View allAll Photos Tagged Strangers
I haven't done a stranger shot for ages. I have met plenty of strangers, but didn't get round to finding out details. I met Martin on the mud-flats of the Gower while I was looking around for a scene to photograph. He was digging for bait and had been out digging for about two hours. It was cold, but he didn't mind as the digging kept him warm. He lived nearby and went out fishing most days. I asked if he had caught any cod recently but he said it wasn't cold enough for cod yet. I showed Martin the pictures I shot and he liked them.
This picture is #153 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
Explore #188 21 Jan 2013
This was another stranger I met and photographed at Whitby Goth Weekend. I came across her near the beach huts on the sea front.
She was surrounded by a few other photographers who were all shooting away. As they came to a natural break, I jumped in and asked if I could take a few shots, and she obliged.
I think she had some modelling experience, as she began to pose and raised her binoculars. At this point I asked her to turn her eyes towards me. This is the result.
The image is pin sharp, and I love the background of the blurred clouds and sand.
I'm very pleased with this, and I think it's the best stranger photo I've taken so far.
Any constructive criticism and advice is welcome!
This picture is part of my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Stranger #29 - Paweł - a very friendly guy whom I met in Wroclaw, Poland. He was doing something on his phone when I asked for a photo. I explained the project and he quickly agreed. I took a couple of shots and then showed him where my gallery can be found.
This picture is #29 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
Robert’s work in the gas and oil industry took him to Russia nine years ago. Although working in the same field he did not meet his girlfriend, Ksenia, through his job. They live in a small city and it was through friends that they got together.
At one point my camera was struggling to focus. Today I had been using an old Minolta 35-70mm lens. When I mentioned this to Robert, he knew that Sony had taken over Minolta. His knowledge made me think that he must be a photographer but told me that it is his sister that is a photographer.
Robert told me that he used to enjoy rock climbing. Ksenia told me that he likes to watch TV. I asked Robert where in Russia they lived. He told me it takes 8 hours to fly from Moscow. Perhaps the longest internal flight.
When I had finished photographing Robert, I took some shots of the couple together. I hope that they like them.
Thank you Robert for being part of my project. It was great to meet you and Ksenia today.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
I walked around downtown for what seemed like hours, struggling to find my courage to approach a stranger. Eventually, I started seeing the same faces as I had walked a complete circle around the whole area. Sam was one of those faces, and with a stroke of courage, I was able to pull myself together. I approached her and was relieved when she greeted me back with a warm hello.
This is Sam, who happens to share the same major as me, Managerial Economics. Starting when she was only in high school, she worked for ACME as an intern and kindled her interest in business. Alongside of having an interest in management, Sam is also dancer. Hearing these things, I asked her what her future aspirations would be. She took a moment to think and responded with such a shockingly honest answer. To get married and have kids. I haven’t heard that response before, so I was a surprised at first. Then I realized that’s what most people end up doing- In my mind, I applauded Sam for having that as her dream.
So, thank you Sam, you have become stranger #88 in my on-going stranger project.
Check out more of other's stranger photos at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
On my way to the Hamburger Dom (the greatest funfair in Northern Germany) I spotted Marcella (next stranger) and Gerrit, carrying a trolley.
I walked up to them and introduced myself. I asked if they would allow me to photograph them. They both agreed and so I snapped away a few shots.
Both met a while ago on vacation in Thailand. Gerrit lives in Düsseldorf and visits Marcella here in Hamburg.
Thanks so much for being in my project Gerrit, and I hope you like the results!
So here is my stranger number 27.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
I devote a lot of myself to people who are, unfortunately, strangers. Any time I'm cooking or cleaning the house I give myself over to people like Ira Glass, David Sedaris, Jonathan Goldstein, and Jad Abumrad.
Freelensing again! I'm becoming addicted.
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
On vacation in NY we ate at a great place called Dottie Audrey's Bakery Kitchen. This is Sebastian, he was so attentive and cared so much that our family was having a good first experience here that I was sure he must be an owner. I stopped to tell him what a great lunch we had and he said he worked there. Then it hit me, yes again, I have another "Stranger Project" candidate. He agreed to be my stranger #3. Thanks for doing a great job and for letting me take your photo.
