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Stranger #66 – Kamila – I approached her in the centre of Wrocław, Poland, because her extraordinarily long curly red hair caught my attention. I asked for a photo after explaining the project and she quickly agreed but added that we have to go a bit further because her friends were waiting for her. So we walked fifty meters or so in her initial direction. Maybe the light wasn’t perfect that day, but it was decent enough. The most surprising moment was when she introduced me to her friends and they also agreed to have their portraits taken! That meant I was able to shoot three strangers during one 10-minute encounter. To put it simply - wow! They showed a lot of enthusiasm, which was also pretty uplifting ;) Of course, I took Kamila’s portrait first, then her friends’. The rest will be uploaded soon as strangers #67 and #68. It was a very nice and completely unexpected encounter. I hope you like the result as much as I do :)
This picture is #66 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 #11 in my second 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
See my first set here: Bomvu's 100 Strangers"
I was walking along Euston Road when I spotted Kimaathi standing in a door way smoking a roll up and looking at his iPad. I walked past, thought about it, and doubled back to ask for a picture. He said it would cost 50 quid for a picture, laughed and then dropped his price to 0. I took a few full length pictures to get what I had originally seen but I prefer the mood of this one.
Kimaathi is a real character. He's an 'editor' which, on further discussion, means he makes video's. I mentioned that he's probably no stranger to Flickr then to which he replied that yes, he knows Flickr. It provides him with an endless supply of free stills for his video clips. Naughty man!
I had originally intended to have this picture in colour as I liked the purple pinstripes in his suite jacket but the B&W just looked too good.
Thanks Kimaathi, hope you like your picture. It was a hoot meeting you!
This young lady was standing one afternoon with a pack of flyers next to the place where she works, doing some promotion. The business: a tattoo parlor, you'd never have guessed it, right? ;-)
Her name was Tatiana and her look was totally atypical, from neck to hair, though she dressed all in black, and that also made an interesting contrast. I approached her and explained that I wanted to take a portrait, but she paid no further attention to the reasons or the project. Apparently it is common for her to attract photographers and curious people, so apparently I was "another one" and didn't mind at all to give me a moment of her time.
She was very kind, nonetheless, and seemed to have experience at posing in front of a camera, so that made things easier for both of us.
Thanks for your time, Tatiana!
This was my first attempt of shooting a stranger with the Canon 50mm f1.8 II lens. I've discovered it is not the most reliable lens in terms of focusing (or at least not my unit, in my body), and that is totally unforgiving when used with a shutter speed of under 1/100th of a second, but can deliver rather pleasing results when properly tamed. Fingers crossed, so far.
This picture is #33 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.
This picture is the last one from my stranger hunt on Monday and at the same square as #34. As it got darker and darker, I was tempted to give up, even more because I already had my 4 strangers. But Katharina caught my eye sitting next to a column and talking on the phone. When she was done, I walked over and told her the usual about the project.
One thing I really don't get, is why pretty girls tend to say that they were unphotogenic more often than anyone else. She talked about that a face would be more beautiful or photogenic if the two sides were more symmetrical. I had to agree to this, because I saw something like it on tv as well. Anyway, I didn't and still don't see anything unsymmetrical here :) So, Katharina, please forget the word "unphotogenic" for the future.
Katharina was waiting for a friend and just had her first motor scooter ride which was still thrilling her. It was a real nice encounter and I hope you like the image! Please contact me if you want the full file!
This picture is #35 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 :)
- May I take a shoot?
- For what?
- It's for a project of strangers...
- Ok, you can;
- Ok, please just look into the camera and don't smile!
- Yes, I don't have any reason for smiling at the moment...
and then I took the shoot.
Thank you stranger #002 and hope you will find soon a reason for smiling!
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the page www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Walking down the path at Glastonbury Tor, I passed a girl with the most gorgeous red hair. “Too young, :-( ” I thought to myself; guessing her age to be anything between 12 and 16. For my strangers project, I have a minimum age limit of 18.
As I continued down the path, I felt a little disappointed. I turned and looked back up the hill, to see her and another young woman. They standing in the distance looking at the view, perhaps catching their breath.
I stood for a few moments, at a point perhaps a third of the way down the hill, then I decided to go back up. There was always the small chance that she could be 18 and if not I would get a bit of extra exercise.
They were sitting on the far side of the summit and I walked around so that they could see me approach.
