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This picture is #252 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
Nathalie was 'manning' her booth at an outdoor art festival. Her oil paintings all had a theme, people in hammocks. Hence the name, “Art Swings by Naty.” Cool! Her logo is “A Piece of Peace.” Who wouldn't like that? Here is her website: [www.artswings.com/index.htm]
So when I approached her about 100 Strangers, she was more than eager to help. Naty is originally from Columbia, but found the U.S. More conducive to artists making a living. Three comments about this image:
1. I post images in color infrequently. When I do, the colors are almost always complimentary, to isolate the subject and other spaces. This might be the first time that I have worked with harmony of analogous colors.
2. Naty is 42. Can you believe that?
3. I did not (could not) direct her, she just naturally fell into this pose. Do you think that she has ever seen a camera before? :-)
Thank you, Naty, for taking time from selling your artwork to allow me to photograph you for the 100 Strangers Flickr group.
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Zuiko 45mm f1.8 @ f1.8
1/1000 sec.
ISO 200
This was my first ever portrait of a stranger, taken at 9th Street in Cleveland. My buddy and I had seen Chris Camino yak about the 100 strangers project several months back and we finally got around to starting it ourselves. We went out with our cameras, a set of round bouncers/diffuser, no flash or other lighting, and restricted ourselves to the 50mm focal length. I was a little nervous about approaching a stranger, but he was very nice and fun to talk to. He was waiting for a hard rock show to start at House of Blues, and he really enjoyed the serious shot while wearing his Avatar shirt. Shooting out in the open by the lake was challenging because I wanted to diffuse the sunlight on his face, but the diffuser was a little small to cover all of him while also not getting in the shot.
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.
“Do you know where I can get a film developed?” Yasmin asked. “No” I replied “but I know where there is a camera shop, they might be able to help...... would it be alright for me to take your photo....”. Yasmin and Ali [my stranger 131] had just returned from a couple weeks in Portugal.
She told me that she liked using film... “you can't delete pictures like you can on digital”. Interesting... about 2 minutes earlier, a 25 year old (Ben, stranger 128) had just been extoling the virtues of vinyl and now another young person was doing the same about film.
I spent quite a bit of time with Yasmin and Ali. I didn't take that many photos but enjoyed their company as we first went to find the camera shop and then looked for some blades for Ali's carving. In one shop Yasmin picked up a small hula hoop and looped it impressively in her hand. At another shop she looked after Ali's roll up while he went inside, though she does not smoke.
Yasmin told me that she had been asked to be photographed before. It was at the Zombie walk in Glastonbury, last October. I had been there that day but had not photographed Yasmin. I had met a stranger that day, who had been wearing green make up (Charni, my stranger 62). People had been impressed at how great Yasmin was at doing a zombie stagger. She laughed. Yasmin said that she had a few drinks before doing the zombie walk!
Yasmin also enjoys making cakes. She told me that she likes the non-baked kind of cakes – where you mix the ingredients and put them in the fridge. You can evidently make a “guilt free breakfast” making a cake from cocoa, banana and avocado.
Yasmin and Ali seemed dissappointed when we parted. Looking at the timestamps on the photos, I had spent half an hour with them. This photo was taken 14 minutes after the first photo that I took of the couple.
Thank you Yasmin and Ali for agreeing to be in my project. It was good to spend some time with you.
This picture is 30 in my second round of 100 strangers. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
My name is Adil, I'm 11 years old! I am a poor child, I'm homeless, I sell flowers. People or journalists take me often on pictures; the associations receive money to help us, but here is the result. I'm still in front of you, in the forgotten of the street.
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.
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 met Blake standing on line for lunch at Bogart's Smokehouse. He is a graphic artist for an ad agency. Blake is trying to find the balance between the corporate world and his personal art.
He recommended the lunch special sausage patty. He said it is no longer on the menu, so he makes a point of showing up to Bogart's whenever the sausage patty is listed on their website as a daily special. I ended up ordering pulled pork and a 1/2 rack of ribs. If you find yourself in St. Louis, be sure to stop by Bogart's. It is in my Top 5 BBQ restaurants of all time.