When I saw Camille, walking slowly in the street wih her big backpack, I though she was a foreigner. After hesitating, I approached her. Actually, she lives in Caen and she was going to holidays in Swiss with some friends. They will do trekkings in the mountain ! I'm sooooo envious ! I need holidays too ! Next year she will be resume her studies in sociology.
Have nice holidays. Thank you Camille !
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
We met this lovely lady on the train at Bowen Hills. She lives in Landsborough and was travelling to the Brisbane Convention Centre for a Gluten Free Food Exhibition.
We spoke for a while about the travel (especially when the trains had been cancelled on most lines in Brisbane and replaced by buses over the weekend).
It was a very pleasant conversation and she was happy for me to take her photograph.
This picture is #94 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
"Really cracking soft expression; portraying a gently enquiring mind." - Will Gortoa
don't forget to view this large on black
stranger 09, stranger 10 & stranger 11; in front of an art-museum; düsseldorf (germany), 6th of September 2012
so I don't really know where to start with this. it's been a really long day, in fact, a really long week, and more and more I feel rather exhausted; still, I want to re-create this as properly as I can. maybe I should start off saying that Ilke and I had decided to go to the museum after sitting in a café with Leonie, and as we relaxed before getting in, I noticed these three sitting not far away from us. I had actually gone to the city in the hope of seeing someone, but as I wrote on another note, I thought things would never come when you expect them to happen. So, I sat there, wondering if I should ask them or not; frankly, these stairs in front of the museum are part of one of my favorite places in the entire town and now there were them sitting right there, enjoying the day just as I did. "You'll regret it when you don't do it.", I thought simply as that and suddenly noticed they were about to leave.
The twins are twenty, she's sixteen, and they're in one grade now. And one of them, the one with the glasses, is this photographer, julian wiegand fotografie. When he gave me his name, I was a little confused because this was the least I expected to happen. First of all, with this project I feel like I'm a radar for creative people - all of the people taken a picture of so far were either creating themselves or they are related to someone who does. And now, realizing I just asked a photographer whose work I highly enjoy myself ... I felt a little amazed by fate once again. Things like this happen too often lately.
However, I'm glad I asked them. It's kind of nice to see that people turn out to be as they seem so many times lately. We talked about who they are and who we are and what there plans are and what they are doing and what we are doing ... I don't like summing it up like this, but obviously, it fits. And I liked that. This day turned out to be a lot more interesting than I'd have ever imagined.
(day eighteen)
This picture is #84 in my 100 strangers project. See my other stranger portraits at "100 Strangers Album and find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I met Steve in the centre of Glastonbury. He listened to me explain my project and said that I could take a couple of photos provided I was quick.
If you are reading this Steve 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.
Leah was pushing a small buggy. There was a small child “helping” her. When I asked Leah if I could take her photo (Leah's not the child's) she said “yes”, with the same smile as the one in the photo. How encouraged I am when I get such a positive response.
It was a bit tricky because the girl needed Leah's attention too. I suggested that I walk with them until we found somewhere to take a photo or two. They weren't going very far. The child's parents were in a nearby hotel.
I managed to have a bit of a conversation with Leah and get one shot in focus before we arrived at the hotel. Leah is just starting up her own publishing company and is looking forward to working for herself. She has recently come back from touring Europe for a couple years in a van. Mostly Southern France and Portugal, I think. Before that she was snowboarding in the Alps for 6 months.
Thank you Leah for agreeing, so readily, to be in my project. I wish you well with your new venture.
This picture is 56 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
I saw her cleaning the grounds of a buddhist temple I was visiting. I asked this lady if I could take her photograph but she didn't understand until I pointed to my camera.
Peraliya, Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka.
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
I headed back to Sparks Street on my way to meet a friend for lunch and figured I had time to meet one more stranger.
Greg is 52 years old and works as an architect for a firm on Sparks Street. He studied Architecture at Carleton University and University of Calgary. He was born in Edmonton and presently lives in Ottawa.
Greg is also a marathoner having completed the New York City Marathon in November 2013 and the Calgary Marathon in June 2014. At the time we met, Greg was training for an ultra-marathon. He recently completed his first 50 km run. Being a marathoner myself, we had a great chat about running.
