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I've been meaning to start a 100 strangers project for some time now and when I saw Tasfia and a friend ahead of me in the park I decided the time had come to take the plunge.
When I caught up with Tasfia and explained the project she was very happy to help out. It was a pleasure meeting her and her friend Bigyan who is my stranger number two. I passed on my business card and promised to send a copy of the photos which I did later in the evening.
This picture is #001 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 is obvious that Vladimir is a handsome individual, and simplistic as it sounds, that alone would have been enough a decent excuse for approaching him together with the fact that he didn't seem to be in a hurry. Ironically he seemed to be well aware of that, and let's say overly fond of it.
Apparently Vladimir, a confident young man, was in need of a photographer for a personal project, and I had already asked him for a portrait, so let's say that the benefit was mutual and he was eager to move and pose as much as needed for a handful of shots, five or so.
In the one I posted above, since we coincidentally met next to an Apple Store, I took advantage of their abundant light and non-restrictive photographic policies to get some free bokeh :-)
Once the pics were taken and our emails exchanged I learned that Vladimir was actually engaged in creating a business related with teaching guys how to hang out with women and seduce them (sic). Strange as it may seem, now that's a business too, who knew.
I guess that I wasn't ethically ready for that (as well a for non-paid work) so when he asked me if I wanted to shoot for his site for free in exchange for dubious advertisement I obviously had to decline such a thing. Ah, life... but still an interesting experience!
This picture is #26 in my 100 strangers project. Check out the rest of the stranger street portraits in my project at the 100 Strangers Set or find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Ella was stranger #1 in my photography project of 100 strangers.
I saw Ella sitting outside a coffee shop in Cambridge as I walked past. I continued walking but eventually did an about turn and thought I must get the project underway. As I returned towards Ella, she had begun walking herself. I made my approach and to my delight, Ella agreed to have her portrait taken.
We walked a short distance to a set of steps where Ella sat patiently whilst I took her portrait.
Ella worked in a nearby lingerie shop and with that, she had to go.
Thank you Ella!
This is included in the group 100 strangers:
Lucas Michelot
Student
Origin: - Vienne France
Picture taken: Geneva
I met Lucas and his friends walking around the Cathedral, he has distinct personality, can easily stood out in the crowd…when I saw him with that beard and the dressing, I straight away decided I want to capture him…and went ahead and approached….
He agreed. ☺
Lucas is from France and doing his Environment Study in Geneva, he mentioned he doesn’t like Geneva and only here for studies…he loves travelling and had been to many countries like Canada, Scotland, Croatia, Namibia, Madagascar..
I enjoyed shooting him for those few minutes he was always smiling and being peppy, gave me various poses to shoot (check out other shots of him and his friends Emilie and Pascal)
Lucas – It was real pleasure meeting you, and thanks for agreeing to be a part of this Project. I hope you will like your photos ☺ and best of luck for your studies…
This picture is #018 in the 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
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This is Peter.
I've been such a slacker with this 100 strangers project. I won't bore you. Same old story, same old excuses.
Cast your mind back to October 2012. What were you doing? I was in Oxford, performing "one of the most important civic duties that anyone can be asked to perform." Jury Service. For me, that entailed, waiting in a room, waiting in a room, waiting in a room, waiting for my name to be called. Waiting. Waiting. Name called. Not needed today. Sorry. Come back tomorrow. Repeat three times, but mix with a fair amount of aimless wandering around the streets of Oxford, only to be told on the third say that my duties were over. At least it gave me a chance to approach some strangers. Five strangers.
Peter has been spreading the word for over 25 years. You may recognise him. He gets around. 'Oh, yes. I'm quite well know. I'm even on the YouTube.' I did a quick google for him, but Peter's quite a popular name when it comes to Bible related searches. If you know him, or have seen him about, let me know. Originally from Preston, Lancashire, he now lives in Halifax, Yorkshire, but spends weeks on end travelling the length and breadth of the country. He's even been abroad. How does he finance his one-man operation? 'God supplies for his needs.' Staying in a Youth Hostel when I met him, he was hoping to be sandwich-boarding for the next six days.
