View allAll Photos Tagged Strangers
I met Sabrina near the CN Tower in Toronto. She and her boyfriend Mitchell (Stranger #91) were on a date. They had just visited the aquarium and I was delighted when they both accepted to take part in my strangers project.
Sabrina is 17 years old and was born in Toronto. She is a high school student in Ajax, located in the eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area. Her plans after graduation is to attend University and study Psychology.
In her spare time she loves to dance. She has been taking ballet classes for the past 10 years starting when she was 7 years old.
This picture is #90 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 may seem a bit anti-climatic to most of you. (in fact, i'm pretty sure no one even follows my flickr anymore. i know i don't even follow my own). but, when i started this project back in 2007, i knew it would be a challenge, and that i would eventually finish it. i've seen hundreds of people start and quit, and start and finish this project YEARS before i did. really. 100 strangers made me nervous, shy, apprehensive...all of it. i looked forward to completing it and meeting each person, but each and every time i shot a stranger, the nerves came back. i'd say i really enjoyed about 99% of the people, (i hope you can all guess the ONE that was not a good one!!) which says a lot about people. so, if anyone is out there anymore, THIS is my 100th stranger!! yes, i shot this way back in july--you know--i'm a slacker. just getting around to uploading now.
i learned about myself too. of course, the nerves, etc. were a huge factor here. but something else occurred. i learned that photographers are not only people with big fancy cameras and lenses and know about f-stops and apertures. well, maybe they are. and if so, maybe i'm not a photographer. because i don't care about any of that, and i was able to successfully capture images of 100 strangers, and furthermore, to get their short story across...most of the time anyway. and i usually did it with a point and shoot. i think that art, photography, whatever--is totally subjective, and that there are a million ways to get an image across. film, digital, iPhone, whatever. one doesn't make you better. it just makes you YOU. you know?
so doing this project somehow made it ok to be like that. i often told complete strangers that i was doing a "photography project" and had to show confidence in my craft---even when using a beat up lil camera. that was HARD! i had to convince them of my project, and therefore muster up confidence in myself. overall-i think i did ok w/ it. a wise friend once said: "its not the wand, it's the wizard", and perhaps that's true.
i also started LOOKING at people differently as a result of this project. where are they going? what is their story? why are they so happy/sad?..... i've always been intrigued by people, and this really opened my awareness. i learned how to approach them and not be intimidating. i felt it was important not to always choose the "expected"...very bizarre looking person....but sometimes, the everyday person was "my perfect stranger". i became aware of the idea of exploitation, and didn't shoot pics of the interesting homeless characters just because they "looked cool."
will i ever do this project again? hell no. but i have another one up my sleeve. if i ever get back on flickr regularly, that is.
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stranger #100: Angel. I do not know a lot about this amazing person. What I do know, I adore. Angel was part of the crew for the Monserrat, which was our boat in the Galapagos Islands. He welcomed us when we got off the bus in this "panga"/dingy boat and took us to the main boat. His smile greeted us every day we were there, and he happily shuttled us from island to island. He watched over us as we snorkeled...scanning the water for sharks (although that was never said). There were a few somewhat scary incidents in which the engine on our "panga" died (flooded?) and we were left to float...out there...alone...in the waves....600 miles in the middle of the ocean...yah. Angel remained calm and tried over and over again to pull start the engine--never showing any fear. I know that he is Ecuadorian, and that he speaks very little english, and that he is an incredible asset to this team. Thank you for letting me shoot you for my 100th stranger, Angel. You truly are. :)
here's my full set of 100: www.flickr.com/photos/artsyt/sets/72157603410944930/with/...
go check out other strangers at www.100strangers.com
Stranger Things 446, a tribute to the cinematic, scary Netflix series and it's haunting, 80's soundtrack.
When a young boy disappears, his mother, a police chief, and his friends, must confront terrifying forces in order to get him back.
Girl imagery by Gisela Giardino at www.flickr.com/photos/gi/531735070/in/faves-31189469@N05/
Warehouse wall shot by ME
To see Netflix trailer, season 2: youtu.be/R1ZXOOLMJ8s
My latest art project EntertainMe, where I create another year’s worth of digital collages, based on indie rock and visual media
A music festival is a good opportunity for strangers to the project to gain "100 Strangers". So I was looking for, whom I could appeal. Are there criteria whom you talk to? No, I rely on my feeling.
I saw a young woman who followed the music attention on the stage, listening and also (with her little daughter, as it turned out later) danced to the music. Just a day before I had seen her and was thinking about it, to talk to her. Loretta made a very sympathetic and open impression on me. Now the right moment had come in my opinion. I tried my luck. And really, after I had explained the project, Loretta allowed the little shooting right in front of the stage.
The first pictures were failed. This was not intended to Loretta, but to the poor lighting conditions (sun and shade in the face), so I asked Loretta to go completely in the shade. Patiently Loretta followed my "stage directions". The result we assessed together; Loretta's little daughter looked at us with interest, and I asked if I should take a photo of both. I promised not to put this photo on the internet, because I basically do not uploading photos of children. Instead, I gave Loretta my card and promised to send her the pictures when she sends me her e-mail address. Said and done, all photos were captured.
I think you can see how cheerful, open, friendly and sympathetic Loretta is. Oh, I should mention that Loretta was for the first time on the Fürth New Orleans Festival, actually comes from Mannheim and is known with Bet Williams Band (playing here at the festival, epiphanyrecords.com/bet-williams/ the images will follow).
Postscript: Loretta has written to me. I sent of course the pictures of her and Sophia, as I promised.
Thank you, Loretta, that you took time for this relaxed shooting in front of the stage and to participate in the "100 Strangers" project. You are now "Strangers No 29" of my photo project. It was nice to have really hit you and I wish you and your family all the best. As promised, I write to you when your photos are in the set.
This picture is #29 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
Ein Musikfestival ist eine gute Gelegenheit Fremde für das Projekt "100 Strangers" zu gewinnen. Also hielt ich Ausschau, wen ich ansprechen könnte. Gibt es Kriterien wen man anspricht? Nein, ich verlasse mich auf mein Gefühl.