In his spare time Greg loves to paint. In fact, he has been actively painting for years and at one time owned a studio art gallery. His artwork is a very important part of who he is. People can visit his website at www.manleyart.com to get a sense of his art. Greg's favourite neighbourhood in Ottawa is Hintonburg, located west of the downtown core.
This picture is #68 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 1/100 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
WoopWoop, I did it! After scanning the groups photos, tips and interviews, spending two non camera days spotting `targets´ today was the day... I was determined to shoot my first stranger. I found a shaded corner with a plain, safe background and waited - the scarf caught my eye. Lucked out - such a cool relaxed lady and quite happy to pose for me. Lots to learn - so flustered I forgot to ask her name, had no clue how to direct her and rushed the whole thing but happy to have got a few shots, Number one out of the way!
I was waiting on my usual place for someone when Marina appeared. I told her about the project and asked her if she would like to participate. She said it's a greatidea.
I took a couple of shots and after that we chatted a little bit. It turned out that she is an interior designer.
This is my #12 in my 100 Stranger Project.
You can find other photographers' work on this project at:
Donny is another stranger I met in Hastings at the weekend. He was staying there with friends but lives in London. He is part of my project to photograph 100 Strangers. www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Part 4 of my Frankfurt encounters. Here I met the two friends, Aylin and Fatma. How we met, I have already described in Aylin's story. So here is the summary of our conversation. It was a bit of a challenge because I interviewed two people at the same time. But Fatma and Aylin were very patient and it worked well.
Fatma has been living in Frankfurt for a year. Before she was at home in Dresden. There, Fatma did not feel very comfortable, because she was struggling with resentiments against her person. Here in Frankfurt, however, a different political climate prevails, which makes life much easier.
Actually Fatma is currently doing an apprenticeship in health and nursing.
How would Aylin describe Fatma? Fatma is cheerful, always in a good mood and open to new things.
Like Aylin, Fatma would do away with poverty with a magic wand. Important for Fatma is the family and the cohesion with her loved ones. If there is the theoretical possibility, Fatma would like to meet Arda Erel, an author who, in a sense, also reflects Fatma's life. In his words Fatma finds herself. Fatma's biggest dream is to become independent and to be independent. To live a life completely as she imagined it . The life motto of Fatma is, do not let yourself be bent and do not eat humble pie. The desire and advice for the whole world is: be free from racism and respect the other.
Thank you, Fatma, for taking the time to do my photo project. I wish you and all of us a world without racism and hatred and all the best to you in Frankfurt. Thank you for your support.
This is my 72nd post to the group "The Human Family". (Before 100 postings I have had in the group "100 Strangers") More photos of other photographers of the group "The Human Family" can be found here:
www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/
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Teil 4 meiner Frankfurter Begegnungen. Hier traf ich die beiden Freundinnen Aylin und Fatma. Wie wir uns trafen, habe ich bereits bei Aylin beschrieben. Daher hier die Zusammenfassung unseres Gesprächs. Es war eine gewisse Herausforderungweil ich mit zwei Personen gleichzeitig ein Interview geführt habe. Aber Fatma und Aylin waren sehr geduldig.
Fatma lebt seit einem Jahr in Frankfurt. Vorher war sie in Dresden zuhause. Dort fühlte sich Fatma nicht sehr wohl, weil sie dort mit Resantiments gegen ihre Person zu kämpfen hatte. Hier in Frankfurt herscht jedoch ein anderse politisches Klima, was das Leben sehr sehr erleichtert. Fatma macht gerade eine Ausbildung im Gesundheits-und Krankenpflegebereich. Wie würde Aylin Fatma beschreiben? Fatma ist lebenslustig, immer gut gelaunt und offen für Neues.
Genau wie Aylin würde Fatma mit einem Zauberstab die Armut abschaffen. Wichtig im Leben ist für Fatma die Familie und der Zusammenhalt mit ihren Lieben. Treffen würdr Fatma gerne einmal Arda Erel, ein Autor, der in gewisser Weise auch Fatmas Leben widerspiegelt. In seinen Texten findet sich Fatma wieder. Fatmas größter Traum ist, selbstständig zu werden und einmal unabhängig zu sein. Ein Leben zu führen, komplett so wie es ihr vorschwebt. Das Lebensmotto von Fatma ist, lass dich nicht verbiegen und krieche nicht zu Kreuze. Der Wunsch und der Ratschlag für die ganze Welt ist: seid frei von Rassismus und respektiert den anderen.
