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This is picture No. 31 of 100 in my Strangers Portraits project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the flickr.com/groups/100strangers/ Flickr Group page.
Strangers portraits!!!! Oh my goodness, it's been so long since I've done this! To be honest, I didn't set out to add to my 100 Strangers (In 100 Years) project, but Peta walked past just as I walked out of the store with my, ahem, brand spanking new lens, and a more worthy subject for a lens test I surely could not find.
Anyway, Peta is a delightful lady who was more than willing to have her photo taken. Naturally, I commented on how great she looks, and asked if she was going somewhere special, or if she usually likes to dress so well. She explained that she works in the fashion industry, and currently manages a high end fashion store in the city centre, so yes, she always dresses like this.
We only did a few photos, because she was heading back to work after her lunch break, but it was certainly a pleasure and I must get out and do more Strangers portraits!
My Wife and I were headed into the City on the train, when I spotted this young man sitting about two people down from me. I remember thinking wow this guy's got a great look. Its very trendy and while I'm not one for beards but his really works, and the flight glasses were just the icing on the cake. I than thought he would make a great addition to my collection of strangers. Now if he was sitting next to me I would have approached him for sure. However because of the distance of where he was sitting, the busyness of the train, and my shyness issues I made one of those agreements in my head that if we got off the same stop I would approach him. I shared with my wife my plan of approach and too both our surprise he got off at 42nd street too. So I asked him for a portrait and his reply was "go for it" Just as I was getting my camera settings together the connecting train we both needed to be on was coming into the station, so I had to act fast. Fortunately he let me take couple of shots on the train as well ,which I actually liked more than the shot on the platform. The reason being ,when I first noticed him this is what I saw, his profile and I thought that would make a dope shot. I will post both. His name is Chris he is 26, and lives in the South Bronx. He is a freelance writer who enjoys traveling, hiking and all thing nature.
Thanks Chris for posing for my project, it was great meeting you.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers from around the world, in the Flickr group 100 Strangers.
Stranger #2 - I met him on campus of University of California, Santa Barbara. He was training soccer at one of the lawns there. He was very friendly and immediatly agreed to take a portrait of him. He also asked wether it's not the problem that his face is sweaty. Of course it's not because it adds some character to this shot :)
This picture is #2 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I had the chance to shot my 4th stranger today. I met Jay almost near a large library at the University of Sheffield.
He was cruising the street in a calm and friendly way.
As I was passing by his side I was thinking, it would be great if he would agree to be part of my project. So, I decided to go back and ask him.
After I explained about the project, He kindly accepted.
We talked for some minutes and then parted way. He is a very friendly man.
Thanks Jay for the portrait.
On a side note, the auto focus was hunting so I opted for manual focusing, it seems I almost got it right.
I have been trying to decide between the SAL 1650 f/2.8 SSM and the Minolta 50 mm f/1.7 for my portraits.
The Minolta seems to have a lot more problems auto-focusing, its AF is slower, the smaller focusing ring doesn't help when manual focusing, and seems to be soft wide open, I need to step it down to f/2.8 or a bit more to match the Sony lens.
The SAL1650, on the other hand, is sharper, much faster AF, and its larger manual focusing ring helps a lot. It may not have the bokeh of the Minolta but at this moment, I'd gladly trade the creamy bokeh for a sharply focused image.
I need to test more both lenses and keep practising a lot.
Although this portrait was a nice experience, I think it would have greatly improved with a little strobe. I shouldn't forget it the next time.
This is picture 004 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 my 001 submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family
This picture is #86 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
Lefty is a fixture in Portland. He plays guitar and harmonica at the Saturday Market every weekend in the open air for cash. He amazes people because he is without a right arm and, yet, manages to play with a pick duct taped to his stub (see image below). He plays rock and roll, sings and plays harmonica. He manages to get quite a crowd.
He is funny , friendly and loves to talk in between his sets.
I met Jay in Philadelphia last November while I was there for the marathon weekend. He was waiting to cross the street when I approached him and asked him to participate in my strangers project.
Jay is 31 years old and describes his occupation as a "Renaissance Man" (i.e. a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas). He was born in Edison, New Jersey and moved to Philadelphia when he was accepted at Temple University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise and Sport Science.
Jay has many projects on the go at the moment including starting his own non-profit business. He also works with athletes providing strength conditioning and training programs. He maintains a blog which can viewed here: www.becomeimmortal.net
When Jay has some free time he enjoys mortorcycles and travelling. His favourite destinations are San Francisco, Montreal and London. Jay also enjoys food and martial arts. His favourite neighbourhood is Pennsport, a neighbourhood in the South Philadelphia section and home to a large working Irish American population.