Ich sah eine junge Frau, die die Musik auf der Bühne aufmerksam verfolgte, lauschte und auch (mit ihrer kleinen Tochter, wie sich später herausstellte) zur Musik tanzte. Schon einen Tag vorher hatte ich sie gesehen und überlegt, sie anzusprechen. Loretta machte einen sehr sympathischen und offenen Eindruck auf mich. Jetzt war meiner Meinung der richtige Moment gekommen. Ich versuchte mein Glück. Und wirklich, nachdem ich das Projekt erklärt hatte, erlaubte mit Loretta, das kleine Shooting durchzuführen.
Die ersten Fotos fand ich nicht so gelungen. Das lag bestimmt nicht an Loretta, sondern an den ungünstigen Lichtverhältnissen (Sonne und Schatten im Gesicht) Also bat ich Loretta, ganz in den Schatten zu gehen. Geduldig folgte Loretta meinen "Regieanweisungen". Das Ergebnis begutachteten wir gemeinsam; Lorettas kleine Tochter schaute uns interessiert zu und ich fragte, ob ich von beiden ein Foto machen sollte. Ich versprach, dieses Foto nicht ins Internet zu stellen, da ich Fotos von Kindern grundsätzlich nicht hochlade. Stattdessen gab ich Loretta meine Karte und versprach, ihr die Bilder zu schicken, wenn sie mir ihre E-Mail-Adresse schickt. Gesagt, getan, alle Fotos waren eingefangen.
Ich glaube man kann erkennen, wie lebensfroh, offen, freundlich und sympathisch Loretta ist. Ach ja, noch erwähnen sollte ich, dass Loretta zum ersten Mal auf dem Fürther New Orleans Festival war, eigentlich aus Mannheim kommt und mit der Bet Williams Band (spielt hier beim Festival, die Bilder folgen noch epiphanyrecords.com/bet-williams/) bekannt ist.
Nachtrag: Loretta hat mir geschrieben. Ich habe ihr daraufhin natürlich die Bilder von ihr und Sophia, wie versprochen geschickt.
Danke, Loretta, dass Du Dir Zeit genommen hast für dieses entspannte Shooting vor der Bühne und für die Teilnahme an dem "100 Strangers" -Projekt. Du bist nun „Fremde Nr. 29“ meines Fotoprojektes. Es war wirklich schön Dich getroffen zu haben und ich wünsche Dir und Deiner Familie alles Gute. Wie versprochen schreibe ich Dir, wenn Deine Fotos eingestellt werden.
Dies ist Bild #29 meines "100 Strangers-Projektes". Mehr zu dem Projekt und Fotos anderer Fotografen auf der Gruppenseite 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
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.
This is the first of the 100 strangers... Shot in Rennes downtown, France.
He was about to argue with a girl, but I really liked his style and attitude. So I interrupted them, told I am learning to shoot portraits and need models.
When I said "and I chose you because I like your style and you seem to be friendly" he answered :" you can say that you find me handsome !"... Forgot to ask his name...
No exif for the lens : the vintage Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50 f1.8
The challenge : www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Today, I had the privilege to meet Natalie, a stranger who is, without a doubt, extraordinary.
Natalie began singing when she was just a baby, and might have even learned to sing before she could talk. At a very young age, she received singing lessons and since then has continued to persevere this talent. When she was 5 years old, she stumbled upon the world’s greatest instrument, which also happens to be my favorite, the cello. In fact, it was at a window shop just around the corner from where we were standing, where many years ago had she first seen a cello. Convinced that it was a giant violin, she told her mom that she wanted to learn how to play it, and thus began her life of awesome.
I also learned that Natalie is currently a singer in a popular group called “The Honey Bee Trio”. I quickly became envious when she told me that her group will be performing in Japan this upcoming February. Stunned, I began to ask her a bunch of questions about her group, probably overwhelming her a little. Later in the day, I went home and checked out their site and instantly became a fan. If you’d like, I’d encourage you to check out their trio at www.honeybeetrio.com!
Thanks Natalie! You have become stranger #85 in my on-going stranger project.
Check out more of other's stranger photos at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
This was a fun encounter. I saw Farzad walking around and taking touristic pictures of himself and was intrigued by his style and sense of fashion.
Farzad was very outgoing and open and we had a rather long talk about Munich, Paris and Monte Carlo. The last two cities because he lives there. If I remember right, he studies economics (I might be wrong about that) in Paris. Farzad was in Munich to meet clients of his family carpet shop and of course to see the city (his second time, but he didn't have time to see anything the first time).
We exchanged cards as well as phone numbers and facebook accounts :) He told me to contact him anytime I go to Paris or Monte Carlo. As I said, very outgoing.
Farzad, thanks again! I am sure you will check out the image and as I said, I will send you the full file if you still like it :)
This picture is #32 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 made a Facebook page, so please check it out and like if you like :)
I met Keenan in Philadelphia back in November. He was walking in the French Quarter district with his friend Jameer (Stranger #61) when I approached him to be part of my strangers project.
Keenan is 23 years old and works as a personal assistant for a private firm. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia and presently lives in Providence, Rhode Island. Keenan has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing with a concentration in International Business. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.
In his spare time Keenan goes to the gym and enjoys spending time with friends. As a new homeowner he also enjoys spending time in his new home. He was in Philadelphia for the weekend visiting his friend Jameer.
This picture is #60 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
"It was beautiful meeting you and noticing how you connected with Adrian. You are an amazing individual and gave off an immensely vibrant feel. Also you hands are blessed, they are magic.
"I love myself in the picture, it felt endearing to see me. Also the picture with Adrian, who is a close brother.
"I came to Finland to study eight years ago and have not stopped since, lessons have changed but school is the same, that of life.
"I love that in me I found Us, everyone, whomever is out there and in there. Through the beauty of immense pain, there came healing and Light.
"To the young is only patience that will be with Us a long way. What must happen, will happen.
"To the World, To Us. I'm no stranger, I'm You and You are I. In love we swim, in anger we drown. This life was given to Us and We are the kin of the Universe.
