the most out of your stay.
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
After I met Alex I tried to look for another stranger and spent some time roaming the streets, I failed to find anyone I was curious enough about to approach and was about to call it a day when out of the corner of my eye I saw Iris. She liked the project and agreed to let me take her picture. Alex was nearby and told her he was the stranger just before her.
When I asked her name she answered: “Iris, like the flower.” Iris is from Caen, she’s pursuing her studies in agronomy in Angers. As it turns out, she was just back from Angers when I met her. She’s also a photographer, she takes pictures of nature and animals. She shoots film and told me that she enjoyed the fact that there was no looking on the back of a digital camera, that she only had one chance to get it right.
I favoured soft light to take her picture. Iris asked me if she should take her mask off and I told her that was her choice, she said she’d take it off, and that she’d show off her beautiful smile, she was fed up with wearing a mask. The light was fading, I had to bump up the ISO ever so slightly. I wish I had asked Iris more questions about her studies and her photography, however as the curfew was drawing near, I didn’t want to get her into trouble not knowing how far she still had to go.
I hadn’t spotted the fact that behind Iris, there was a window with a lit lamp inside, at this aperture this tiny light source turned into a slightly distracting bokeh ball. I should be more careful and spend a little more time reviewing my shots on location.
Thank you very much Iris!
This picture is #13 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 8th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Après avoir rencontré Alex, j’ai continué ma recherche, arpentant les rues sans apercevoir qui que ce soit qui éveille suffisamment ma curiosité pour m’inciter à l’approcher. J’étais sur le point de jeter l’éponge pour la journée quand j’ai vu Iris. Elle a aimé l’idée du projet et a accepté que je fasse son portrait. Alex était dans les parages et l’a informé qu’il était l’inconnu juste avant elle.
Quand je lui ai demandé son prénom, elle m’a répondu : «Iris, comme la fleur.» Iris est originaire de Caen, elle fait des études d’agronomie à Angers. Il se trouve justement qu’elle revenait d’Angers quand je l’ai rencontré. Iris est également photographe, elle prend la nature et les animaux en photo. Elle fait de la photo argentique. Elle m’a dit apprécier le fait de ne pas pouvoir regarder à l’arrière de l’appareil contrairement au digital et la nécessité de n’avoir qu’une seule chance pour réussir une photo.
J’ai préféré faire son portrait avec une lumière douce. Iris m’a demandé si elle devait enlever son masque. Je lui ai dit que je lui laissais le choix. Elle a enlevé son masque et j’ai découvert son sourire. «J’en ai marre du masque,» m’a-t-elle dit. Le jour commençait à décliner, j’ai dû augmenter l’ISO. J’aurais aimé discuter plus longtemps avec Iris, mais du fait que le couvre feu arrivait, je ne voulais pas la mettre dans l’embarras sans savoir si elle avait encore loin à aller.
Je n’avais pas remarqué que derrière Iris, il y avait une fenêtre avec une lampe allumée. Cette minuscule source lumineuse s’est transformée à cette ouverture de diaphragme en une bokeh ball qui attire un peu trop le regard. Je devrais être plus attentif et prendre plus le temps de vérifier mes photos sur place.
Merci beaucoup Iris !
Cette photo est la #13 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 huitième 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 first spotted Stranger #142 as he was crossing the street toward me. I was immediately struck by his sharp and intense features. In fact, his intensity was such that I very well might have let him pass as I may not have mustered up enough courage in the two seconds that would have lapsed as he hurried past me. However, as luck would have it, he actually approached the area where I was located and then stood right next to me as he lit a cigarette. As he began his smoke break, it was he who broke the ice by asking me about my camera bag. Clearly this was a portrait that was meant to happen.
His name was Eric and he was a butcher at a nearby fish market. He was interested in my camera because he told me that he majored in art when he went to college, and photography was a large part of his education. He then went on to tell me that during his college career, he started working as a cook and then eventually graduated to executive chef. When I asked him how he made the leap from chef to butcher, he simply stated, “The hours are a lot better.” We then spent the rest of his smoke break capturing this portrait as we engaged in a philosophical chat about the differences and similarities between the visual arts and culinary arts.
Check out the rest of the stranger street portraits in my project at Paco's 100 Strangers Project and find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Stranger #64 – Zoé
On that day, I saw a few people with signs demonstrating. They must have been five or six. I approached them and asked Zoé if she’d like to take part in my challenge.