One vaguely funny aside from the this story is that I wasn't allowed to take my Holga into the Crown Court. As soon as you get through the main doors your bags are checked. A camera, even my cheap plastic film camera that won't take pictures indoors, is a no-no. An iPhone with an 8MP sensor is fine, go ahead, take it in, but my crappy camera was a definite no. Hand it over, my son.
This picture is #59 in my 100 strangers project. See the rest of my 100 strangers pictures here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Taken in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England on 09/10/2013
I met Abigail while visiting Philadelphia in November. After a quick explanation of my strangers project she agreed to participate.
Abigail is 35 years old and is a graduate student at Rosemont College in Bryn Mawr, 18 km west of Philadelphia. She is presently undertaking a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Business at Philadelphia University. She is also a professional dog walker.
Abigail was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 60 km west of Philadelphia. She presently lives in Philadelphia and her favourite neighbourhood is Fishtown, located immediately northeast of Center City. What Abigail loves about Philadelphia is the angst and busyness. In other words, she loves the fast paced no nonsense attitude of Philadelphia and its inhabitants. In her spare time Abigail enjoys feeding squirrels in the park, shopping for vintage clothing and housewares, and cooking vegetarian food.
I have also posted a full length shot in the comment section.
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
Making its first ever departure in preservation (?) from a London Terminus, 45699 Galatea charges North through Ickenham Green at the head of the Cambrian Coast Express.
While having breakfast at the Rolador Cafe in Beaumont Street, Hamilton this morning I noticed this gentleman sitting by himself enjoying his breakfast and the newspaper.
The combination of the subject himself, the background, the condiments and the old style table and chairs made this an image I had to get.
My fifth stranger portrait is of Alecia, whom I also photographed the same evening as I photographed Schenley after the power outage from the electrical storm. This picture is #5 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
She was kind enough to help me out on her way to work.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Celeste said "yes" straight away when I asked if I would be able to take her photo. Later she told me that she didn't like having her photo taken and that she wasn't photogenic. I asked why she had said "yes". Was it because I was so charming? Celeste told me that it was because she likes to avoid saying "no". She smiled as we chatted and while I took the photos.
Celeste works as a painter and decorator. Painting and decorating can be stressful when the weather prevents her from finishing jobs. However she enjoys her work and does it well – the shop front that she had just finished looked great. It is not surprising that she is busy.
Her partner also works locally and they are looking forward to going camping together with their children soon. They would have a lovely family time together – with no technology.
Celeste was on her way to another job in Wells and was a little late. I thanked her for giving me the time to take her portrait.
Thank you Celeste for agreeing to be in my project. It was good to meet you and take your photo today. Best wishes for your business. I hope that you have a great holiday too!
This picture is stranger 213 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 just noticed the exif on this photo. I can't figure out how the aperture was set to f/10.0! I will be more careful next time I am shooting portraits!!
We had bid goodbye to Neil and Evan mid Sunday morning and were headed down Bourke Street towards our hotel when I noticed a young woman approaching the tram stop wearing a tight fitting beanie. On closer inspection the beanie was actually over the top of her hijab which made for an unusual look that peaked my interest. So over I went to introduce myself and ask for a photo.
Nada was a bit shocked at first and asked why I selected her. I said that I liked her beanie/hijab look and her colour co-ordinated handbag and shoes. Flattery always works and it wasn’t long before I had her standing in the middle of the tram tracks (Neil Winch style) to take a few frames.
As the tram that she was waiting for was pulling in behind us I didn’t have much time with her, but I did get her name, hand her my card and find out that she also does photography. Luckily for me she has since made contact and has provided a little more info to include.
Nada is a local Melbournian with Lebanese heritage. Currently she is studying a Bachelor of marketing/advertising at RMIT and works in retail part time.
Thanks Nada for being part of the 100 Strangers Project.
This picture is #209 in my 3rd round of The 100 Strangers Project.