"I appreciate you. I appreciate your work. Glad to have met and in all hope we will meet again.
"In case you and your husband ever need any help with anything, be it moving or handy work or anything, don't hesitate, just write me.
Blessings to you and your family.
With love Gramoz.
As Above So Below. "
Gramoz was with his friend Adrian, whom I had met for the first time in June 2019 in the airport in Israel, when I saw them in the Finnish Museum of Photography in Helsinki.
I was very happy to see Adrian again and to have the opportunity to meet a new friend.
I also learned that Gramos / Gramos is a mountain range on the border of Albania and Greece and that Gramoz is originally from Kosovo.
Gramoz removed his face mask for the portrait.
When we were making the pictures and talking, he wrote me his email address on a piece of paper.
He promised to write and answer my interview questions.
He surely did.
I am very touched by his response which I attach here above.
Thank you so much, dear Gramoz, your loving kindness goes a long way.
It was a privilege to have met you.
Be well & safe, my friend.
www.flickr.com/photos/timelessriver/50402296177/in/photos...
This is my 825th submission to The Human Family group.
Visit the group here to see more portraits and stories: The Human Family
When I asked if Kate was a local, she told me that she is now. She had come from the Basque Country. Applying for an internship in the UK, she was pleased to get a job at an independent school near here (one of the best in the country). The pupils are well behaved and the classroom sizes are small.
Kate likes living here in Somerset. She tells me that where she comes from is beautiful too. Kate will travel back to see her family for the Christmas holidays. Her mother originally came from Scotland, this helped me to understand why her skin was paler than I would have expected for someone coming from the Basque Country.
The weather was quite changeable but Kate didn’t seem to be concerned about getting cold or wet and we made quite a few portraits as she followed my directions.
Thank you Kate for being part of my project. It was great to meet you.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
I was at a Photo Festival in Smithville, Texas, when I noticed a gentleman sitting on the sidewalk with his lawnmower behind him. He had just finished up some landscaping work at the bank and was taking in all the activity. I could not help to notice that Calvin's headphones were attached to a portable cassette player. I had not seen one of those in quite awhile.
I waved to Calvin, and he removed his headphones. I asked him what he was listening to, "Kenny G" he replied. I told him of my project and asked if he would mind if I would take a few photos of him. He seemed surprised, but agreed.
Calvin had an easy smile, and seemed to be more comfortable as a took a few photos and we talked. Calvin is in his early sixties. He grew up in Smithville, and after a few moves to Oklahoma and Austin, he has made his way back.
He likes to travel. He has been to New York City twice, and is looking forward to an upcoming trip to Cleveland, Ohio to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Calvin is a music fan. I asked if he played an instrument, and he said he did not. However if he could play any instrument he wanted, he would choose the saxophone as he loves that deep sound. I think I would agree with him.
I am so happy Calvin agreed to let me photograph him. He is definitely a gentleman with lots of stories, and I am so very happy we met.
If you would like to see other photos and stories of others participating in this project, go to
24 / 100 : The Savior
I've been having a crazy month.
The crazy good kind of crazy, don't get me wrong hey!
I started a new project that next week will finally be unveiled and shown at a series of events and that I really can't hold in my computer anymore, gotta get those photos out before I get obsessed with them!
This new project took over everything else and so, after a month of "missing in action" status, the other day I finally had the time to go out and shoot some strangers!
And with that I mean "go out and be scorched by the unbelievably and ridiculous temperature that the roman summer brings with itself AND shoot some strangers" …
Maybe it was the month of absence from this lovely activity, maybe it was the fact that a sweaty guy asking to take your photo is not the first person you wanna meet in the streets, maybe it was the fact that standing there to get your picture taken makes you even sweatier BUT for the first time in a year or so, the other day a lot of people said "No" to me asking if I could take their portrait.
With the first two people, I didn't really mind and kept going on, but after the 5th person saying No, it kinda started getting to me.
What was I doing wrong? Why were people saying No so easily? What was the problem? Was it something depending on me or not?
If I learned anything at all, is that no matter what happens you DON'T HAVE TO OBSESS YOURSELF WITH SUCH QUESTIONS. But needless to say, the other day I did :)
A good half an hour of obsession and disappointment later, this girl popped out at the end of the street. Freckles, red hair, green eyes. By simply being there, she managed to shut the hell out of my doubts and my attention, out of the blue, was all focused on her.
Approached her, asked her if I could take her portrait and she… obviously kindly agreed.
I shot one frame. One was enough, I knew already this would have been a great one!
Gave her my card, she left and from that moment on, for the following two hours and more, all I got was a long streak of Yes.
She saved me!
Thank you, stranger!
[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 ]
Camera Info: Nikon D700 | 85mm (ƒ/1.8D) @ 85mm | ƒ/2.8 | ISO 280 | 1/180 s — Camera Handheld
There have been so many fantastic stranger street portraits in the 100 Strangers group pool lately. If you haven’t visited it lately, I recommend you check out some of the recent great work by other photographers here : 100 Strangers Flickr Group page . Personally, viewing the portraits have really got my photographic juices bubbling, and I find myself chomping at the bit to get into the mix myself. I finally found an opportunity to head out on a stranger expedition this past Sunday as my wife and I decided to explore an area way on the other side of town that was unfamiliar to us.
The area we visited is called the Waterloo Art District. It is an up-and-coming area in Cleveland that is replete with galleries and artist’s workshops. There are murals and sculptures all over the place…it is an extremely interesting and cool area. However, we quickly learned that the area is still a little underdeveloped, and there are very few galleries, shops, or restaurants that are open on Sunday (apparently Fridays are the days when things are hopping). Therefore, there was sparse foot traffic on the streets, and I was crestfallen thinking that my chance to capture a stranger portrait was gone before it had even started. All was not lost though. When I saw two girls ahead of me hanging out on the sidewalk, one of which was taking pictures with her DSLR Nikon camera, I knew a potential opportunity had presented itself.