“Excuse me, would it be OK to take your photo. I am doing a project to photograph people that I don’t know. You need to be at least 18?” I said hopefully.
“Yes”, she replied. “Yes?” I asked.
“I’m 19.” she said. “And you would like to take part?” I asked. “Yes” she said, returning my smile.
Georgia and her sister, Maddie, had come for the Glastonbury Extravaganza, which takes place this evening. They, like me, would be going to see Paloma Faith in concert.
The sisters laughed about Georgia’s youthful looks; Maddie told me that it is common, for people to think that Georgia is younger than she really is.
I asked if, when I had finished photographing Georgia, they would like a picture together. They thanked me and agreed enthusiastically.
Georgia works in a pub, I think. Or perhaps a bar. She is also an actress and has been touring in a production of “Fegin?” She likes singing, dancing and acting. Maddie said that she is really talented. “Aww, thanks”, said Georgia. “I’m your sister, I have to say that” said Maddie, kind of winking with her voice. I could tell that Maddie was genuine in her praise.
When it came time to photograph the siblings, they were happy to pose for me but as I clicked away, it seemed as though Maddie found it a bit odd. “It’s easy for you, your used to it”, she said. I imagined that she was talking about me, as I have been regularly photographing strangers for over 5 years. However, it was Georgia, that she meant.
After photographing the sisters, I asked if they would be OK to have a photo or two in the tower. The light is generally good in there. Maddie, said “you go”. Maddie stayed sitting, while Georgia and I went the short distance to Saint Michael’s Tower.
I asked Georgia if she was stopped a lot for photos. She said that she was pleased that I had approached her as she could do with a few head shots.
We rejoined Maddie. As I sat back, they were both concerned about where I was putting my arm. I wondered if perhaps there was a bee or wasp but I had just narrowly missed some sheep’s poo. I said that a bee would have been worse.
Before we parted, I asked whether there was a website for Fegin?, that Georgia would like me to link to. She gave me the URL for the production company Kickinthehead.co.uk. I had a look when I got home and saw that Georgia has the part of Nancy!
Thank you Georgia for being part of my project. It was great to meet you and Maddie today. Best wishes for your singing, dancing and acting.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Today I attended a gallery exhibition of Annie Leibovitz photographs. Viewing the images of one of the world’s foremost portrait photographers I knew I had to have my camera at my side in case a bit of inspiration struck.
I noticed Curtis as we were first entering the gallery and I thought he would be a very good model. He was pushing his stroller into the exhibit as we were hanging up our jackets at the coat check. The exhibit was large spanning over several floors and I did not see him again. As it turned out, I did I not approach any other strangers as I was thoroughly focused on and enjoying the exhibit.
As we were getting ready to leave I saw him sitting in an adjacent cafeteria feeding his infant daughter. My first inclination was not to bother him and maybe wait around to get a traditional head and shoulders portrait after he was done. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks….”Paco…you just experienced one of the greatest photographers of all time and now your standing here with your hands in your pocket with a beautiful shot right in front of you. Get in there and make it happen!”
I approached Curtis and introduced myself. He was a very nice guy and he even offered to lay his daughter down to pose. I told him that he and his daughter were just perfect as they were. Here is the result.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
I noticed this cool looking guy wearing a hat and blue suede jacket walking towards us as we headed down Crown street. I made my approach and stopped him and his 2 friends to quickly explain the project. Luckily for me he agreed without a problem.
Jules is a local and works in retail. Next year he intends to start a new business and open a bar. Also, he will be doing a degree in business.
Looking for a light BG to contrast against his dark colours, I chose to position Jules against a white wall. I really liked his overall dress style on the day so decided on a diptych to help show this off. To me, he had a bit of a Mexican look going on.
Once I had finished with Jules it was on to shooting his friend, Arlia, my next stranger.
Thanks for being part of the 100 Strangers Project and good luck with the new business venture.
.
This picture is #190 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 was an interesting encounter. I was hanging around just chilling in London when I saw this man with a glorious moustache hanging around Somerset House. So I just had to ask....
He seemed to be gazing away into the Thames and so I approached his wife. They looked like tourists and so I approached her and asked if she spoke English, to which she said in her best American accent "A little." Anyway, I put my pitch to them and, while a little dubious, the man agreed to a shot having seen my flickr site on the phone.