Find out more about the 100 Strangers Project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
A shiatsu client of mine told me about her mother, and asked me if I could work with her. "Well, let's talk about it. Take her with you next session" "Mmh. You'd better come visit her at home. It's my idea, and she doesn't like it." She told me more about her mother's problems and I decided to try.
When I visited Grazia I had my camera with me, as I was supposed to go shooting in the afternoon, and I'm glad I had it.
Grazia is a positive, smart person approaching her eighties with class. We discussed a lot about Traditional Chinese Medicine – she had some acupuncture sessions in her past, and after a while she opened herself, talking about her problems in a frank, direct way I wish more people passing in my studio had.
Our chatting was smiling most of the time, out and back from her problems to music, traveling, art… At a certain point I saw the framing you can see above and I told to myself: ask her picture, why not? It could be a nice portrait for the project, and a way to go beyond words, sickness and sheer treatments and start to build what's more important in shiatsu: a relation.
Well, she said yes, and didn't feel surprised by my offer: it all went quite natural for both, in my opinion.
My teacher use to say that the first session may begin even when the person calls you on the phone. Have to tell him about the power of a simple camera – if Grazia decide to try shiatsu, of course :-)
This picture is #92 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 asked this lady if I could take her photograph on a cold and rainy Sunday morning outside the Mac store. She looked all warm dressed in her double hoodie. Not wanting to disturb her from what she was doing, and liking the natural look anyway I asked her to keep on with her text.
Lesson learned? Well I had asked a few people already that morning if they would participate in my 100 stranger project, and had been turned down. Two said they would love to but were late for work, some embarrassed by the thought of a stranger asking to take their photograph, others I thought about asking but then lost courage a second before asking. So keep asking is the lesson, even after several rejections there will be people who will say yes. As for her name, well I didn't ask... I decided to let that go. I'm kind of disappointed now as I think the strangers names are a great part of the story in this 100 Strangers Project. I realize I have much to learn about meeting and photographing stranger, but that's why I'm doing it... to grow as a photographer.
This picture is #3 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
A Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who are celebrating today ~ Cheers!!
This picture is #03 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
My great friend Peter McConnochie spent the weekend in London which was all the excuse required to throw camera, reflector and toothbrush into a bag and head up for the weekend myself. I met up with him, Arnab and Barbara early in the evening on Saturday. We took a walk around and chatted about what we were wanting to do. Having just completed a round, I'm keen to try new things, mix them up a bit. One key aim is to make more use of lighting but we were all travelling light this weekend so I had to think of something else. It's tricky. I've developed a recognisable style and those are the pictures that I most like to make. Stepping into different modes is difficult and I worry about making an image that I won't like as much. But change is often hard and I was determined to do something different.
During our amblings we took a short cut through Liverpool Street Station. I've noticed before that there is a lovely diffused light in the station thanks to the huge glass roof and was looking out for likely subjects when I spotted Becki. She was accommodating when I asked and moved over to the middle of the station with me. The risk for this shot was getting too many people in the background. Shooting right in front of the escalators out of the station may have seemed a bad idea but the theory was that there would be brief moments when the frame would be free of people. Further into the station there were too many people standing around. Becki was incredibly patient holding a pose while I waited for my moment. And I think together we nailed it.
The light was a little yellow due to the electric lighting inside the station so I had to push the white balance around a little. I keep promising myself a grey card and one day I really must get one.
Becki was with a group of friends who were all meeting up to go out and celebrate a friends birthday. I hope she had an awesome time!!
If you like my work, please take a look at my Facebook page and my website.
I have been lucky in that in recent visits abroad I have managed to get the odd 100 stranger portrait and this was no exception. This time I only had about half an hour in the whole holiday in Kolkata, India. But when I saw Sankar's wonderful moustache I had to approach him. He was really cool and was agreed to a portrait after pruning his 'tache to get it just right.
I did my usually close in shot (www.flickr.com/photos/arnabkghosal/24881366485/in/datepos...) but I am submitting this one to the group in keeping with my efforts to keep it more environmental.
The rubble behind him is relevant as he was guarding that area for developers. Kolkata's development appears to be on steroids as everytime I go back it completely changes. I am sure the next time I go back this will be fully built up too.
One of the things that I was very aware of when I took this portrait was to ensure his head was in a clean spot against the blue of the wall rather than the brown of the rubble.