Danke, Fatma , dass du dir die Zeit genommen hast für mein Fotoprojekt. Ich wünsche dir und uns allen eine Welt ohne Rassismus und Hass und alles Gute in Frankfurt. Danke für deine Ünterstützung.
Dies ist mein 72. Beitrag zu der Gruppe "The Human Family". (Vorher hatte ich bereits 100 interessante Begegnungen, im Zusammenhang mit meinem Projekt und der Gruppe "100 Strangers") Mehr Fotos von anderen Fotografen der Gruppe findest Du hier:
The real world house along with Hoppers police truck.
Lego Netflix Stranger Things Upside Down set 75810
Katie said “Hello again” when I approached her. I had forgotten that we had exchanged a “good morning” as I had passed her stall earlier. As I greeted her again, she gave me a cherry and a strawberry.
I asked if it would be alright to take her photo and explained my project. Taking my card, she agreed. I offered my hand and said “Andrew”, she shook it and said “Katie”.
Katie made two or three sales in the short time that I was with her – cherries and strawberries. I was concerned that I might be in the way but she said that people would let her know when they wanted something.
At the moment Katie's favourite activity is to go out with her mates. She had been to Glastonbury Festival but did not have a good time. She enjoyed some of the smaller events that she had been too: like Secret Garden and Wilderness Festival.
When I asked if she had gone to the local college and school, she told me that she had moved here from Yorkshire about 4 years ago. I had lived in Leeds, West Yorkshire for 3 years and asked how Katie finds it living here now. Katie said that she like it here “it is flat”, “Yorkshire was colder”. I agreed, the reason I had moved south from Yorkshire to London was because there had been a cold winter when I was there. I wonder why Katie thought that living somewhere “flat” was good – I regretted not asking her.
Katie asked me “what would you like me to do”, as I took a photo. “Just what you are doing, you look fine” I replied.. or something like that. I took 4 shots as Katie smiled then I asked if I could take a couple with her mouth closed. I turned the camera to portrait orientation for these last 2 photos – to get her hair and hat in the picures.
Thank you Katie for agreeing to be in my project. It was good to meet you today.
This picture is stranger 210 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 been away for a while due to Christmas and then going to India/Singapore to visit family. The camera was never far away though and I found time to get in a few stranger shots while I was out there.
Tapan Kaur is my 59th stranger and makes the idols that you see in many of Indian religious festivals. I saw his "studio" as I was walking around in my mum's village with my "uncles" grandson. I ventured into the place and he told me about how he goes about making the idols, firstly out of straw and then mud. The idols that he was working on was for the next big festival which was Saraswati puja and each set takes about 5 days to make.
I decided to go with the tryptich in this case as I felt that it would more fully tell the story rather than the straight up headshot.
I actually got quite a few portraits from this village but most of them will only be semi strangers or people I know from my many visits there. I will put them up in a separate album later once I have shifted through the pics.
Tapan however was a true stranger and a really nice guy to chat with. Thank you very much 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
As always any critique welcome
Stranger #26 - Marlena - a very friendly person whom I met while she was walking through the centre of Wroclaw, Poland. When I asked her for a photo she was extremely surprised, more so than usually people are when I take portraits for the project. As you can see, she agreed to pose after I explained in detail what's going on :)
This picture is #26 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 #45 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
Heather was quietly enjoying a smoke, listening to music when I came over and asked her if I might grab a quick portrait. She was sitting in a door way right next to a grey painted wall. I saw her, saw the wall and knew I had to have a go. Thankfully she was happy to play and we tried a couple of shots. I'm kicking myself a bit as I have one I prefer but I committed a schoolboy error and there's motion blur in the shot. This one is not perfect, but it's not nearly as bad. It reminds me (again) that I need to stop using aperture priority and go to full manual. It's a bit of a mental block when interacting with strangers.
But I still love this one, Heather's beautiful red hair contrasts so well with the grey background and she was really lovely to work with. She's Swedish and works at a shop near by. Thanks Heather for giving up some of your break time for me.
If you like my work, please take a look at my Facebook page.
I had in mind to ask Ken if he would be part of my strangers project. Generally I approach someone and begin with “Would it be alright to take your photo?” With Ken however, he started the conversation with a "Good morning, bit hazy this morning isnt it?"