I took a few shots and he saw them. He seemed satisfied with overall shot but he wanted one with him smiling. I took the shot but, to be honest, it was a snapshot smile. I therefore went for this one.
The couple did not want to offer their names but did say that they were there to see an artist friend. I asked if they had an interest in photography to which the emphatic answer was no, they don't take pictures and don't have pictures. Overall, it was quite an awkward encounter and that was partly why I was not able to get a more natural shot.
Anyway I am glad I still took the plunge to ask them and even happier that he agreed. Thank you for taking part in 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
As always any critique welcome.
Edit: just noticed the pupil of the guys right eye, and so I looked at it again - it's there in all my shots of him. I wonder what the story is behind that...
This picture is #30 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
I saw James coming out of the Tate Modern and approached him without thinking. One look at his eyes and I had to have a go!
He's a really cheerful guy and made a really good shot of him with a big smile but I like the intensity in this one.
James is also a photographer and was really interested in the 100 Strangers concept and was very complimentary of the idea.
Thanks James for your time, hope the picture is up to your standard! :-)
If you're around London, check out the latest meetup at the London Tattoo Convention. Sadly I can't make it but there will be some fab photographers there and it will be a great location.
If you like my work, please follow me on Facebook
A Stranger who is also a Flickr user.
www.flickr.com/people/saybubble/
Say is an artist, a mural painter, an illustrator.
He has just spent several months in Florida doing murals by order.
I met him on Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland where he was selling his paintings which were displayed on a fence.
Say is his artist name. He was kind and took a moment to pose for me in front of his self portrait.
I wondered whether Say has learned in an art school,but no, he hadn't. He just started to draw and paint and learned by doing it.
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/discuss/72157633469671...
Being on holiday in Wales with my wife, son and nephew, I had not planned to do any stranger photography. When I saw Jenny enter Coffee #1, I thought that she would make a fine subject.
Jenny and her friend left the coffee shop before me. I followed and stopped them, to ask if I might take a portrait. Jenny’s phone rang at that moment but it turned out to be an alarm. A reminder for something. Jenny agreed that I might take her photo for my project and her friend, who was also her colleague, said that he would pop into a nearby shop while we were busy.
Jenny confirmed that she is a local. She works at a nearby skate park. She told me that she doesn’t skate but works as a cook. The skaters and often parents of the younger skateboarders, eat at the cafe. Jenny enjoys photography, particularly wildlife. She had been hiking in California and Washington. While there she had photographed wild animals, including elk.
Jenny has not used her camera so much lately. I suggested that she might like to start a strangers project of her own.
Thank you Jenny for being part of my project. It was good to meet you.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Ok, I think I can say this is my favorite street ! Definitely ! The light is perfect. Moreover, as I approached Fanny at arround 7:30pm, there were nobody in the backgound. And I’m pretty satisfied by her expression.
Fanny is a sale woman in a famous french library chain. This day was her last working day before holidays. She will go in the south of the France to take the most of the sun. But before that, she is going to a local reggea festival.
Have nice holidays. Thank you Fanny !
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Shah is a musician and a retired gardener. He plays harmonica, percussion and vocals. When I asked if I might take his photo for my strangers project, he checked how the portrait would be used before he agreed to take part. You can see his band at www.septemberson.co.uk
I knew that there were some benches nearby, in a spot where there wouldn’t be too many passing shoppers. As we walked, Shah pointed out the beautiful leaves on a tree, that we passed. Commenting on the seasons and the wonder of the changing appearance in the things around us.
When I asked about his name, Shah told me it was a long story and didn’t elaborate. He had come to Clarks village in search of some new boots and I figured that he probably didn’t have time to tell me the story of his name.
Shah was surprised when I checked the pictures. The shutter on my GX85 is very quiet and he hadn’t heard it.
Thank you Shah for being part of my project. It was good to meet you today. Best wishes as you continue to enjoy your music.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Helen - outside, with the wind in her hair
I had seen Helen almost get blown over by the wind, as she photographed St Michael’s Tower, at the top of Glastonbury Tor. As she crouched down, I thought that she could do with someone behind her, to hold her steady by the shoulders. She managed though; she waited for the gusts to ease before taking her shot and moving on.
I was struck by how great her colourful hair looked, as it was driven by the wind. I decided to approach her and ask if I might take her photo for my strangers project.
Helen is a student of Art and English, at university in Germany. Part of her course requires her to spend time in an English speaking country. She came to Glastonbury in August and leaves in October.