You can see my 1st round of 100 Strangers photos here
My 2nd round is here
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Meet Rachel.
I was hanging around the university campus one afternoon. There were a lot of people around and I guessed there was some kind of conference or event as coach loads of people were coming and going. It was too busy to stop anybody for a photo so I ventured into a side street when I spotted Rachel sitting on the wall.
Reading back her story has made me realise how relevant and topical it is to our situation in lockdown at the moment. I have suffered by staying indoors too much and not venturing out (something I am looking to change starting tomorrow!). A lot of people come through their dark phases but some don't. We must remember to be kind to everyone.
...
This picture is #064 in my third 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
Hello to you all :)
this is my fifteenth stranger, her name is Dorota Proba.
She is Polish. well, this is quite lucky. firstly, i noticed her meters away in the crowd taking photographs of carnival contestant (me too, taking some shot at the same street carnival area)
secondly, i tried to take some candid of her, but the results were not so good :( , my friend said,
my friend : "c'mon, make her your stranger! (strangers project of course)"
me : "nope, i am just too shy to introduce myself to her"
and we walked away, buried my wish..
but, LUCK happened! :D
one of the street carnaval contestant stopped and posed with the spectators for photographs! she also stopped and capturing images. "this is my chance", i said to my self. me and my friend then approached her, asking her to pose together with our friends.
and last, finally i can ask her to be strangers and she agreed!! waah my heart beats so fast, my hands were trembling when i shot some frames of her, so gorgeous.
she said that se would be staying for a year in my town to study.
hope we can meet again, Dorota! :)
This picture is #15 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 #15 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at http://www.100strangers.com/
I have been focused on environmental portraiture with many of my recent stranger shots. This particular shoot with my 160th Stranger, Renee, had everything an environmental portrait photographer could ask for. Renee is a waitress in a small restaurant/diner in the town of Warren, Ohio. The counter of the diner was neat and tidy and had a classic feel. The light coming through the front window was soft and appealing. The restaurant was nearly empty, so I essentially had full access to compose virtually any environmental portrait I desired. However, I felt making a full environmental image of a waitress at work at ‘Any Diner, Any Town, USA’ was selling this opportunity short. To me, there seemed to be a deeper story in Renee’s face and eyes. Let me explain.
The city of Warren, Ohio is in the middle of America’s industrial Rust Belt. Its many antiquated factories have churned out goods for over a century. Unfortunately, Warren has been in a steady decline as America’s manufacturing has slowly evaporated. I used to visit Warren often for my business as a contractor in the steel industry. However, I have not been there lately because three years ago the large integrated steel mill located in the heart of the city (literally and figuratively) permanently went out of business. I decided to drive through on this particular day to see how the town has fared, and not surprisingly, the loss of the major employer and lifeblood has dealt a crushing blow. Even though it was a glorious warm and sunny autumn afternoon, the entire town and its residents seemed devoid of color and life. Downtown was sad, run down, and unwelcoming. I had planned to have lunch at a diner I used to frequent in days past, but once I arrived I discovered that the diner was closed and boarded up. I decided to explore the desolate streets until eventually I came upon the Saratoga Restaurant, the only open dining establishment I found in downtown. I went in to lunch.
I like getting stranger portraits as a memento of locations that make an impression on me, and my return to Warren was certainly one of those occasions. As previously mentioned, the inside of the restaurant offered ideal lighting, and so that motivated me to find a stranger within the mostly empty dining room. I was drawn to my waitress Renee because although she was friendly, I sensed a weariness in her spirit much like the atmosphere of the town. Even before she agreed to the portrait, I began composing the shot in my mind. Although I made the decision to forgo an all-encompassing wide angle shot, I still consciously desired to add some environment context by including the glassware racks in the background. I positioned Renee for the shot, but I did not coach her at all with respect to expression. She simply offered me this subdued smile, and I thought it was perfect.