We had been together for a while, before I mentioned my project, of photographing strangers. He was willing to be photographed and we continued to chat for a while before making the portraits.
Ken is a local but he had not been up Glastonbury Tor for some time. He told me that he hadn’t been up since he had a heart operation and part of a lung removed. Ken and his wife had the Tor as part of their training territories when they were both keen long distance walkers
Admiring the view he commented how underrated it is. He said that many locals have never been up here and many making holidays in the South West of England will disregard Somerset altogether, bypassing it on their way to Devon or Cornwall. Ken said that he was “Jolly glad to be here”.
Ken is very fond, proud even, of the west country and Somerset in particular. He spoke highly of the countryside behind Westernzoyland. The battle of Sedgemoor took place there and it has a “different feel”. He mentioned the feel of the place a couple times; he had walked there with his wife. I must investigate it myself.
Thank you, Ken, for being part of my project. It was great to meet you.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
I noticed Mitch as he exited the doorway of a well-known restaurant. He had a rather worried & pre-occupied look on his face as he stared down the road at a group of people who were, believe it or not, in the middle of a model photo shoot. I stood there watching Mitch walk slowly but intentionally towards them and wondered why he was so interested. Then he stopped and walked back towards me and that’s when I made the approach.
He quickly agreed to be part of the project and so I asked what caught his attention down the road and he said that it was his black 65 Chevy Pickup truck (see comments shots) that the model was using as a back drop and he was just checking if it was OK.
By the time we had finished with his portrait the crew around his pickup had moved on so I guess he was feeling a little more relaxed.
Mitch is the Chef at Bloodwood Restaurant, which co-incidentally the manager, Eric is stranger #215.
Don’t be fooled by his rather mean looking expression he was actually a nice guy.
Thanks for being part of the 100 Strangers Project.
This picture is #221 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
This is David.
I spotted David from across the other side of the busy Knightsbridge A4. Perfect. But how to get to him? Tricky. Down the underpass and up the other side. Thankfully he hadn't quite finished his cigarette when I emerged.
David, a contracts manager, is Scottish and has worked in London for the last 50 years. He's been married for 44 of those years. What I found staggering was that his wife has lived in Scotland for their entire marriage, with David travelling up to see her every two weeks for the weekend. It seems to have worked. Now edging towards retirement, he'll soon be moving permanently back to the north.
David was working on the refurbishment of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. It's very posh. In fact, the whole area we were in was dripping with money. We talked about that. We didn't much like it. Such vast wealth disparity. I mentioned how I'd just seen a Furrari 599 (a Ferrari covered in black velvet-type material) parked near Harrods. He tutted and shook his head. Fucking ridiculous.
We talked for absolutely ages. Ages and ages. Well, perhaps half an hour. Don't tell David's boss that though - he eventually came to find David and was clearly upset about something - costs, contracts or something. David didn't seem too fussed.
I liked David a lot.
A fact about David: his favourite food is, without hesitation, French toast.
This picture is #80 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 Knightsbridge, London England on 14/03/2014
This picture is #11 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 spotted her from across Piccadilly Street and luckily the lights were in my favor so I was able to intercept her before she disappeared into the crowds.
She was walking with a friend and after a little deliberation between themselves, kindly agreed to head back the way they'd come for about a block to a spot that I wanted to use for a background.
We tried a few non smiling shots too and the last one is awesome but unfortunately I didn't nail the focus well enough to use it. I'm a little gutted. It's funny that I practice shooting sharp at wide apertures loads (using text on a wall for example) and never have a problem but when it's a person, and you're chatting and directing and avoiding crowds of people (London gets busy in places like this) then it suddenly becomes a little harder to remember to not move etc. Still, this is why we do this, to learn, and I'm really thrilled that Natalies said yes to my request. I think this is a lovely portrait of her as it shows her bubbly personality perfectly.
If you like my work, please follow me on Facebook
This picture is #43 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
Still standing outside the opera house, I had my eye on a building site across the street that had a blue temporary wall. I was thinking it would make a good background and was willing someone with blond hair wearing red. Sometimes when I have a particular look or colour in mind, all I can see is the opposite. If I'm after dark colours, all I see is light, and visa versa. But today things were going my way. When I saw Ella walking down the other side straight towards my background, I vectored off to intercept her and thankfully, she was happy to pose for a shot.