Helen likes it here. There is no pressure to conform, “you can be who you are”. Where she was living before, people would say “why is your hair like that!”, wanting to know why she chooses to be different. Here people say “I love your hair!” Helen is able to be who she wants to be and is accepted.
For two weeks, Helen had been thinking of coming up the Tor but it had been windy every day. Today, she decided to go for it. I think that maybe she chose the windiest day of the summer! I was pleased that Helen had picked today because I got to meet her and make portraits with her.
I asked about her art. For her course, she covers all kinds of subject matter and works on set topics. When drawing or painting for pleasure, she tends toward fantasy.
When it came to making images of Helen, we began in the shelter of the tower, then tried a few shots outside before returning to the tower. Helen asked a young woman to keep an eye on her bags while we went outside. I asked Helen if it was her friend but the person she had asked was a stranger to her.
It was fun photographing Helen. The challenge was to find the right light without too much wind. Helen was a good sport and took my direction easily, when I indicated to come forward a bit, back a bit or to move to the left or right. I think that I might have used signals too, in case Helen had difficulty hearing me over the noise of the wind.
Helen told me that she thought the strangers project was a great idea. Perhaps she will start one of her own.
Thank you Helen for being part of my project. It was great to meet you. Best wishes with your studies.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
This is my stranger no. 4. He's called John and I met him on Northumberland Street in Newcastle today. 'Why have you got blue hair?' I asked... 'Because I like it,' he replied, 'but lots of people don't. In fact, I get quite a lot of abuse about it.'
John was hobbling along on crutches, and was obviously struggling to get from A to B - but he was bright, cheery and VERY colourful ! Thank you for being my stranger no.4!
I've had a lush day today in my local city searching for strangers. I managed to pluck up the courage to approach 3 different people. After each successful 'encounter' I rewarded myself with a bit of shopping. What a great place Newcastle is. :) :)
This picture is #4 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Ruby was working in part of Bridlington’s Treasure Island amusement arcade when I saw her. As there wasn’t anyone at her counter, I decided to go over and introduce my stranger project to her.
I asked Ruby to stand near the front of her counter so more daylight illuminated her and then all I had to do was choose my angle so that nothing too bright or colourful appeared in the background as they would become distractions.
Ruby told me she had worked in Treasure Island for a year. Ruby had taken this job to support her whilst she studied law at college. Ruby was now in the second year of her course and when this was completed, she’d go to university to continue her studies. Ruby said her ultimate goal was to become a defence lawyer.
If Ruby could change one thing in the world it would be to make everything cheaper.
Thank-you Ruby for saying yes to being photographed for my stranger project. I hope you like your portrait.
This picture is number 407 in my 100 Strangers project, yes, I’ve decided to do a fifth round. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 378th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/
22 / 100 : Tough one.
Damn, it feels like i'm really behind with my photo uploads lately.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's such a bad thing : might it even mean that I finally got over that URGE, the need of showing my work to others in every possible way hoping to get their approval? Yeah, maybe.
On the other hand, it also means that I finally got busier with jobs and commissions and so on.
So, this photo was taken over a week ago, after spending a full afternoon at my favorite spot in the city to find strangers.
Since so much time passed by, I have to admit I don't remember very well our encounter.
The only thing I clearly remember is that she was with a guy, and they both kindly agreed immediately to have their portraits taken.
Now, why did I wait this long to post it, you might ask….
As you know, I decided to follow some rules when I started this 100 Strangers project and one of them was that I couldn't post choose more than one portrait per "session".
Might seem like a stupid rule but I truly believe it helps me to constantly learn and improve how to select images, how to detach from the photos and narrow down to the very best ones (for me, at least!)
But that day, almost right after this one, I took another portrait that really left me a bit speechless… And I got in that weird funk where you can't quite decided which one to post.
Two girls, two amazingly interesting faces, two important portraits…
I got stuck. And I couldn't seem to be able to get over it until….
Well, until I went out shooting again this saturday!
And as soon as I took the NEXT stranger portrait I knew I just HAD to make a decision so I sat down and picked the one that I would like to see the most among those 100 portraits once the project is gonna be complete : this one.
Thanks, stranger!
So, tomorrow I'll post the next stranger but in the meanwhile, why don't you go and check in my Facebook Page for the extras to see if you could understand which was the other portraits I couldn't choose between?