As I approached, I wasn’t sure if I was about to interrupt a formal portrait photoshoot or if it was just a couple of friends out taking pictures. Therefore, I initiated our conversation simply as a fellow Nikon enthusiast, and I asked the photographer about her camera. I soon learned that she was a neophyte photographer, and she was out with her friend in hopes of capturing an image for which she could enter (and hopefully win) a photography competition being held specifically for young women. Although she was a beginner, I thought she was well on her way to composing a pretty good shot based on where we were standing. As a backdrop she had chosen a wall that was completely painted in a swirling cornucopia of color. More importantly, she had the presence of mind to choose this area that was in the shade (it was a brilliantly sunny day). What the young photographer was having trouble with was establishing a good exposure and flattering lighting in this shade. That’s when I introduced her to the magic of a reflector. With my wife acting as an assistant by holding the reflector, the two of us took turns photographing the lovely Irena. We tried a few different poses, and I also gave her a short lesson on exposure and aperture (she was initially shooting in AUTO mode). I showed her how (and why) to switch her camera into aperture priority mode and the value of shallow depth of field in portraiture.
So here it is. I was successful in capturing a portrait for which I could jump back into the 100 Strangers pool…albeit I had to glom onto an existing photoshoot to make it happen. That said, I like to think that I did not hijack the shoot as much as I used my experience to pay it forward a little bit. Hopefully, the advice and technique that I shared with the young photographer will not only help her with her competition in the immediate present, but also nourish her appetite for photography for years to come.
I met Tracey and her friend at a lovely tearooms that I visited, on my birthday. Tracey noticed my camera and mentioned that she and her friend were planning to open a tearoom and needed some photos so we got chatting and I told her about the stranger project, she agreed to take part in the project. I'm a bit behind in uploading my stranger photos.
This picture is #36 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 a firestation hoping to get a story about the life of firefighters. I met Leo. He was in-charge of the day. I spoke to him about the project and he agreed to be part of it.
Leo has been a firefighter and rescuer for 18 years. He has had his share of fires, accidents, and disasters—it comes with the territory. His happy moments are when they get to save lives and considers it a bonus if they are thanked for it. It still breaks his heart to see a child seeking her parents (this happened when they went to typhoon-devastated areas, recovering dead bodies) and for family members pleading to resuscitate a relative when the victim just died. At the end of the day, he asks himself if he has done his best to save lives, to secure the victim, or to manage a disaster. He is normally at peace with himself but every now and then, they encounter complications such as fire victims "falsely" claiming things got lost in the fire and they start blaming the firemen.
During his team's down time, they continuously train and upgrade their skills. And after a tense day or a 24-hour shift he always looks forward to coming home to his wife and kids. His advise to everyone—stay safe!
After the interview, I suggested that we walk to the fire truck to serve as background for the shot.
Thanks for the interview and for the service that you and your team are doing to the community. Good luck and stay safe Leo!
This picture is #65 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 like to hang around in the old part of my city after work. There is a lot of pretty little street and a lot of people.
This day I crossed the path of Aurélie! She was with her girlfriend whose the name was Tiphanie. I was obviously attracted by her haircup (and color!).
The old street doesn't really fit her style so I decided to follow them during a few moment hopping that they were going to a better place. And they did! They took the direction of a very lively place.
I stopped them and told my speech about the project. They were pleased and agreed. We went near a wall full of tag (this one : www.flickr.com/photos/90141644@N04/8719055934/ ) I firstly tried to use the sun but it was quite difficult. After a lot of fails and retries, I decided to take photos in the shade. It was more comfortable for both of us. I used a flash for this one.
Aurélie and Tiphanie were really friendly and patient, thank's to both of them!
This picture is #25 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 ran through my request for a photo very quickly. “Excuse me would it be alright to take your photo. I’m doing a project to photograph people that I don’t know. You have to be at least 18?”
Rose was able to decipher what I had said and quickly agreed, telling me her age, with a smile. I asked if she was walking down the high street, perhaps we could stop by the market cross to take the photo? She was meeting a friend much nearer. As we were walking, Rose came to a stop to greet her friends. I greeted them too, wondering how our meeting would continue.
Rose was content to go with me for the picture, while her friends waited. I asked what she would be doing if she had not been in Glastonbury today. “Tidying up”, she said. “You have a flat?” I asked. She went on to tell me that there was a fire at the house she shares with her boyfriend. “Not too serious” she said.
Rose happily posed for a few portraits before going back to meet with her friends. I wished her a good time with them and she thanked me. Rose also had time for a little chat between shots and was able to give me her email address, so that I can send her copies of the photos.
Thank you Rose for being part of my project. It was good to meet you today. I hope that you had a great time with your friends.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Leica iiig Elmar 50mm f2.8
Ilford FP4 plus b&w iso125
Epson Perfection V550
f2.8 / 1/125s
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Anastasia is a student from Russia, traveling by herself when I met her.
This is the first time I shoot a stranger without carrying my digital camera
This picture is #2 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 wandered into a gallery in downtown Reykjavík, where I met Jónas Björn. His paintings are inspired by a famous rock in Iceland. While he was posing some guests came in, thus his surprised look.
Francesca smiled and thanked me, when I told her that her face was just right for my strangers project. Her countenance was half the reason, that I had walked up Glastonbury Tor, for the second time, this morning. The other half had to do with the location…
As I had walked down the Tor earlier, Stephanie and Francesca had been headed up. They stepped to the side of the narrow path allowing me to pass. I half wondered about turning at that time but decided to continue to Glastonbury Town centre.
It was a misty morning but as I walked toward the town, I noticed that the mist had cleared at street level. This was the second factor that turned me around. The mist might be hanging on at the Tor, so I would probably find nice light. There was a good chance that Francesca and her friend would be at the top still.
When I got back to the top, I was pleased to see Francesca and Stephanie sitting at the base of St Michael’s Tower. I approached them immediately (even though I was a bit hot from rushing back up the hill) and asked Francesca if I might take her photograph.
Francesca told me that Stephanie needed some profile photos, so I asked if Stephanie would like to be part of the project too. She will be my stranger 499.