For myself, one of the most appealing factors of street/stranger portraiture is the photojournalistic opportunities it offers. I enjoy the challenge of telling a story through images, and it was in this spirit that I approached this portrait. That said, I am a little torn on the photo journal effectiveness of this portrait. I say that because I obviously felt it necessary to tie Renee’s story to the plight of an entire city. The question in my mind is; have I achieved my goal of capturing a small slice of the soul of this down & out town through Renee’s eyes, or have I created a story where there simply might not be one? Maybe it’s a little of both (I can’t help thinking of how the nightly news reports its stories). I’ve even considered returning to Warren to do a full series of images as a record of the town’s demise, but for now I guess I’ll just settle for being pleased with the decisions I made and the end results of this portrait.
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.
Mia has a booth at a local farmers market where she sells lovely fashionable crafts under her brand, Bianca and Jean. She saw my camera and started talking to me--it turns out Mia is a professional photographer! She does great work. We had a nice talk and now follow each other on IG.
This is the 53rd photo of my 100 strangers project.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
"Was it the hat?"
"Yes, and you looked cheerful"
"My children may not agree with that"
Tim's children all laughed!
I had noticed Tim earlier, organising two boys and a younger girl for a photograph together and at the time I had been tempted to offer my services to take a photo of all four of them together but I was a little too far away and ended up meeting Erwin, my stranger 290, instead.
After Erwin had gone, I found myself near Tim and his family again. They were debating whether to stay a bit longer or to go down for some lunch. Rather than miss my opportunity, I approached Tim and asked if I might take his photo. He seemed quite amused by the idea of a project, taking photos of strangers but agreed to take part nevertheless.
He told me that he had been to the Tor before but for his sons and daughter, it was the first time. They were all enjoying the air. Even though they were hungry, they were not in a rush to go down. After taking a few shots of Tim, the others gathered in and I took a couple of group shots.
Thank you Tim for agreeing to be in my project. It was good to meet you today.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
I was at the Christmas Ice Rink at the Brighton Pavilion with a photography group that I have just joined, when Reuben asked if one of us could take a photo of him with his girlfriend Amy. They were really cute and I decided that I should switch to 'Stranger mode'. I took a couple of goes with his phone - I hope they liked those because I confess I found it too small to tell if it was focussed, exposed enough etc. but I told them about 100 Strangers and they agreed to take part. Thank you both. Please feel free to download if you like.
This is stranger #030 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 #1 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 encountered Ricci in a small store in Reykjavík where a friend stopped by to buy an energy drink. I started speaking English to him but soon realised we could talk in Greek - him being half-Greek and half-Italian. He was friendly and cheerful in our short interaction. I asked if he could pose for a project and he was willing to.
I'm always interested seeing people in their daily lives - so I wanted to capture as much as possible of the store, for that is the context. Luckily I had a wide-angle lens with me. This is the first photo in the series of 100 strangers.
Not long after meeting Julzz in Centre Place, I was drawn towards a lonely figure sitting at a table enjoying a coffee and a smoke close to the front door of the café. Initially it was Zeke’s long dreds (which you can’t see in my shot) that made me stop and talk with him.
Whilst going through the blurb I sensed a big fat rejection coming as he was pretty much un-moved by my request and the project. But, I do like a challenge and his ambivalence made me try even harder to win him over. Luckily for me within a minute or two he casually said “Yeah OK, why not?”
As with the previous stranger, the light was not ideal and was coming straight down creating shadows under his eyes and nose in an unflattering way. So, in an effort to reduce this unwanted effect I knelt right down on my haunches to get an “up and under” shot. The only problem with that was my position was right in front of the door way to the café. This meant that customers coming in and out of the café were bumping into me which made me lose my balance on a couple of occasions.
Now I know what you’re thinking because I was thinking it too….what a dumb place to shoot someone, but, I really didn’t want to ask Zeke to move just in case he changed his mind plus I really liked his position at the table so I made the best of the situation.
Zeke is a former actor and now wants to work on the other side of the camera but finding work in a competitive industry isn’t easy. Also, his is creative with leather goods and makes all sorts of items including the leather wrist strap he was wearing that day.
He struck me as a nice guy who was a little reserved but I felt we connected even for just a minute or two.