[This picture is #22 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page ]
Camera Info: Nikon D700 | 85mm (ƒ/1.8D) @ 85mm | ƒ/2.8 | ISO 400 | 1/180 s — Camera Handheld
He is Tim, he is my 10th stranger on the project. I found this gentleman selling used designer clothes and shoes at his booth on the Lousville Flea Off Market.
Im starting to believe that this flea market is a great place for photography of strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Meet Gene James, six generations removed from the infamous Wild West outlaw Jesse James. He is pretty proud of that fact! He also told me he's related to one of only three babies who survived the Mayflower crossing.
I met him at one of the Superbowl XLIX festivities in Phoenix, Arizona today. What a fun character with a mind as sharp as a tack! He was able to carry on a conversation about anything we brought up... at the same time being soft spoken and humble. Neat man!
He and his wife live in Arizona during the winter and Wisconsin in the summer.
This photo is number 005 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
I had just half filled my water bottle from the White Spring in Glastonbury. There were a few folk sitting around. Philipp was one of them. He was strumming a guitar and was happy for me to photograph him for my strangers project.
He had just been eating and his mouth was a bit dry. He asked if he might get some water first. It was a lovely afternoon to be sitting and strumming. The morning had been quite cold but this afternoon, the sun was out and we were sheltered from the breeze.
Philipp said that I looked familiar. Being a local he has probably seen me around. We agreed that it is good to know more than the face and it was good that we could talk a bit today. I said that "we are bound to bump into each other again, now that we have met properly" or something like that.
Philipp can play piano too but he doesn't own one. I met one of his friends, Fabian, who will be my stranger 378. While I was photographing Fabian, I heard Philipp singing as he played his guitar. Philipp thanked me for complimenting his singing.
Thank you Philipp for being a willing subject today. It was good to meet you today. Hopefully we will bump into each other again.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
One of my fave portrait in the project is Mary. The bokeh'd background is really amazing and subject really stands out. I saw her first while she was sitting on a 3 layer step at the park with her pink bike but I am hesitant to approach her because she was talking on her phone. So, I took a walk to find someone else. I guess an hour or two passed by and I saw her again in the other side of the park enjoying her iced coffee. As the saying goes, I took it as a sign to ask her. She said, Why? After explaining she nodded and said its ok. She don't wanna see the photo afterwards and said she was not photogenic. I said, "It turned out great, actually." Then she was convinced to take a look and ask if I can take a photo again with her pink bike. I backed up and took several frame. Mary manage music gigs, also a bartender and student at the same time. She gladly agreed to be part of the project and wish me luck. Thank you Mary!
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
Taken as part of the 100 strangers project. No flash or reflector used and converted to B+W in Photoshop CC
i think this shall be installment numero uno of my strangers in hawaii short series... kept seeing strangers in such perfect picturesquely blissful places while i was there.
I saw her in front of a bus stop. When I asked if I can take a picture of her, she replied:
"Yes, but my bus arrives soon."
While I snapped the first picture, her bus was already coming. I had just enough time to take a second one which luckily was sharp enough to be a keeper.
Part of my Portraits of Strangers set.
Weekday near the Cathedral Square, sun getting lower, I was staring at a couple of weird metal sculptures that appear to belong to some modern art show. I turn my head and I notice I'm not the only one puzzled by their weirdness.
Meet Michaela, a young lady architect and designer from Bulgaria that had just finished her design studies in the city and was taking some time wandering before catching a place back home.
Interested by the fact I wasn't another DSLR shooter (as well as having model experience) she immediately agreed to my portrait proposal. Since she was heading the same direction I did, I had the wonderful chance of shooting in two different locations with someone that was patient enough to allow me to change M42 lenses and manual focusing them. I call that a lucky day!
While shooting and walking the Gothic quarter, Michaela told me about a project she had designed: a center for orphan kids powered almost entirely on renewable energy resources and saving up to 60% of water and electricity consumptions. I found that awesome and I felt the need to share the fact there's still some faith left in mankind.
Thanks for your time and interest, Mika, and good luck with your life and work!
Shot at f2.8 with the Pentacon Auto 135mm f/2.8, speed aprox 1/500 sec. Slightly expired Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400.
This picture was #57 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.
Also, this is portrait #3 in my Human Family film project.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the Human Family Flickr Group page.