Thanks very much Sankar for being a part of my project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the
100 Strangers Flickr Group Page
Connect with me on my facebook page: Shooting the Streets
or visit my website
As always constructive criticism is appreciated.
The Canadian Warship HMCS Ville de Quebec stopped in my hometown in late September as part of an excursion to selected ports along the St. Lawrence Seaway and Lake Ontario. The excursion provided an opportunity for Canadians in cities along the way to tour the Navy frigate and discover career opportunities available with the Canadian Forces. I took the opportunity to tour the ship and speak with a few sailors. I was also able to continue my strangers project, this being the last in a series of five Canadian Forces personnel I chatted with.
I met Pierre as I was leaving the Navy Frigate. I wanted one more portrait for my 100 Strangers Project and Pierre agreed to pose in front of the ship.
Pierre is a Sergeant and is presently stationed in Ottawa. He has been with the Canadian Forces since 1978 . For the past three years, he has been working as a recruiter. Previously, he worked as a supply technician. During his military career he participated in several missions which have taken him to Israel, Bosnia and Sudan.
Pierre is 51 years old and grew up in Berthierville, Quebec, a town located between Montreal and Trois-Rivières on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his kids. He also enjoys playing golf and hockey.
Two days after I took this portrait, a photo appeared on Flickr that shows me taking my shots (see photo in comment below). You can probably tell that I was working very quickly as I didn't want to take too much of Pierre's time. As it turned out, the lady who took the shot of me is one of my hometown Flickr contacts. We haven't officially met yet but I'm sure we will have a few laughs when we do.
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
"Another engaging street portrait." - memetic
highly recommended to be viewed large on black
I was on my way back from Corpus Christi where I did some interviews for an article I'm writing on assignment. In my family it was always tradition to stop at the Dairy Queen in Karnes City as the midpoint of our trip from Austin to the beach. That's what I did this day as the threat of ice on the road ahead concerned me.
Karnes City is on the edge of an oil field area of South Texas, so you see a lot of oil cowboys. Juan, moving slowly with a walker, was in front of me in line with his son. The two of them mostly spoke in Spanish. They ended up sitting one table away from me, and I couldn't resist asking to take Juan's photo. He did speak some English. He said he used to work for a recycling company in San Antonio, but now lives in retirement near Kenedy, Texas. The light wasn't great for the shot, but I knew I couldn't ask him to move to a different location, so I took what I could get. I left them to finish their steak fingers and headed on down the road home with the only ice I encountered hanging from the Karnes City city limits sign as I blew through town.
He is my 209th stranger in the Flickr challenge to shoot photos of 100 strangers: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/. I'm moving--as expected--very, very slowly and selectively through my third 100.
You can see my full set of Stranger photos (so far) here: www.flickr.com/photos/joemoconnell/sets/72157627547511612...
The Canadian Warship HMCS Ville de Quebec stopped in my hometown in late September as part of an excursion to selected ports along the St. Lawrence Seaway and Lake Ontario. The excursion provided an opportunity for Canadians in cities along the way to tour the Navy frigate and discover career opportunities available with the Canadian Forces. I took the opportunity to tour the ship and speak with a few sailors. I was also able to continue my strangers project, this being the fourth in a series of five Canadian Forces personnel I chatted with.
Shawna is a Petty Officer 2nd Class and was part of the crew aboard the Ville de Quebec frigate. She is 38 years old and has been with the Canadian Navy 19 years, including seven years as a reservist. She grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later moved to Vancouver Island, B.C. .
Shawna is presently stationed in Victoria, B.C. and is part of the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group. In her spare time she loves cooking and working in her garden. She also enjoys traveling whether it be part of her work or on her own time.
This picture is #20 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
Little Toyko, Los Angeles
Pentacon Six TL
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm/2.8f
Kodak 120 film T-MAX 400
Stand Developed in HC-110 1:100 60 minutes
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Little Toyko was buzzing on this day with people. The LA Art Book Fair was happening and outside there was live music and food trucks. It was a typical bright and warm LA day, and the crowds were out on mass. Zoe was standing by a wall, and looking so cool, I thought she was waiting for a photoshoot. I wasn't feeling all that brave this day, but did manage to summon up the courage to ask if she'd be apart of my 100 Strangers Project.