Ella had been to a meeting of the Godless Assembly. I'd not heard of that so she explained that it's a group of people who get together, sing songs, celebrate life and do good in the community. Church, basically, but without God. I was intrigued and checked it out on the web. It's a really interesting concept.
I particularly liked a quote from an article in The Guardian which amused me no end:
In the meantime, a few members of the London congregation have already started thinking about setting up a free school guided by Sunday Assembly principles, raising the prospect, as Jones notes, "of Christians one day lying about being atheists to get their children into school".
Thanks Ella, it was lovely and enlightening to meet you.
If you like my work, please take a look at my Facebook page.
I met Lucia walking her dog on the promenade at Hastings. She is part of my project to photograph 100 strangers. www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Asked to take her picture while she waited to cross the street. This seemed reasonable on the basis that she had nothing much else to do for 30 seconds or so until the light changed.
Flickr's "100 Strangers" Group
This is picture #2 in my 100 strangers peoject. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page. This is Rachel. I met her at the local bar here in my home town. I found out that she is an observer for NOAA. She travels with the F/V Morning star for their entire fishing season. I approached her and she was very welcoming and enjoyed being photographed. After that we just discussed her life on the boat and mine as a mechanic.
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.
Sometimes, the Stranger I meet is everything but a stranger. I was swept up by Michal's energy and openness, her kindness, her natural beauty and the easy way it was to connect.
"I believe everything happens for a reason," she said and embraced our wonderful encounter on the Tel Aviv Beach Promenade.
She is a lawyer, yet she thinks she won't stay that for too long. She's ambitious, spontaneous and a most charming person.
She enjoyed answering my questions as I enjoyed getting to know her.
"Michal, what inspires you in life?"
"I get a lot of inspiration from people who manage to make their "crazy" dreams come true. When I meet a person who has reached his goals, I am always interested in hearing about the path he has taken, the difficulties, the challenges and receiving tips and tools from him."
"What do you love about yourself?"
"I like my emotional intelligence and my ability to look mostly positively at any situation."
"What would you say to the world if you could send a message out there?"
"Our competition is only against ourselves. There is no room for comparison or envy of others. Try to be the best version of yourself and see how you get to wonderful places!"
"What would you advise your younger self?"
""Let go." I would advise myself to free myself from thoughts and the desire for constant control."
"Is there an inspirational figure in your life?"
"Following my goal for the next three years - I have my eyes on all those successful men and women who reached a worthy achievement that earned them to reach the FORBES 30 UNDER 30 list."
"What do you like to do in your spare time?"
"Dance! After years of not dancing, I've returned to Latin dances (salsa and bachata). I also like to bake and can spend hours in the kitchen, quality time with friends and sports."
When we parted we hugged and wished each other the best and hoped that we would meet again.
This is my 880th submission to The Human Family group.
Visit the group here to see more portraits and stories: The Human Family
After 331 days, I have met my 100th stranger. I remember how I felt on my very first day of 100 strangers; nervous, excited, frightened, courageous. Ironically, today I felt similar emotions. “Who will be my 100th stranger?” I thought, “Who will be the lucky person?”. It wasn’t until later that I realized how wrong I was to think this way.
I strolled down the street as I usually did and kept a watchful eye for someone to pop out at me. “100 is a very special number. I need an equally special stranger”, I told myself. I kept my eyes peeled and continued my search. Suddenly, I bumped into previous stranger #68, Ilda. It was a pleasant surprise and we exchanged hugs. She asked me what number I was on and I replied, “100”. Her eyes lit up and she exclaimed how excited she was. Now, the next thing she said, for some odd reason, really hit home; she said, “You shouldn’t LOOK for this next stranger. Let this person be someone who just comes along”.
In that moment, I suddenly thought of the homeless man I had just walked by- the man I made eye contact and even exchanged a smile, but didn’t give consideration to even talk to. I realized how selfish and narrow-minded I was, thinking that my 100th stranger had to be someone “special”, someone “deserving”, someone “worthy”-- The truth is, every person is important. Every person is special and every person deserves to be heard. I thought of Jesus who loved the poor and spent time to talk to people who were at their lowest. Jesus, who died for people who might’ve not even deserved it. I turned around immediately and went to go talk to the homeless man.