Francesca enjoys music. She plays oboe, plays the guitar and sings. Stephanie told me that Francesca will be performing this weekend. We all chatted a bit, then we got down to the portraits. I made a few with Francesca, then with Stephanie, finally photographing the friends together.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
“It’s not a parakeet, it’s a parrot. And yes, you can take pictures of it.”
Whoops.
Yesterday I took my car to the repair shop (a friend’s mother had dented it) and, after handing the car guy my keys, I turned to the right and laid eyes on a breathtakingly beautiful bird sitting on a log in a repair shop garage. It was so surreal and still that I had to walk right up to it to confirm if it was alive or not. After seeing it blink and turn its head and ruffle its feathers, I was confident that the creature was real and not some sort of taxidermized thing.
A man walked by it, and I assumed him to be the owner. He looked like a fascinating person by himself, with unruly hair, a scarlet bandana, and piercing eyes. I asked him if I could photograph his “parakeet” (a complete slip of tongue; I know the difference between a parrot and parakeet), which led to him lightly chastising me for mistaking his majestic beast for a scrawny bird (“It’s like if I called your camera thingy a polaroid,” He said with a laugh).
Regardless, he let me take a couple pictures of his parrot. Afterwards, the bizarreness of the man and his pet made me unashamedly ask for his photo in my Stranger Project, and he happily agreed.
While posing, he started scratching the bird’s neck, and the parrot began to coo in delight and looked as if it was almost grinning (it was adorable).
Right after I took the photo of the stranger, another man approached him and they both walked back into the shop. I never got his name, nor the name of the parrot. However, I was somewhat okay with that, since anonymity just added to the mysteriousness of the duo.
Thank you, stranger, for letting me take photos of your “parakeet,” and thank you for contributing to my Strangers Project!
(I know I said I'd find a female stranger but c'mon this dude had a parrot.)
Check out other 100 Stranger Project stuff at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
stranger 29 in Camden Town (London) 14th of October 2013
we were taking the elevator down to the restrooms. so far the day had been a blast, like it is every time coming to a new city. there was just way too much to see, way too many people with faces and eyes and I just didn't know where to look. Camden Town crashes down on you without a warning, soaks you in in a way, you feel so alienated from the rest of the world that in some way you wish you could just stay there forever. and it had already been a lot to take in and a lot to consider. in big cities with many people around I tend to end up not knowing where to look. sure there had been people to take photos of, faces to remember, but there was no time, no peace, no moment for it.
anyway, the elevator was opening and we stepped out of it. I didn't think of anything in that exact moment and caught her glimpse from one of the doors directly in my direction. and within a second, a smile hushed over her lips.
I don't know what it was with that smile. maybe it was the fact that it came so suddenly, that it was so dear, candid, genuine. but I felt right away that there was something about this girl.
and for once I felt as though I had known her. as though we were two friends running into each other and just catching up a little. she hugged me in the end. the warmth of some people can lift your spirits for such a long time.
This is Tori.
After taking Stranger #80's photograph, I walked towards Hyde Park Corner.
I'm a small, bald, mild-mannered graphic designer. I have a nasally northern accent. If I met myself I wouldn't be suspicious, I would probably shake my own hand and smile politely. Can I take your photo for a photography project? Yes, sure, go ahead, I'd reply to myself. But as I've said before, my experience of asking women permission to take their photograph, usually gets a polite, but firm 'no'.
Are women more self-critical? I've had quite a few, 'Sorry, but I don't look good in photos.' To which I awkwardly reply, 'Oh, come, come. I'm sure that's not true.' I probably don't sound convincing. I'm not a natural charmer, so my smalltalk ends there.
For that reason, I had almost given up on women. But then I saw Tori. Come on James, ask her. I did, and without hesitation she agreed. Tori appeared to have the 'F**k it, what have I got to lose' attitude I had only previously encountered with men. Talkative and friendly, we chatted about the 100 Strangers Project and cameras (Tori is a professional retoucher) until Stranger #82 arrived. They had arranged to go for a stroll around Hyde Park together, so I took their photographs and we went our separate ways.
A fascinating fact about Tori? Her earliest memory is, at the tender age of just six years old, drinking vodka and orange, then jumping in a swimming pool.
This picture is #81 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 front of Decimus Burton's Ionic Screen at Hyde Park Corner, London, England on 14/03/2014
Hello to you all!
This is the second stranger I met on the same day. Therefore, the story went literally the same as the 47th stranger :D
Her name is Vero. She is interested in arts and music. Both of them (stranger 47 and 48) were staying in Japan for an exchange program for a year. I am pretty sure they enjoy their life here in Japan :D
And as for me, both of them definitely had a distinct way to smile, Definitely a charming smile. The camera definitely did a super excellent job to capture the eye expression brilliantly, I love the Eye-AF system! And as usual, I emailed them the photos :)
I hope we meet again in our hometown in Indonesia! :)
This picture is #48 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see photos taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Stranger #100 – Laura – I finally did it! It took much more time than I’ve anticipated, but somehow I’ve managed to do it. It is with great pleasure that I introduce my hundredth stranger, whom I met during Veganmania 2017 in Wrocław, Poland - the most amazing event a vegan can possibly wish for ;) I asked for a photo and Laura agreed immediately. After I explained the project, we moved outside the venue. The conditions were almost perfect as some clouds obscured the Sun for a moment and it resulted in nicely diffused but still somewhat directional light. I took a few pictures and then we chatted for a bit, mostly about photography and my future project. Laura is undoubtedly a very nice person and I’m extremely pleased with the final picture. I hope you like the result as much as I do :)
PS1. I’m starting a new portrait project very soon and the colour version of this picture will be the beginning of it. Stay tuned! :)
PS2. I’m going to continue the strangers project but most likely in a different style, on which I haven’t decided yet.
PS3. Thank you for following me! :D
PS4. This is probably the last picture I uploaded to Flickr. I think this platform has died so if you wish to continue following my work, please consider doing so on 500px :)
This picture is #100 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'd visited Glastonbury Tor in the morning but not found anyone to photograph while I was there. On my way home I popped in to the supermarket to buy a few bits. I saw a Jolene and thought that she would make a good subject for a portrait. She had a big trolley and a shopping list to match. I zipped round the store, paid for my stuff, loaded it in the car and came back to find the young woman.