Thanks for being part of the 100 Strangers Project.
This picture is #143 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
romain 23 ans, métier boulanger avec un son look punk, un mec super sympa il adore l'artisanat, et compte monter ça propre boulangerie et faire une formation de pâtissier par la suite. je lui enverrai sa photo ce dimanche. il adoré mon projet de portrait de rue.
Roman 23, a professional baker with his punk look in Lyon, a super nice guy he loves crafts, and he want to create her boulangerie and to learn next the patisserie, he love my projet stangers, i will send him my shoot sunday.
I met Stranger #10 at one of the sweetest places in town, a chocolate shoppe. Lana, the shoppe owner loves to make chocolates, but she does NOT love having her picture taken! I think she agreed to participate in my stranger challenge only to be polite.
On this casual night out, my husband and I enjoyed talking to Lana about her business, and how her affinity for making chocolates had grown and blossomed over the last 12 years from a hobby to sales among friends to a storefront. She shared how the chocolates were made, which selections were her favorite and which ones were most difficult to create. While she did not avoid any of our questions, she did avoid looking at the camera.
Although still a novice at photographing people, I understand the importance of a conversation to make your subject feel at ease in front of the lens. In fact, it's the conversations with those 'friends that I haven't met yet' that I enjoy the most with this challenge. Unfortunately, this approach was not enough to overcome Lana's aversion to being photographed. This experience has left me wondering how to alter my approach and my ideal for a 'perfect portrait' based on the uniqueness of each stranger. When sorting through the images that I did take, I found that I had captured several honest expressions that make me wish I had focused on them instead of that traditional 'perfect portrait'. Her eyes revealed a keen interest in a conversation with new friends, her superb smile revealed a fun loving person, and even her stern expression when she'd had enough of the camera showed her willingness to hold her ground. While the picture I'm sharing was not the photo I had wanted to take, I hope you can see Lana's warmth in the image. I'll take this lesson with me as I approach the myriad of personalities in my next 90 strangers. I'll also carry the memory of the dark chocolate sea salt caramels and the coconut drops that I sampled. They were as lovely as their maker.
This photo is included in the group 100 strangers:
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/pool/
This photo is included in the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit:
It's been a while since I last took a stranger portrait in the UK and I knew the longer I took the harder it would become. I have had an idea of the style of portrait that I wanted to take and with that in mind I went for a walk near my home.
It was a sunny warm evening, perfect for the backlit portrait I had in mind. However, I saw no potential strangers that fitted my vision and so I came back empty handed (I did take a picture of a couple who got engaged but apart from that -nothing, nada, zilch!!)
Anyway, this was enough to get my juices going and tonight I went out again, the light wasn't right for what I had in mind but I was keen to get a portrait anyway.
I saw Chris and Sophie sitting there and thought they had a great style. I wanted to take a portrait but walked past them. I kicked myself metaphorically in the head and went back to them and luckily they agreed.
It turns out that Chris is a filmaker and makes arty films. He said he will send me a link to his work and I am looking forward to seeing it. He also lives locally and used to also work at the local Greek restuarant. He is is originally from Cyprus.
For this portrait, i wanted to give a sense space in the portrait and therefore shot a little wider than I would normally and cropped in post for my taste.
Thank you so much for being a part of my project Chris. 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
As always any critique welcome.
When I gave Claudia my card, she said “what beautiful photos!” We chatted for a few minutes, sitting in St Michael’s tower, before I picked up my camera.
Claudia enjoys travelling. Today she was saying goodbye to Glastonbury. She is returning to Spain to spend Christmas with her family, before going to live in California. Claudia has been living in the UK for 18 months and said that she will really miss it.
Her original plan had been to live in Edinburgh but a friend in Glastonbury, suggested that she come here instead. She loves how green it is and the powerful magic in Glastonbury. She has experienced plenty of highs and some lows. As Claudia told me this she illustrated this by holding her hand high above her head and lowering it to knee level.