I asked Zoé why she was demonstrating. “I’m demonstrating for the Uyghurs, for their rights. When I learned about what they were going through, it revolted me, it’s inhuman. I had to do something. I try to think about what I want to do later but there are so many subjects that interest me both scientific and literary. I love dancing, my mum used to be a dancer. It looks simple but it takes work for it to look simple. There are a lot of codes to dancing but once you know these codes, you gain freedom and you can express yourself through these codes. You need the right morphology and the right technique to make it, to become a professional dancer. I hurt my foot a while back. I worked hard to get back to where I was, I’d lost a lot of strength in my ankle. A lot of pointe work. Dance schools are closed so I practice on my own. I’m always busy, usually on Saturdays I get up for events like today’s demonstration. On Sundays I go to see my grandmother so as not to leave her alone.
Thank you very much Zoé!
This picture is #64 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 59th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Ce jour là, j’ai aperçu quelques personnes en train de manifester. Ils devaient être 5 ou 6. Je les ai abordé et j’ai demandé à Zoé si elle voulait participer à mon défi.
J’ai demandé à Zoé pour quelle raison elle manifestait. “Je manifeste pour les Ouïghours, pour leurs droits. Quand j’ai appris ce qui leur arrive, ça m’a révolté. C’est inhumain. Je devais faire quelque chose. J’essaie de réfléchir à ce que je veux faire plus tard, il y a beaucoup de choses qui m’intéressent, je suis autant scientifique que littéraire. Je fais de la danse classique, ma maman était danseuse. Ça a l’air simple mais ça demande beaucoup de travail pour que ça ait l’air simple. Il y a beaucoup de codes dans la danse. Quand on connaît les codes, on gagne en liberté on peut s’exprimer à travers ces codes. Il faut la bonne morphologie et la technique pour pouvoir en faire son métier. Je me suis blessée au pieds il y a quelques temps. J’ai beaucoup dansé pour retrouver mon niveau, la danse c’est beaucoup de travail sur pointe et j’avais perdu beaucoup de force dans la cheville. Les écoles de danse sont fermées alors je m’entraîne seule. Je suis toujours occupée, le samedi je me lève pour des événements comme aujourd’hui et le dimanche je vais voir ma grand mère pour pas qu’elle soit seule.”
Merci beaucoup Zoé!
Cette photo est la #64 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 59ème 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
Taking pictures of strangers at the mall is a hit or miss. Should they saw no, end of discussion. In a more friendly setting, you can still haggle if the subject is hesitant. At the mall they could invoke a "no photos inside the mall“ rule.
But I was lucky with this lady at a shop that sells, perfume, cologne, soap and other facial and body products. Meet Jessieka. She was knowledgeable about her products, its pricing and discounts. She has been on the job for a few months, has a 5 month contract, would be happy if she gets regularized but if not, she said there will always be jobs available elsewhere. She is very optimistic.
Thanks for the shoot and good luck with the job Jessieka!
This picture is #80 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
I went to the winery section of the mall, looking to buy a bottle of Baileys or lemon liquor. I was assisted by another staff but he went somewhere so here comes this lady. She was moving briskly, putting beer cans on the shelves before she attended to me. Before I knew it she pulled a metal ladder and reached out on top of the shelves to show a Barcadi in case this was what I wanted. I was impressed by her effort and it dawned on me she could be my stranger for the day. So I immediately asked if I could take her picture; she was taken aback but I showed her my album of strangers and a good number of them were people at the mall so she agreed.
Mary is a bundle of energy and I was surprised that minutes after taking her picture, she was already off duty and had to leave. She could have just waited for her time out but as you can see, she helped me in the store down to her last minute. I'm glad I was able to take a few snapshots of her. She is just one of many million contractual workers in the mall but showed good work attitude. I hope I can see her again and commend her for her work.
This picture is #63 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
Marija was walking pretty fast and talking on her mobile phone when we crossed our paths: I noticed her colors and style and asked if I could take a few pictures. Marija was in a rush and it had to be really quick: just time for a couple of shots with her smiling and a couple more with a neutral expression, on my explicit request.
I don't think Marija took me too seriously at first, but it seemed like she was quite please with the result.
Thank you Marija!