His name is Jonmo. He began his travels in 2006 when he left Wisconsin. In hopes to relieve his mother of her financial troubles, Jonmo hopped from train to train, working whatever jobs he could find. He worked as a tree trimmer, made friends in strange cities, and even slept in a zoo bathhouse. His life was an adventure. He didn’t view these conditions as struggles- he view them as a lifestyle. He smiled a lot as he shared with me his life; he smiled more than some of the more fortunate people that I know. He told me his passion was to help people around him. He said, “It doesn’t matter if you’re homeless, a millionaire, or just a friend. I’ll help you”.
Jonmo, you’ve got a beautiful heart. If you’re reading this, I hope you continue to be the same person you are now.
This concludes my first round of 100 strangers.
Check out more of other's stranger photos at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
Natalie was having a cup of tea outside one of the cafes in Glastonbury. I could not see her clearly as I walked by; she was facing away from me. What I could see looked promising for my project. I walked by a couple more times before deciding to approach Natalie.
“Here?” was Natalie’s response when I asked if I might take her photo. I decided to be a little brave and suggest we go to a nearby wall, which was shaded by a tree. Natalie left her unfinished tea and her friend, at the table and followed me.
Sitting on the low wall, Natalie told me that she is an actress, her website is www.natalievonkirk.com. She is studying Musical Theatre in Los Angeles. Natalie likes character acting and told me of actors that she admires. These included Daniel Day Lewis and Tom Hardy. The third name that she mentioned, is a well known actor but I could not remember who. In an email that I just got from Natalie, she told me the name… it was Johnny Depp!!!
Natalie enjoys photography and asked me about the settings that I was using on my camera. When I got my reflector out, she handled it with a familiarity and folded it like an expert, when it was time to put it away.
While we were chatting Natalie apologised. She had to dash to rejoin her group. Natalie was on a tour of historic sites, including the Avebury Circle, Stonehenge and Glastonbury Tor. Her party were just going in to Glastonbury Abbey. She picked up her bag and after saying goodbye, dashed off at a pace, across the road and up toward the abbey.
I had been asking Natalie about her activities; she had told me that she enjoyed fitness. As we parted, she told me that she had a shoulder injury and that she liked rock climbing and lifting weights. I might have guessed these from her firm handshake, that I subsequently remembered.
Thank you Natalie for being part of my project. It was great to meet you. Best wishes for the rest of your tour and for your career back home.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
I was attending the Bristol TN/VA Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival and one of my favorite local bands, Sigean, was kicking things off on Saturday morning. I didn’t know it at the time but there was to be an added attraction that morning. In addition to the great Gaelic music the Stardust Irish Step Dancers were performing too. Irish Step dancing has become popular since the ‘Riverdance’ show.
Vanessa was dancing and the troupe put on a great performance. In addition to her dancing it was her great smile that caught my attention.
After the performance I walked over to compliment the troupe and began talking to Vanessa because I had video of their performance and told them I would send them copies if they would give me their email address. Vanessa was elected, everyone else stepped back.
We talked a bit and I gathered up the courage to tell her about the project and asked her to be my #02 Stranger.
Since I hadn’t planned on shooting any strangers at that point I had not considered background, lighting and since I had been shooting pictures of the band I just hoisted up the camera and shot with the automatic setting.
Lessons learned: (a) always be aware of the area you are shooting in; (b) Take your time and set up the shot; (c) try to be as at ease as your subject. Lots of rookie mistakes here but the subject overcomes them. Thank you Vanessa.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I’d just finished exchanging goodbyes and words of thanks with my stranger 472, when Robert called across “Would you like to take my photo?”
I was very short on time but Robert made a subject that was too good to be missed, so I said, “Yes, of course”.
I quickly explained my project and checked that Robert was happy for me to upload an image to the internet. He confirmed that he would be pleased for me to do this. Although he hasn’t got access to the internet, Robert took my card, so that he will be able to look up the photos, at some point in the future.
During our conversation and photos, Robert rolled a cigarette, using a tin of tobacco, on his lap. Robert told me that he is post acid and that he has obtained supreme enlightenment; chiefly as a Buddhist.
Thank you Robert, for being part of my project. It was great to meet you today.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family