Thanks Zoe! Here is a link to my 100 Strangers Project
... here's is my first set of 100 Strangers
Also you can find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Stranger #53 – Lida – I met her in the centre of Wrocław, Poland. Walking with a camera, she immediately caught my attention. When I asked for a photo Lida agreed without hesitation and - what surprised me - thanked for the offer! It was a great start, so I took a few shots and quickly noticed that the results were satisfying. The weather was favorable - the overcast made the light extremely easy to work with. Lida is a very friendly person and as it turned out - she’s from Ukraine. That was a very nice encounter after a two-week break from photographing strangers :)
This picture is #53 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 making the two mile hike to Camp Randall to purchase tickets for an upcoming UW-Badgers hockey game, I found myself drawn to my new surroundings. While the city of Madison is my home, I still find new views and interesting sites upon my travels (including strangers time to time) and today was no different. The weather was basically winter in a nutshell, warm enough to go out but wet enough to keep one in. Because I was out, I set myself the mission to find someone for my (608)strangers project, on such a day.
This woman caught my eye at the bus stop, and after lengthy discussion I learned a few things about my mystery woman. She has been a resident of the United States for the last forty years, and upon leaving India she left all her friends behind; sad but she expressed that she has made many more new friends here in the USA. When I explained the concept of stranger photography, she found it to be similar to making new friends. In order to get to know someone new, we really have find out more about them; which is why I found myself hanging out with her at the bus stop for so long.
I asked if I could take her picture for the project, and she smiled and agreed; while we were a bit rushed as the bus soon to arrive I was able to snap off three quick frames. Of course, she had a load of groceries that she had purchased from Trader Joe's earlier in the day. She asked for my assistance to carry them onto the bus for her, so I did with a big smile on my face. As I stepped off the bus and waved goodbye, I realized I never got her name; but the impression she left on me was one that I will not soon forget.
Get out and meet new people, the world is full of them! Join my journey and the journey of others in the 100 strangers group here on Flickr. One of the more active groups that I am a member of, with excellent photographers a plenty!
156/100
| Nikon D300s | Nikkor 50 mm @ ƒ/2.2 | 1/200 sec | ISO 200 | No Flash | No Tripod | Natural light |
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She's a sensation...
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All rights reserved © Félix Casals
Stranger #132 - Karen
On the search for my 132nd stranger, I had the blessing to be accompanied by my two good friends, Morgan and Farrah. It was really a joy to share the project with my friends and have them by my side during the process. Without a doubt, their enthusiasm and fun-spirits made it much much more exciting. What made it even more exciting was that we prayed together and asked God to help us choose our stranger, that he would show us exactly who he wanted us to talk to. We called it treasure hunting.
It wasn’t long before Morgan received an image of a giraffe and the color yellow. It didn’t make any sense to us and it sounded a little silly, but we just went with it. After all, God works in mysterious ways.
We kept our eyes peeled, scanning people as we walked by them, taking careful note of tattoos and articles of clothing. Minutes ticked by and still no giraffe.
After a while of walking around and not seeing any giraffes, we decided that the next person who popped out would be the person we’d approach. Ironically, the person who appeared was quite far from yellow, and had nothing in resemblance of a giraffe. The person was a young girl with energetic red hair wearing an engaging turquoise outfit. “Her!”, I exclaimed, and we broke into a scurry to catch up to her.
She turned around with a surprised look as we called out to her and greeted her. We introduced ourselves and asked her if she would participate in our stranger project. She was open-minded about it and agreed to share with us her story.
Her dad left the family when she was just a baby and she never even got the chance to meet him. She’s had some struggles with her mom and at one point, her mom had kicked her out of the house for something she didn’t do. She also had trouble fitting in her high school and didn’t like her teachers. We could see the sadness in her eyes as she shared with us-- she’s really gone through a lot of suffering. Because of her tough history, she wishes to become a psychologist.
When she finished sharing, we asked if we could pray for her. We told her that through all the suffering that she’s gone through, God loves her and cares for her deeply. She nodded and we put our hands on her. We prayed for relationships to be restored and mistakes to be forgiven; We prayed for God’s love to fill her and comfort her.
Karen, if you ever get to see this, know that you are never alone. We’re still praying for you, and though we just met, we love you-- God loves you.