Claudia has been working in social care and has a social working job waiting for her in USA. She told me that she will be going to a small town in California, “like Glastonbury or Totnes”.
It was a bright Winter’s day and even though late morning the sun was still quite low in the sky. I suggested that I take a photo or two inside the tower before going outside to take a few more. Claudia was happy with this.
When we had finished making portraits, Claudia told me that I should “Keep doing it”. I asked Claudia if she meant that I should keep on meeting and photographing people. She agreed enthusiastically.
Claudia told me that she was glad that we had met. She had been feeling emotional at the thought of leaving Glastonbury. She said that I had given her a bigger smile. She was pleased that I had come up the Tor today and asked if I might take her photograph. It had been a week since I had last been up Glastonbury Tor and I was pleased that we met too.
Thank you Claudia for agreeing to be part of my project. I hope that you have a great time with your family. Best wishes too as you continue your adventure in California.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
I met Ciro near Ripley's Aquarium of Canada located adjacent to Toronto's CN Tower. He was attending a conference and had just visited the aquarium. He agreed to participate in my strangers project and insisted I take a picture with the souvenir stuff toy he had just purchased as a gift for his daughter.
Ciro is 37 years old and is a Medical Doctor. He was born in the Pasco Region of Peru and now lives and works in Columbia (South America) treating children diagnosed with cancer. His specialty is Pediatric hematology and oncology, and bone marrow transplants. Ciro studied and received his medical degree at the Universidad Nacional Del Centro in Peru. He also received training in pediatric bone marrow transplant at the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver, Colorado.
Ciro was in Toronto for a week and attending the 46th Congress of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology. It was his first time visiting Canada and he especially enjoyed visiting the CN Tower.
This picture is #86 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 you someone as stylish as Millie you just have to ask her for a portrait. It seems like I am not the first since apparently she has asked about 5 times in the last 2 months. Millie was awesome though and very kindly agreed to a portrait.
This is part of one of the concepts that I wanted to take forward into the second round of portraits. To embrace more of the journalistic side but to keep it interesting I wanted to start a question chain. The principle is that my current stranger will ask the question that I need to ask the next. As this was the first I started of with a question.
I originally had a whole lot of questions that I had created to start of with some lighthearted and some deeper. I went for something in between on this one and asked her what is the best thing that as ever happened to her.
She was very quick to answer that it was meeting her partner some 8 years ago. I asked what what she loved about him and she mentioned that not only is he really intelligent and very good looking (in fact she said that he is better looking than her) but also very humble.
It was great to see that she has found someone amazing. Millie herself was just on her way to get her eyebrows done and is not working currently. She use to work for Habitat (a furniture/homeware company) and what she loved about working their was sourcing new products/materials. She lives near Pimlico which apparently is an awesome place to do that.
I asked her what question she would like me to ask my next stranger. Firstly I she said to ask whether the often get stopped and asked for pictures. This was when I found that she had been asked for pictures a few times before. She was surprised that she was asked so many times as she says she is shy person and get called tennis ball head by her siblings (she is the eldest of 5). I said I wasn't surprised because she is very stylish ans she attributed this to her parents.
The question was going to be hit or miss and didn't really give an option for me to delve further so I asked her for another question.
So my question for the next stranger is going to be:
"Tell me about the best thing that has happened so far today"
In terms of the picture itself there were a few things I struggled with on this. Firstly exposure was difficult due to the extremes of the white wall against her skin tone. I was spot metering on her skin and underexposing slightly but this was making it too dark and so I went the other way. I figured that as long as I wasn't clipping highlights I would be ok.
I also wish that I went for a slightly narrower depth of field although its by no means a deal breaker.
Finally the light was tricky because it was very sunny. I got her into shade but I wanted to get some directional light by using the reflector. Although I kind of got what I wanted, I had to tweak it in post.
Thank you Millie 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.
I met Caroline in a charity shop in Poole, Dorset. She told me her daughter was interested in photography and I was shocked to find her eldest daughter is 19. I didn't think she looked much older herself. Caroline moved to Poole 16 years ago and has worked as the manager at the charity shop for 5 years. Caroline was happy to take part in the stranger project.