Jolene agreed to my request. I said that I could take the photo in the supermarket or wait until she had finished her shopping and do it afterwards. I was so pleased that Jolene was happy for me to walk with her while she did her shopping and chat a bit at the same time.
Jolene was pleased. She said that she had not had her photo taken for a while. I said that I would try and make the best portrait that I could. One of Jolene's friends, Kim, had photographed her. Doing light painting. She said that this involved her being called late at night and standing still in the cold. I said that Jolene would not have to stand still in the cold today.
I had given Jolene my card and Jolene told me that she knew a couple of the people on the card. One of them, Becky, had sub-let a room from Jolene. Becky had been a good tenant, very tidy. "Not like the boys", who had other rooms.
Jolene was very organised. She had her list organised in a grid, the different elements were in groups. She said that some people think she is crazy to list it out like that but I thought it was very sensible. Jolene told me she is trying to do a bigger shop because when she does more frequent smaller shops, she ends up with things that she doesn't need – or something like that.
When Jolene had finished her shopping we found a suitable location to take the photos. I asked if Jolene would be OK sitting down on the grass. I mentioned that the grass was damp. Jolene said that was fine, she said that she "didn't have the kind of clothes on, that would make it look as if she had an accident" – or something along those lines.
Jolene is a mature student, in her second year of a psychology degree. In October, Jolene is due to have a baby, so she will do her final year part time. She has worked in Retail but after graduating she would like to have a career with stronger connections to people. Jolene has volunteered helping people with complex needs and this is the kind of direction in which she is interested. I think that she mentioned that one of her modules is in mental health.
When I asked her about what she likes to do when not studying, I discovered that she likes to draw. She plays guitar. Her partner plays guitar and sings. I wondered if Jolene liked to sing too. "Yes, but you wouldn't like to hear it", she told me.
While we were sitting on the grass, Jolene said that she thought that I had asked to photograph her before. I had. Perhaps 3 and a half years ago. I had approached her outside a cafe in Glastonbury. She did not say yes or no on that occasion. The chap that was with her didn't seem very impressed by my request. I told them that I would have a drink in their beer garden to give her a chance to make up her mind. I enjoyed my bottle of cider, in the sunshine. Then deciding "discretion is the better part of valour" walked straight past Jolene and the young man she was with. Today Jolene told me that her ex-boyfriend was jealous - I think I had picked up that vibe, on that day.
When I told Jolene of the hundred strangers project and the Human Family group, she was very interested and said that she would definitely google it. I said that I would send her links.
Thank you Jolene for being part of my project. It was good to meet you today. Best wishes.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
One of the most prominent cafes in Newtown has to be the Mezze Bar. It also has to be one of the busiest and therefore makes a great place for finding strangers. This day was no exception as I spied a red head sitting with a group of young ladies enjoying the day. What caught my eye were her wonderful freckles and her deep blue eyes.
I made my way over, introduced myself and apologised for interrupting them. As I went through my blurb to the red head I noticed that the 3 other girls had stopped talking and were all listening intently about the project. When I finished they all sat there waiting in silence for her to agree to a photo. Of course she said yes.
Not wanting to disturb her from where she sat, I decided to shoot her right there, but this wasn’t going to be easy as an 85mm lens on a crop sensor body is around a 127mm focal length so I needed some space between us. Luckily the next table behind me wasn’t being used so I managed to shoot over the top of it.
Bronte is in her last year of school and plans to go to university to study Law and Philosophy. For someone so young she seemed very mature and pretty much knew what she wanted to do in life. I asked her what she thought about her freckles and she said that these days they don't worry her, but when she was younger she would use lemon juice in an effort to bleach them away. I told her that her freckles are what made me stop and that she should embrace them as part of her unique beauty.
Just as I was finishing up with Bronte one her friends arrived and sat down at the table. Of course as soon as I saw her I knew she would be next. But that’s tomorrow’s stranger.
Thanks for being part of the 100 Strangers Project.
This picture is #159 in my 2nd round of The100 Strangers Project.
You can see my 1st 100 Strangers Set here
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This picture is #26 in my 3rd 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
On Saturday I met up with the Urban Scott, my good friend Peter. He'd arranged a meetup in the afternoon with a bunch of people to shoot street portraits and we'd decided to get a head start. We started out in Soho with the intention of finding some cool alley ways to shoot in. Unusually, the suitable strangers were few and far between but that changed for me when I spotted Svetlana walking along studying her map. I gave her the pitch and she was happy to help, and I offered to assist with directions in return. She's in the UK on holiday from her home town of Moscow and told me she was really enjoying London. We tried a couple of headshots and then a couple of full length shots too because I really loved her subtle but very chic style.
Quite a few people have asked about how I get my models to hold my reflector so Peter got a picture of it here which I'm sure he'll link to this once he gets back home.
Thanks Svetlana, it was great meeting you and I hope you found your way to Poland Street without any further trouble.
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This picture is #21 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
Lola is a promoter at the Huawei stand in the Mall of Emirates.
Lola and my stranger #20 (Erika) were working for the same company. After taking Erika's photo, I just had to ask for Lola's as well. Loved that red curly hair. Even with all the different kinds of people living in Dubai, I had not been able to photograph a red head before. I actually did see a beautiful lady with red hair about a month ago but did not have the guts to go up to her at the time :|
Anyway, thanks Lola for letting me take your photo! :)
Check out my Facebook page here
(done in week 8 but done...
This smiling young security guard would not let me go up to the 2nd floor of the building to get a better shot...but he did smile for the camera...
“Love yourself … and drink tea”
I had spotted Becci's hat as I walked up to the top of Glastonbury Tor. Generally when I get to the top I like to sit a few minutes before approaching anyone for a photo – to catch my breath and let my heart beat slow down a bit. I did this today, happy that Becci and her friend had decided to sit too. I sat down at the base of the tower. The young ladies were sitting on the grassy slope in front of me.