It was market day in Glastonbury. Izzy was standing in a queue at the vegetable stall. "Excuse me, would it be alright to take your photo... I'm doing a project to take pictures of people that I don't know.... You have to be at least 18....?" Izzy smiled and said "Yes. I am 19". We chatted a bit, keeping an eye on when it would be Izzy's turn to be served.
Like me, Izzy, lives in Street. She had been on a driving lesson and was going to do some care work for a lady with MS, once she had done her bit of shopping. We walked up the high street and found a free bench where we could continue our conversation and then take the portraits. It was an overcast day, so I didn't need to worry about finding some shade for the photos.
Izzy also works at Excalibur restaurant. She likes that it is a vegetarian restaurant as she is vegetarian and has considered becoming a vegan. I imagine that Izzy enjoys working with people, doing care work and being a waitress.
Izzy is artistic. She has just finished an art foundation course after doing A levels. Her art began with painting but she has done sculpture, photography. She has recently been working with shadows formed by a laser cut geodesic sphere with intricate designs. Izzy has also done some stop motion animation.
After the summer Izzy will be going to Chelsea College of Arts where she will be studying for a degree in Interior and Spatial design. People interact with the spaces they inhabit. Izzy studied psychology alongside her art at college and this is another reason that the course is so attractive to her.
Before I started taking photos, I had noticed a lamp post behind Izzy, that I wanted to avoid getting in the photos. Izzy offered to swap places but I knew that there were some other distracting objects the other way too. I thanked Izzy but decided to go ahead and take the photos where we were sitting. The 85mm lens on my camera meant that the crops were close enough that the lamp post was not even in the frame.
Although Izzy had things to do and places to go, she was totally relaxed and didn't seem to be bothered that we were chatting for a few minutes and I hadn't started taking any photos. She seemed very comfortable when we started making the portraits too.
Thank you Izzy for agreeing to be in my project. It was good to meet you today. Best wishes for your continuing studies and work.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
I met Mitchell near the CN Tower in Toronto. He and his girlfriend Sabrina (Stranger #90) were on a date. They had just visited the aquarium and were heading toward Harbour Front for dinner. I was delighted when they both accepted to take part in my strangers project.
Mitchell is 20 years old and was born in Oakville, located in the southwestern part of the Greater Toronto Area. He is a student at Sheridan College in Oakville. He is taking courses on pyrotechnics and set rigging. After graduating he plans on going into special effects in the film industry.
In his spare time Mitchell enjoys snowboarding. He has been snowboarding for 7 years now and his favourite hill is the Glen Eden Ski Area in Milton where he has been working for the past 3 years.
This picture is #91 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 strolling around at the V&A Waterfront when these women passed by. I asked if I might take their picture; they stopped walking and the blonde made this crazy face. I snapped this shot, thanked them and they were off again.
This picture is #3 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100strangers.com/.
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
The police presence was heavy in town today, due to Queen Margrethe's 40th jubilee celebration. Lasse here told me that the white caps are only part of the uniform on special occasions. I thought he would make a good subject for a portrait, so I asked Lasse to be part of my strangers project. He didn't mind at all. Thanks!
“Are you an actress?”, I asked Stephanie, when Francesca (stranger 498) told me that her friend needed some profile photos, for her work. “Oh no, I’d like to get some work as an Extra”, Stephanie told me. “Would you like to be in my strangers project?”, I asked. I would have been happy to take some photos of Stephanie even if she didn’t want to be one of my strangers but she was happy to participate anyway.
Francesca told me that Stephanie had done wonderful work teaching German. Stephanie said “She’s always bigging me up!” Francesca said that it was true that Stephanie had been a great German teacher.
The three of us were sitting at the base of St Michael’s tower. Chatting a little, as I like to do before picking up my camera. Stephanie was interested to know about the reactions to my requests of strangers, to take their photos. She asked if more people said “yes” than “no”. This led to me talking about my project at length. I must learn to talk a little bit and then check to see whether the other person is still interested… I can go on and on. Stephanie and Francesca did seem interested in at least one of my stories.
Thank you Stephanie for being part of my project. It was great to meet you. I look forward to seeing you on TV or the big screen!
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Despite a weather forecast with rain and light thunderstorm two days in a row (there was neither...), I had the urge to go out for some more stranger interactions.
Upon seeing her walking by one of my usual spots, I instantly knew I had to ask her for a portrait. Strangely, this seems to happen fewer and fewer - I don't know if I'm getting very picky or it's because of the weather and the way people dress. Don't get me wrong, there are of course a lot of people worth photographing, but this special "pull" occurs very rarely.