Check out more of other's stranger photos at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
Continuing West on Wellington Street I approached a gentleman walking East. At first he was a bit hesitant about participating in my project but I told him I liked his moustache and that he would be a great addition to my group of 100 strangers.
André is 59 years old and works for the federal government in Ottawa. He received his diploma in Graphic Design from Algonguin College.
André was born in Aylmer, Quebec and presently lives in Kazabazua, a small village north of Gatineau. In his spare time he enjoys photography, drawing and spending time with nature. He doesn't have a favourite neighbourhood in Ottawa but frequently visits the Byward Market.
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
Fine.Art.
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This is Samantha and she studies Fine Art at the local University.
I had hoped to get a full length shot to show her incredible style, but the surroundings we were in didn't suit so I had to make do with this 3/4 instead. I think you can get the general idea hopefully.
I asked her if she dressed like this all the time, knowing what the answer would be even before asking - an inimitable and unique style I think you'll agree? :)
This picture is #042 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
Sandra is my second stranger… I made it a rule for myself that I wanted to find out a little something about my strangers – something to retell or quote. But somehow out of nowhere I became a bit nervous and forgot all of my questions I had prepared to get a good conversation going and managed to underexpose half of the shots. But that’s also an important part of living life – to venture outside of your comfort zone and watch yourself doing it, and the expand accordingly while doing the things you love to do. Like meeting new people and taking their portraits.
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This picture is # 002 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 have a new 50mm F1.8 lens and it has kickstarted my quest to capture 100 strangers!
I met Swaminee today in Newcastle as she was about to start work at the Dabbawal Street Food Restaurant. Swaminee is originally from Mumbai, but came over as a student 6.5 years ago to study hospitality. We had a great chat about India and Mumbai. I asked her if she missed home and she said she did - but whenever she went back to Mumbai she missed Newcastle. :)
A lovely and very beautiful young lady. So grateful to you, Swaminee for getting me going again! I hope you like the portrait - thank you for giving me your time so graciously.
This picture is #59 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 was heading back to Union Station in Chicago and came across Keeton. He was recruiting members for Greenpeace and was very sure that my day just wouldn't be complete if I didn't join ;-) I politely declined but we did talk a bit about the group and his passion for serving in it. I asked if he had been on any missions and he said yes, he'd been to Alaska. I thought that was pretty cooI as I had always wanted to do something like that. He also shared with me his short list of companies to boycott because of the harm they have caused to the environment. I would liked to have talked to Keeton more but I had a train to catch and I had to keep moving. I asked him if I could take his picture for the 100 strangers project and he politely and cheerfully said sure.
Thanks Keeton! It was a pleasure to talk to you and thanks for letting me take your picture. Best of luck to you on all your missions. And by the way, I LOVE your hat :-)
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100strangers.com/.
Explore
This is a cemetery that has been neglected with lots of tree damage. This one tree gives off the vibes of a giant spider in a haunted graveyard..
This is John, my stranger #39. He is an avid photographer and spends hours and hours shooting bird, butterflies, drogonflies, including bald eagles, red tailed hawks, damsel flies. I met John this morning at of all places, St Johns Conservation area. He's shooting a Canon 6D with a 70-200 IS F2.8 zoom and a 1.4X extender. Thanks John, it was my pleasure. Check out the 100 Strangers Project www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
I met Mandela in Downtown Toronto. He was in a hurry to get to a meeting but took a few minutes to help me with my strangers project.
Mandela is 26 years old and works downtown as a Wealth Management assistant. He was born in Bermuda and moved to Canada in 2001 for prep school. He attended George Brown College in Toronto and studied Financial Services Management (Bachelor of Business).
In his spare time Mandela plays rugby. He also enjoys socializing and having a few drinks. His favourite neighbourhood is the Harbourfront area.
This picture is #78 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 was making photos for my granddaughter and two of her friends when Tony, a total stranger, suggested I use a reflector or a sheet of white paper. I shot a portrait of him to show that the light was good even without a reflector. I was busy with the girls, otherwise I'd have stayed to chat a bit with Tony. He probably knew something about photography, it would have been interesting to hear his story...