I approached Becci and asked if it would be OK to take her photo. She said “yes” before I even had a chance to explain why. As I told her a bit about my strangers project, her friend, said that my project was really good and that she was already in it! I had photographed Helen about 2 years ago, she was my 59th stranger. Helen now has a daughter, Hazel, who she hadn't even imagined when we met before.
When I asked Becci if she had anything that she would like to share with the world, she thought for a while and said “this sounds a bit chessy, but 'love yourself'”, then Helen added “..and drink tea”. Becci agreed with the addition. They both enjoy tea.
We chatted for a bit and I asked if it would be OK to take a photo of the 3 of them from behind looking over the countryside, first. When I had done this, I asked if Helen wouldn't mind having a little walk so that I could photograph Becci with a nice clean background – she was happy to do this.
I asked what kind of tea Becci liked to drink. She likes all kinds of tea, with caffene or without, but especially with vegan cakes. Becci works as a park ranger. We talked a bit about working outdoors, as I had spent 10 months working in he parks in West London. I mentioned that I knew someone who used to get cold feet working outdoors. Becci says that she doesn't have that problem, she has the right kind of lining in her boots and wears up to 4 pairs of socks in the winter.
Becci and Helen enjoy taking part in reenactments. They reenact historic events and enjoy sitting around log fires in period costume. Becci has a long bow. They are considering doing some Live Action Role Play. This differs from the reenactments as they would be playing their roles without their actions being predetermined by history, instead what they do will be based on their character.
After taking portraits of Becci we went to find Helen and I took a photo of them together. It was a nice surprise to bump into Helen today, as although I frequently see locals that I have photographed, Helen lives in Essex – the other side of the country. They were only visiting Somerset for 2 days too!
Thank you Becci for agreeing to be photographed today. It was good to meet you and to see Helen again. Best wishes for your work and play.
This is my tenth submission to the group The Human Family
Khadija Chraibi, a Moroccan pharmacist at 60. One day, I dreamed to share my extraordinary passion, which is the collection of perfume bottles from the precious international brand. The perfume has a special presence in my life, I always say that it smells with the memories of the past. The bottles of perfume have a special place in my heart. I own more than 5000 vials.
I can not imagine life without perfume. This talent has accompanied me for more than 40 years, and I share it with others. I’m a wife and mother of four sons who successfully paved their ways to live. They are proud of my talent. I make from perfumes some artistic pictures, and I'm taking advantage of the strategic location of my home, which overlooks the highest mountain in Tangier.
I published my book about my talent and my passion, which I had the opportunity to introduce it in Morocco and France.
Anne Marie - Heavy ❤️ 🎧
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.
Bethany hails from Carlisle and is a student of Drama at the University of Birmingham. She was visiting Glastonbury for the first time today with her friend, Jade (my stranger 466).
When I asked what Bethany enjoys in her spare time, she said “cultural adventures”. She likes to make visits to different places, like she had been doing for the long weekend in Glastonbury. She aims to act as much as possible too. Whether live or in film. When I asked if she had been paid for this, she laughed, shook her head and told me that once she had her meals paid for.
I asked they first met. Bethany told me that she had organised a Karaoke evening, as a fundraiser. Jade had been invited by a friend. Jade’s friend had approached Bethany. Bethany thought to herself “Oh, no. Not another guy hitting on me. That she would have to let him know that she wasn’t interested.”
When the young man approached, he turned out to be Jade’s wingman and explained to Bethany that his friend, Jade thought that she was attractive. He had told Jade that if she was too fearful to approach Bethany, that he would do it on her behalf!
Thank you Bethany for being part of my project. It was good to meet you and Jade today. Best wishes for your studies.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Stranger #18 - Michał - he is mentioned in the description of the previous photo from the project (#17) so you can find more details there :)
This picture is #18 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
When I saw, Steff, I approached her immediately. She agreed when I asked if I might take her photo and smiled again when I told her about the Flickr group "Short Hair Chix Rock !!!".
We sat down in the late afternoon sunshine, with two of her friends. One being her partner of 5 years, Roxy. The other being Shanna, who was to become the first stranger of my 5th round.
Steff has a demanding job in the care industry. She finds working in mental health very satisfying and rewarding but the work can be very hard at times. To wind down, Steff enjoys her art. She mostly draws mandalas and flowers. Her illustrations are intricate and large. "How large?", I asked. Steff held her arms apart about a metre or so, looking to Roxy for confirmation. Roxy nodded. "That must take a long time?" I asked. Steff smiled again. "F***ing ages", she said, or something like that.
Steff would not be averse to selling some of her work but has not put any online yet. You could be famous, I said. Steff said that she would not like to be famous. She prefers anonymity. As a dream job, Steff might like to be an Art Therapist but not until she has had some more life experience. Perhaps when she is forty, she said.
We tried photos in the sun and in the shade, it being later in the afternoon. We also tried different locations with regard to the breeze, so that there was not too much wind in Steff's eyes – although when I asked, Steff said that she was fine with the wind. Now I wonder if I should have tried a shot or two with Steff leaning against St Michael's tower; perhaps not, as by the time I had finished photographing Shanna, they were ready to go.
Thank you Steff for being part of my project. It was good to meet you and your friends.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
This picture is #400 in my fourth round of 100 strangers. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page. It is a long time since I posted to the 100 strangers group. I thought that I would post this one as it is rare for me to take a photo on a sunny day, that is not taken in the shade.
It's my first portrait of a stranger. I met him in the subway in the evening. He was singing love songs and playing the guitar. He allowed me to take a picture of him after listening his songs. I took a picture of him and that boy sang several love songs for me more. He told me that he was preparing for the festival of the bard show and therefore he needed listeners.
"This picture is #01 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com"
Spotting Bella amongst the crowds on King street, Newtown was pretty easy with her large black hat and quilted jacket making her an obvious stranger target. She was walking with 2 other ladies when I stopped her and asked if she would like to be part of the project. I have to say that Bella was the perfect stranger in the sense that she didn’t even let me finish my spiel before she had agreed, looking very keen to get in front of the camera.