Anyway, Maria didn't hesitate when I approached her. I had her walk over to the spot I wanted her in and made some shots. She was very friendly, warm and easy to talk to. Maria used to be a hairdresser but has decided to become an office employee instead.
She didn't have much time, so we shook hands and after thanking her she went on.
Thanks a lot, Maria! I hope you like your picture! I'll be happy to send you a larger copy.
This picture is #48 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
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Today was a holiday, so a lot of people were out on the streets and I was prepared with my camera. Just a couple of minutes later, I ran into this lovely bunny, named Ginny (hope I got that correctly). I quickly asked for a picture and was not declined. She was quite shy though and giggling with her two friends. How can you walk around in such a costume, but still be shy? I asked what it was for and got the answer "I'm just a bunny". Alright :)
I handed her my card and thanked her for letting me take her picture.
Hopefully, she checks by and likes it. I sure do. Her eyes are beautiful!
Thank you, Ginny, for being my third stranger! If you like to have the full resolution picture, just contact me.
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
Follow my 100 Strangers project on: My Website | Twitter | Facebook or view the whole set here on flickr. COMMENTS & FAVOURITES very much appreciated. **No sparkley banners or awards please.
After bustling my way through the crowd to find my previous stranger David, I went back into the same tiny laneway in hope of finding another. Luckily I didn't have to wait too long as James emerged and officially became #34 in the series.
One of the difficulties I've found in shooting within such a busy space in this series thus far is in finding a composition where I can knock-out any of the crowd that may be walking in the background. I really like to try and isolate my subjects in the frame but sometimes you have to deal with what you've got to work with. In this instance it wasnt the composition I was worried about but more so the lighting.
As I was within a narrow laneway, wedged between two tall buildings, all the available light was coming from directly above. Normally this would have been reasonably easy to manage, however James had quite a dark skin complexion and balancing the natural light within an already dark laneway was going to be difficult.
As I didn't have any flash to help me with this shot my first idea was to find a background which had some colour that would seperate James from the background and also provide some interesting bokeh. The first shot was done against a heavily graffitied wall and whilst I was happy with the background and interest that it created I was still feeling the image was a tad dark overall. A reflector would have been a great addition in this instance to reflect some light back up onto his face, but alas I had the one natural lightsource today and it was coming from directly above.
Now whilst I could have settled with this shot and hoped it wouldnt look too dark when I see it on screen later I decided to try another shot with a different tactic. Around the corner at the very end of the laneway was a glass-fronted building with an entrance that was brightly lit. I decided to shoot James against this backdrop and really provide some strong contrast between the foreground and background. I also hoped that the natural lighting coming from directly above would be enough to light his face.
In my mind I was always thinking black & white as the end result for this shot and I was much happier with how James was now the focal point of the portrait. I shot a few up close and also one in a portrait format (which I also really liked) before finishing up with a chat to James to find out more about himself.
James is originally from Perth in Western Australia and had just moved to Melbourne recently for work. James works in social media by day (a social media guru according to his twitter page) and was in the CBD searching for possible apartments to move into on this particular weekend. With his great style I'm sure he'll find Melbourne a wonderful place to live.
Thanks for being apart of the project James!
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This picture is #34 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100strangers.com/ or the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
A full length shot of my latest stranger. I had to stick with the B&W, although to be honest, this was my favourite. Probably planning to work up a diptych with this and a cool shot of one of the tattoos on the back of his arm. He was sporting some pretty serious ink, which this shot doesn't really show.
Let me know what you think...
Find out more about the project at www.100strangers.com
“I like to make my own gifts. I try and buy things from bric-a-brac shops and then decorate them myself. I was in the Victoria Quarter earlier and there was a guy looking at a £13k piece of jewellery. I mean, that is just obscene amounts to spend when you consider what you could do to help people with that amount of money”
It’s Thursday, so I was in early into town for another class at the Ministry of Food - this week it was soups.
Using four basic ingredients (Carrot, Celery, Onion and Garlic) we were taught how to make a soup base, and how to cut and chop them properly using professional knife techniques. I’m glad to say there were no chopped fingers or cuts. Later in the class, we added peas and fresh mint to make a pea and mint soup which was scrumptious. I donated my portion to Darren, a fellow classmate, who usually drops the food off at a local old peoples home.