Wandering Coyote-
So far one of the most interesting strangers I have had the pleasure of meeting is Wandering Coyote. While the striking tattoos and wardrobe drew my attention, it was the life experiences that Wandering Coyote shared with me that intrigued me and left me wanting to learn more.
Wandering Coyote has been living from place to place since the age of 13. While we all have a sense of adventure, Wandering Coyote has traveled throughout the U.S. by hoping trains and living on the streets. Regardless of where the travels take Coyote, the warmth of the desert and the accepting people in Tucson makes this city "home" for this traveling heart.
It was a great experience to talk to Wandering Coyote and to hear of all the different places and people I need to see and meet.
I'm glad that I had the opportunity to meet Wandering Coyote. we ended our conversation and wish each other safe travels throughout life.
Find out more about the 100 stranger project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page:
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/pool/
Thank you for taking the time to read,
Damian
Strangers citizens
Unfazed by the ceaseless activity of life within the historic confines of Valladolid, we pause, undisturbed by the curious and inquisitives glances of its denizens, we pause to seize the essence of time and the silhouette it projects upon us. Armed with vintage film and camera, we wield these quasi-magical relics to craft our unique interpretation of the commonplace, revealing our distinctive perspective on the mundane world around us.
by me
Photography and film procesing; LC Nevermind(Luis Campillo)
Artistic direction, MUAH, props, caption and model; Lis Xia
Gear; Hasselblad 500CM, CZ Planar 80mm, Ilford Delta 3200
I actually captured this image several weeks ago during the same stranger search as when I captured strangers #99 & #100. I took a little hiatus after finishing my first set of 100, and I think I simply forgot about this portrait during my time off. It was Colin’s / Bomvu’s recent business man portrait www.flickr.com/photos/strainz/11202669465/ that reminded me that I had this portrait waiting in the wings.
I commented on Bomvu’s portrait that it intrigues me that men in business suits are underrepresented in the 100 SP group page. I’m not sure if it is because they often don’t seem colorful enough or if they project an air of unapproachability. I know that I usually disregard businessmen on sight, so when I spotted Stranger 106 walking my way, I found myself in a little bit of a mental conundrum. I thought his spikey hair and his chiseled face made for a potentially interesting portrait, but I could not conceive that one of my final couple of stranger portraits of my first set would be a suit. I was entirely undecided until we finally crossed paths, and at that moment I opted to pull the trigger and make the request for a portrait.
His name was Alex, and because of his physical features I fully expected him to be native German or Scandinavian. As is often the case, my preconceptions were entirely off base as he introduced himself with a strong southern drawl. It turns out that Alex was from Tennessee, and he was in Cleveland for a job interview. Judging by his somewhat relaxed look, I believe that the interview was completed, and now he was taking some free time to explore the city. It turned out that my ‘business man’ was a great model because Alex was extremely agreeable and clearly was in no hurry to be anywhere. Our shoot went smoothly, and a few minutes later I was wishing him the best on his job search.
So here is my business suit submission for the group. Yeah, I know that Alex may not have been the most typical business guy in a suit, but in my book I am officially checking off ‘business man’ as a stranger type completed.
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.
My Stranger #65, in my second set of 100 Strangers on Flickr, is "Chiclet", the rodeo clown, who is a member of and clowns for events of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I met her in Tomball at the parade of trailriders through Tomball on their way to Houston. This is her first year as a H.L.S.R. clown which includes attending the various functions that spin off the Rodeo that is held annually in March of each year. She was clowning this day for the arrival parade of Trailriders in Tomball, Texas as they made their way into Houston for the big parade held the Saturday before the start of Houston's Rodeo and Fat Stock Show which is now changed from Fat Stock Show that I knew the name to be while growing up to Livestock Show. Hummmm... don't see many skinny cows... oh well... PC has changed many things in recent years. Chiclet loves clowning and going into schools and attending these community events to share what the H.L.S.& R. is all about and how students can participate with their art and animal projects. What a precious young woman doing a marvelous job promoting smiles and happiness & H.L.S.&R. to all she meets. Thanks so much dear "Chiclet" for wanting to be one of my 100 Strangers on Flickr and for doing such a great job your first year of H.L.S.&R. clowning!!!
P.S. And y'all know I just loved her lime green shoes!!!
Find out more about the Flickr 100 Stranger project and see pictures taken by
other photographers at: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/