Bella is from the central coast of New South Wales and was in town to meet with friends for the day. We chatted about a recent music festival she had been to in Byron bay called Splendour in the Grass and how she had a great time there listening to all the bands. Bella had a wonderful positive vibe about her. Oh to be young again!
As she was wearing a lot of black I wanted a strong plain background to make her standout, so we headed to the bright red wall which is part of a large and well-known mural in Newtown. She followed my instructions to the letter and made the whole process so easy and a lot of fun. The only problem was deciding which shot to post. I was quite taken with this frame with her honey coloured eyes gazing confidently straight down the barrel.
It was a pleasure to meet you and your friends and thanks for being part of the project.
This picture is #235 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
Meet Leslie, my Flickr Stranger # 96 of my second set of
100 Strangers. She is a young woman that I met at her parents cafe & store in Kewanee Mississippi. Located on a backroad off the interstate as I luv just exploring at a slower pace off the too fast too crazy main lanes. We came upon this interesting old brick store that looked to be an old general store, a country store. So decided to check it out as it seemed to be still open for business. As I headed for the door the cook of the cafe was leaving with a take out in his hand. I commented I hope we're not too late to get something to eat and he said well just give me a minute you can have some of this. And before I could protest he disappeared. He brought back some delicious chicken spaghetti, the special of the day, I am so glad he shared!! Leslie was sitting at the table next to where we were eating. She was busy working on her computer. My friend went to shop and I introduced myself to Leslie and she showed me what she was working on. She wants to develop athletic art posters with a Christian emphasis. The one she showed me was fantastic. Also developing another line in athletic wear which will take priority. We visited and her sweet gentle spirit just glowed. Do you ever meet someone and feel you have known them always? As my friend shopped I had the better experience in meeting and getting to know Leslie. I also met her mom who owns the store along with Leslie's dad. They have a store full of collectibles, gifts, and things from days gone by. I found some wonderful old books which are here at my desk... an old dictionary and a well used child's Bible. Neither ever age to me!!! The store is known as the Simmons-Wright Store and the 1884 Cafe - a Southern Eatery. Leslie's family on her dad's side started the business in 1884 and have been in the current building since 1926 as fire destroyed the original building. I knew she had to be one of my 100 Strangers so I asked and she gladly accepted. Out front there were organic pumpkins for sale which the family grew on their farm. Leslie walked us out and gave me a pumpkin... the one she is holding. When unloading the car after arriving home I took the package from the store out & found a precious note from Leslie written on the paper bag that held my treasures. Thank you so much Leslie for this encounter with a stranger along my life's road that I shall never forget!!! May God bless and keep you as you pursue your dreams. I know He has a special plan for you!!!
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
This picture is #20 in my 3rd 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
The weather, my job and some home improvements have really put a dent in my photography time. By Friday I'd not pressed a shutter in nearly a week which is just too long. At lunch time I headed out but after a week of rain the sun was out and high in the sky and there were not many spots where I could find decent light. Then I found a little street I've not been down before and as I was thinking that it looked a bit better, there came Brionny. She told me that she doesn't like having her picture taken but agreed after I showed her a few of my other pictures on my Moo cards. She didn't really have a reason for disliking being photographed but just isn't keen on it. We moved up the street a bit as we were outside a pub where she works and she didn't want to get teased by her colleagues. Fair enough.
Well for me the fact that she doesn't like being in front of a camera made it even more special that she took it on and did a great job. Thanks so much Brionny and I hope you like your portrait.
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Stranger #30 – Emma – I approached her when she was sitting on a bench in the center of Wroclaw, Poland. Her hairstyle immediately caught my attention so I started talking to her. She looked at me and told me she hadn’t understood what I said because she doesn’t speak Polish. Well, it happens :) Anyway, I explained the project and was able to convince her to have her portrait taken. Then we chatted a bit and it turned out she’s from Norway. Emma is a really friendly person and that was a very nice encounter.
A technical remark: sometimes when you shoot you know immediately the photo is great. You take a look on your camera’s display and you smile. Everything is there: great theme, correct focus, fantastic colours, etc. Then, when you examine the sharpness on your big screen and can confirm the focus is spot on you smile even more – especially if you shoot on creamy bokehlicious super-difficult f/1.2 :) That was one of these shots for me. At such point you just gain momentum, think “I’m f*cking awesome” and go out to create more fantastic photos :P
This picture is #30 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 picture is #35 in my 4th 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
I'm a bit behind on posting from my evening's shooting in June. Been busy with domestic stuff, plus I started playing Fortnite!!
I saw Christina waiting outside Dim T near London Bridge. She'd just picked up a take away when I invited her to an impromptu shoot. She was surprised but happy to play along. Given her big paper bag of food I didn't want to keep her long and also didn't want to move to find a suitable background so I lined up the background and waited for a gap in the crowds. Here's what we came up with. I've been keen to try to incorporate a bit more of hands into my pictures which is not something I'm confident directing. I thought about trying to get her to get rid of the cigarette but somehow this felt more honest. I love the very genuine expression that she gave here and think that makes the image.
After I got her details and she left, I noticed a family that was eating outside at the restaurant watching me with interest. The teenage son gave me a big smile and a thumbs up which left me very amused. The interactions that one experiences doing this type of photography is what makes it so addictive.
If you like my work, please take a look at my Facebook page and my website and if you're more inclinde to Instagram, I've been playing around there too.
This photo was taken at a widow's home in Varanasi, India.
This lady lived at the home and watched me taking photos with great interest. We were there visiting friends who ran the home. I approached her - slightly tentatively - hoping she wouldn't mind. I got the impression that she was glad to be asked, and gave me a big beaming smile as a reward when she saw her image in the viewer. I only took one photo, and here it is.
Her face, I think, tells a million stories.
Some widows in India are considered to be cursed, meaning they are thrown out by their families for fear of spreading their bad luck. There were 25 widows living at the home here, all 'rescued' from a terrible plight. I wished I could have spoken their language to discover their stories. They all looked like they had a lot to tell...
This picture is #1 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/