Afterwards, I met up with MrJohn and we had a walk round the market as we always do. He, and I, ended up taking a bunch of street portraits as it seemed everyone was out in force today, due to Christmas no doubt.
I spotted a girl who had both a dSLR and an analogue Canon AE-1 on her, (which I’ve been after for some time now), and stopped to have a chat about what she was up to. Charlotte was a student, out also taking street portraits with the AE-1. The pictures she had previously taken had been spoilt due to a faulty loading mechanism so had to make them up for her project.
After a tasty fish & chips lunch (mushy peas mandatory), we walked round aimlessly for a bit more before heading to the Corn Exchange as MrJohn had an appointment to take a portrait of a camera shop owner who only deals with analogue cameras. MrJohn was of course going to use his brilliant Halina twin lens reflex camera. Tom, the shop owner, was not around so we did a bit more wandering and ended up in the marque in the centre of town where there was a show going on. It was deeply embarrassing and I was even asked to participate at one point but had to refuse politely, I do have some street cred :)
We headed back to the Corn Exchange later, where I spotted Tom loitering outside. Tom was infectiously happy and friendly and had a very moralistic view of Christmas, which I admired.
This picture is #010 in my second round of the 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This picture is #57 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
Rich is professional tattoo artist and painter from Albany, New York. I met him while walking through the centre of London where he readily agreed to take part in this project. I could not wish to meet a more interesting and charismatic stranger.
Instagram: richdamaru
If you are reading this Rich many thanks for letting me take your portrait. Please get in touch if you want a copy or are not happy with the result and would prefer me to remove it from Flickr.
Back in October, I was thinking that maybe I could complete my 100 Strangers project by the end of 2010. Well, based on the rate I'm going, that was pretty ambitious. And I ended up getting about 4 shots in that time frame--not 14. So anyway, I'm still plugging along with it. But it's ok. I'm enjoying the journey and capturing some fantastic strangers.
This is Yanni. He is the "beer pourer" (sorry, don't know the correct term) at an awesome brew house in Cologne, Germany. We stopped here for a beer before heading over to see the Cathedral ("Dom") in Cologne. In case you're in the area, check it out: Sion Kölsche Brauhaus
super. good. beer.
Thanks Yanni! Hopefully we'll be back to visit someday!
Visit many strangers from around the world at www.100strangers.com
and Happy New Year!
28/100 : Another day, Another Battle.
Yes, I know, kind of a weird title for a Stranger's Portrait.
But still, I think it's pretty spot on.
Because that's what I think when I wake up. And don't get me wrong, it's not a bad feeling at all : it's a new day, and it shall be filled with new challenges to overcome.
I look at my [100 Strangers] Project pretty much the same way: I don't know what I will be going to face when I get out of my house or from work with my camera and my 85mm lens and decide to spend some hours in the streets looking for faces that make my heart skip a beat.
Sometimes it's easy, you just get in the right mindframe straight away, open your eyes, and it feels like someone's literally showering with a plethora of interesting people. Some other times, it's freaking hard: you just keep on walking without finding anyone you really feel like shooting, the light seems always off and you lose occasions that you OBVIOUSLY end up thinking would have made an amazing portrait.
The great thing is that, every single time you decide to shoot portraits of strangers, you have no idea how it's going to be.
It's just another day, another battle.
And today, after 3 hours of failing and self-loathing, this guy just made me win the battle.
Thanks, Stranger.
[This picture is #28 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 400 | 1/90 s — Camera Handheld
This picture is #71 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
We were back at the same spot in Camden, at the top of the main road, just past the lock. I liked it because people leaving the crowded parts were in the main still moving slowly and there were at least 3 options with good light and backgrounds.
I spotted Bryce here walking along with a group of friends. They all had this awesome, self assured baring to them which was explained when he told me that he's a dancer. He and the rest of his group had come over from their home in France to audition for a show. I asked if he thought he'd got the part but he said that there were over 1000 taking part and that it was more for the experience. Wow, that's quite an audition, sounds like a popular TV talent show, thought I didn't think to ask. Bryce speaks excellent English and was very interested in the project. He was impressed with the quality of picture that I showed him on the back screen which was nice. I managed to coax a rather moody look out of him here which I love but in reality he's the nices, friendliest guy with a huge beaming smile.
Thanks Bryce, it was a pleasure!
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