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This picture is #119 in my second round of the 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
She was handing out leaflets to a vintage store in the Brick Lane area. I started to chat and asked if I could take her photo. She said her name was Sylvie and she was from Spain. She gave me her email address for a copy of the photo but silly old me has gone and lost it ...
Coming to the end of 2 weeks off work, I wanted to make the most of my last few days and keep the momentum going on my 100 strangers project. Today I visited Cambridge again.
I noticed Katie, particularly her shock of fantastic red hair. She was walking along at quite a pace and I was reluctant at first to ask her to be part of my project as I don't like to disturb people if they are busy or in a hurry to get somewhere. I'm glad that I did ask as I found out that Katie was on her day off from being a graphic designer.
Katie is from nearby St. Ives but was out in Cambridge for the day. We moved to this nearby alleyway whilst I set up my lightstand and softbox Katie told me she too was interested in photography and used it in her day to day work. The pressure was on for me as making another photographers portrait can be a little daunting.
I asked Katie what advice she would give her younger self?
"I love looking after people, my loved ones but I would say don't be afraid to put yourself first now and again. Look after yourself too.
I tired myself out and have had a few health problems over the past year as a result. I am better now and have recovered. In fact, had you asked me a few months ago to make my portrait, I would have said no thanks but now, you have given me a real boost and its brightened my day having had my photograph taken!"
Obviously Katie and I's meeting today was a brief encounter only for a few minutes but I got a sense of a strong character and attitude (in a good way) from Katie. I think this shows in her portrait too.
Thank you Katie!
This is included in the group 100 strangers:
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/pool/
This is included in the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit
Stranger #70 – Jade
Jade was with Zoé and I asked Jade the same questions I was asking Zoé. After I had taken Zoé’s picture I asked Jade if she’d like to take part in my challenge.
Jade is a first year psychology student. This is what she was most attracted to studying and what she ended up being accepted in. She wants to become an ethologist, someone who specialises in animal behaviour. That means studying psychology for a few more years. This year is a year for nothing she told me. She thinks she won’t pass, what with covid and all. “It’s a sabbatical” Like Zoé, she started smoking when she was younger. If I remember correctly this is how they met, by being part of the same group that smoked together.
I wish I’d asked to take a few pictures of them together and made it a portrait of the two of them.
Thank you very much Jade!
This picture is #70 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 65th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family Flickr Group page
Jaed était avec Zoé. Lorsque je posais mes questions à Zoé, je posais les mêmes questions à Jade. Après avoir pris Zoé en photo, j’ai demandé à Jade si elle voulait participer à mon défi.
Jade est étudiante en première année de psychologie. La psychologie était ce qui l’attirait le plus et elle a été accepté. Jade souhaite devenir ethologue afin d’étudier et de connaître le comportement animal. Cela implique de continuer la psychologie et de se spécialiser. Cette année d’études est une année pour rien, une année covid pour Jade. Elle pense redoubler. Comme Zoé Jade a commencé à fumer il y a un moment. Si je me souviens bien c’est comme ça que Zoé et Jade se sont rencontrées, en faisant partie du même groupe qui sortait fumer.
J’aurais dû prendre quelques photos de Jade et de Zoé ensemble.
Merci beaucoup Jade!
Cette photo est la #70 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 65ème 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
He was standing with his mate. I approached and asked if I could take his photo. He didn't seem to understand my request but his friend translated and he agreed ...
Strangers :
The other day I read an article about leaving one‘s own comfort zone.
Asking strangers if they would mind me taking their photos definitely is out of my personal comfort zone. And at the same time it is a good photo project to work on.
I met this man on a street market in Vienna, Austria. Fascinated by his smile and charisma I had to take his portrait.
This picture is #5 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
Camera in hand, walking near Hamstead, I saw this woman in purple across the street and new I had to ask her for a photo. She turned down a shopping alley walked into a store as I was crossing the road. As I approached the door to the shop she was in, she comes walking back out and I politely ask if I may take her photo. After the "why?" and my explanation of the 100 Strangers project, she agreed. This is Lulu, a French graphic designer whom has been living in London for two years. I asked her to try not to smile, but as you can see, that task seemed next to impossible! Lulu, thank you so much for letting me have a few minutes of your day! Your smile certainly made my day brighter!!
This picture is #63 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
I saw her walking in the middle of the crowd as she was lighting up the street with her radiant beauty. I knew I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I didn't at least ask if I could take her picture. I did... and she nodded a yes.
you HAVE to see this large on black