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 took a candid of Corinna while she was taking a picture of her daughter. Her mum spotted me after I took it and they were curious as to why I was taking pictures of strangers. I told her that I liked her bright hair and that's what I do. Then I asked if I could take another shot of her without the surprised look. I told her it was for a 100 strangers project and I would send her copies by e-mail.
This picture is # 26 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
Explore #99 Feb 16 2012"
I met Lucy at the multicultural event in Prince Rupert, B.C. Lucy is exceedingly animated and quite funny and cheerful. Lucy is from China and is now living in Prince Rupert with her family.
See more 'strangers' in my 100 Strangers Album
Lucy is #11 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
Lucy is also my 12th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more of humanity and its stories visit www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/
Some friends and I had lunch at a restaurant that served Indonesian cuisine. We arrived early so I looked around the place admiring the Indonesian-themed architecture. It was a house converted into a restaurant. Most of the waitresses were busy at serving. That's when I noticed this lady at the bar counter. I asked if I could take her picture and showed her some portraits I've taken for this project and she agreed.
MJ doubles as cashier and bar attendant. It was a bit dark in her corner so I asked her to come closer to the end of the bar. I had to wait a bit as she was preparing some drinks to be served. Her attire was very colorful but I stuck to my style of shooting in black and white.
Thanks for the shoot MJ. I hope to come back again and eat delicious Indonesian food.
This picture is #45 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Shanna happily agreed to be part of my project, to photograph people that I don't know. She works as a health care assistant, in psychiatric care.
Shanna has just completed and access course and will be going to university, to study nursing, in September. The access course was pretty intense and hard work. I wondered if it would put her in good stead for her further studies. Shanna agreed. Others that had done the access course felt a step ahead, from those beginning the degree course, who had gone straight from A levels. She had already worked on the ward and her studies had been directly related to the work.
Steff, my stranger 400, had told me that Shanna had posed for photos before but I forgot to ask Shanna about the circumstances. Shanna was certainly very composed as we made portraits together.
Thank you Shanna for being part of my project. It was good to meet you. Best wishes for your studies and career.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
We were visiting the Holburne Museum in Bath when this chap caught my eye. Alec is a volunteer at the museum and was (thankfully) more than happy to be my first victim in the series!
This picture is #1 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
"To find myself and fall in love with myself" that is the mission that Mel has set herself, for her visit to Glastonbury. It had never occurred to Mel, to visit this town but recently 3 different people suggested it.
I saw Mel sitting quietly at the top of Glastonbury Tor. She looked in my direction, I waved and said hello. When I heard her friendly greeting, I wondered if perhaps I had met her while engaging in my strangers project. As I approached, her face was not one that I recognised and I asked if it would be OK to take her photograph.
Mel had come from Guernsey. I knew it as a channel island in the English channel. Mel told me that the weather is more like that of France. The maximum speed limits on the roads are 35 miles per hour. The roads are very narrow, often single track, so drivers become very adept at reversing (to the next passing place). It is a lovely place with woods and beaches. The smaller neighbouring island of Sark is a place that Mel loves to visit. No cars allowed there. People use horse and cart.
Finance is big in Guernsey and on leaving school, Mel fell into a job in this industry. Realising that she was more suited to working with people, Mel switched to working in recruitment. It is not her dream job. Mel would like to make deeper connections with people. She also hopes to work with animals in some way that will help people. She loves animal life and can spend hours watching.
Mel plans to go horse riding in the Mendip hills and is going to Ebborland Gorge. She told me that she hasn't been riding for a long time. She said that she hadn't had any training but when she went to Majorca and was asked whether she was a beginner or advanced, she said "Advanced" because she wanted to gallop. I thought she was going to tell me about some accident that she had as a result but she said that it worked out fine.
I think that Mel told me that she was sporty in school but we didn't get in to what kind of sports she did. These days she enjoys yoga. She used to play flute and sax. The flute to a high level. I asked if Mel sang too. In the shower or bath, she said. She told me that she had sung in company recently, at the Ashram in Glastonbury. She had also enjoyed dancing there.
I told Mel that I had been initially drawn to her because of the colourful blanket that she was wearing. She said that was interesting. She had only just bought it. Mel does not generally wear bright colours but friends had been encouraging her to do so. She had been looking at a brown blanket but a stranger had suggested that she should buy the orange one! We speculated that I might not have approached her, had she bought the plainer blanket instead [I would probably have asked Mel anyway].
Mel was interested to hear of others that I had met while doing my project and said that she looked forward to having a look at it when she returns home. She told me of a friend (I think) who loves photographing eagles. Mel seemed at ease being photographed and I told her. She said that my confidence had made it easy for her.
While we had been talking, Mel was shielding her eyes against the sun – she had been sitting facing the sun. I decided to try a couple shots with her posed like this before suggesting that we move out of the direct sunlight. Mel said that she wasn't in a rush to get anywhere. She was happy for me to make portraits in the shade of St Michael's tower. I preferred these later shots. In the earlier ones the top of Mel's hand was very bright, compared to her face, which it shaded.
Thank you Mel for sharing time with me today. It was good to meet you. Best wishes for the rest of your time here and when you return to Guernsey.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
This is a shot that I took of Narumi before I asked her to remove her sunglasses. I had just asked her if it would be OK to take her photo as part of my 100+ strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is Dave.
I saw Dave enjoying a brief moment of sunshine at this year's Green Man Festival and with the big wheel in the background, I knew I wanted to take his photo. After hesitating (it's not getting much easier to approach people) I plucked up the courage and walked over and explained a little about the 100 Strangers project. Dave was very happy to have his photo taken and we chatted about this and that for a little while.
An interesting fact about Dave? His favourite film is The Wanderers – it's set against New York's gangland subculture with a 1950's Rock n' Roll soundtrack. Dave loves it and has 'probably seen it over two hundred times'.
This picture is #31 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 at the Green Man Festival, Wales, on 19/08/2012
I think I don’t need to explain why I approached Emy... I love her hair and her earrings. And I’m really satisfied by her expression.
Emy is out of work, and lives almost in the street. She sleeps in a friend's home. She passed a degree in personal assistance, but she did not find any job. I did not ask why. Now she strolls in the region, trying to find anything to earn money.
Good luck and thank you for the photo Emy !
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Meet Juila. Juila is studying Universal Studies at Solano Community College. Juila is on a waiting list to attend the Nursing Program at SCC. After graduating from SCC with her ASN she would like to work for North Bay Hospital in Solano County. An interesting fact about Juila is she's is very musically inclind, she enjoys singing and playing her guitar.
Thank you Juila for taking part in my 100 Stranger Project.
This picture is #092 in my 100 Strangers Project. You can follow my progress in this project at Portraits by David 100 Strangers Project or Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group
Meet Curly, my first stranger and part of the 100 Strangers Project.
I met Curly in Montreal while doing street photography in the downtown area, accompanied by my daughter. We were at the end of our photo walk when this man approached us and asked me if I could help him out. I said yes and gave him a 2 dollar coin. I then asked him if I could take his picture. He said: "You like my curlies?", while pointing at his hair. He then posed for me and I took 4 quick shots.
After I took his picture he asked me, if it was not too much to ask, could he have another 2 dollars. I told him I would check my pockets, but before I even looked he said: "I know you have another 2 dollar coin, I saw it when you gave me the first coin and besides, you did take 4 shots!" He had me there, but I didn't mind since I had my first stranger portrait and it only cost me 4 bucks.
Although he looks rather sad in this pose, he was a lively and happy go lucky guy before and after I took his picture.
This picture is #1 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
Explored August 25, 2012 #188.
Russell was hanging with his friend the valley when I approached him. Although he was a little shy, he was happy to help me out with the project. Russell is from Zimbabwe and told me he was grateful to be in Australia and thought it was a wonderful country. Glad to have you here Russell!
This picture is #14 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page