This picture is #62 in my 100 Strangers Project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
It was close to midday, as I wandered around Clarks Village in Street, Somerset. I was looking for a stranger to photograph. I’d found a spot to make portraits; there was a bench under a tree; a nice shaded spot. Unfortunately hardly anyone chose to walk that way. For this reason I chose to find someone, thinking that I might bring them to the spot.
As I walked around, I spotted a young woman with a skeleton top and yellow tights. She was in deep conversation with a young man. I did not want to interrupt. He was closer to the shop and she was facing toward him, so I could not see her face as I walked by a couple times.
I decided to walk on and wait a few shops away. If she was to come my way, then I would take the opportunity and ask if she would be in my project. The pair continued to talk, so I walked around a bit more. The next time I looked they had gone :-(
To my delight, a few minutes later, I spotted the young lady again, in the distance. She was headed out of the outlet shopping centre. I was able to see which direction she took and followed, slowly gaining on her. As she headed out of town, I wondered whether to continue; feeling a little stalkery. I had still not seen her face but figured that she would be interesting, just from the style of her outfit.
I caught up with Kelly outside of Clarks HQ. “Excuse me..” I said, as I drew beside her. I don’t think she heard me at first. She removed her earphones, I repeated “Excuse me... would it be OK to take your photo”. She agreed straight away, even apologising for not noticing me at first. “I was listening to music” she said and she pointed to her phone.
I explained that I was doing a project to photograph strangers and said “you have to be at least 18 years old”. She confirmed that she met my criteria, telling me her age. I offered my hand, introducing myself. Next, I checked her name and asked if it would be alright to take the photo on the small green opposite.
We sat down on some grass, under a tree. I asked what had brought Kelly to Street today. She works for Greggs and had been meeting with her boss to talk about things in the shop, where she works as assistant manager. Kelly is responsible for staff in the Wells branch, of the bakery chain store.
I asked Kelly what she did when she was not working in Greggs. She told me that she liked gore and cosplay. She makes her own outfits from scratch and updates those that she buys. Kelly pointed to her face and said that there might be some dye there, from fake blood, that was hard to remove.
Kelly will be going to Comic Con at Olympia in London, next month. She often dresses as Harley Quinn and has a huge hammer.. When she has it at conventions, people ask to be hit with it. Even though the head is made from polystyrene, it is still pretty heavy and Kelly would not be surprised if it hurt. If you are interested in Kelly’s Cosplay then you can follow her instagram at gothams_littlepsycho_x
We talked a bit about TV series and film. Aside from textiles, Kelly also does some 2D art, she studied art at college and university.
When we had finished with the portraits, we exchanged words of thanks. Kelly told me that I had provided a welcome break from thinking about sales targets and stocking levels. She had enjoyed the diversion.
Thank you Kelly for being part of my project. It was great to meet you. Best wishes for your work and outside activities.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
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
Our hostess at "Con Huevos" restaurant in Louisville KY on fathers day.
I asked permission to make the shot for the challenge and she agreed.
Suhanya favourite all time record
King of Wishful Thinking
Go West
Theobolds Road Holborn London.
Had a few knock backs from potential strangers, all part of the fun I suppose. The light was going and things weren't looking to positive. I leant against the wooden railing outside a pub with a coffee and out the corner of my eye I spotted a figure coming towards me head down shrouded in a big hood. Right I thought last chance for today I'll ask and I got the right result.
I took a few photos where we had met but we then moved round the corner to find some more light which turned out well.
Suyanha is an economics student from Malaysia. Her parents are from India but she was born in Malaysia and has lived there all her life but is not regarded as a Malay, which is quite important because Suyanha said that being a Malay seems to entitle you to more benefits within Malaysian society. Suyanha was great to photograph and was really interesting to talk to and had a great sense of humour, she was off to a friends house for a night of study.
If I hadn't got those couple of knock backs I wouldn't have met Suyanha with that in mind I realised they were a very good thing. I went back to where we had met and finished off my now cold coffee.
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
© All rights reserved please do not use on any other websites or blogs without my explicit permission.
Every once in a while, you meet a really amazing person. A few of my "strangers" have impacted me in a way that's hard to describe, and Ted is certainly one of them.
Unfortunately, this is the only shot I snapped of him, and his eyes are closed. Gah!!
-Ted is 93.
-Ted is a barber in Royal Oak and has the oldest business there: "Widgrens"...60+ years (will come back w/ exact years when my recording secretary gets back w/ me).
-Ted was relaxing in his chair like this when we walked by. I was captivated by the scene and went in to chat w/ him. He was so ridiculously welcoming and sweet.
-Ted's barber shop was featured in the movie "Gran Torino", and he is actually pretty modest about that.
-Ted is so fun to talk to. We talked to him for about a half hour about his shop, his life, his experiences, etc.
-Ted grew up "up north" and was very athletic--all star basketball player. He shared vivid stories of his memories of this.
-Ted boxed in Hazel Park at gym where legends like Joe Louis were also boxing. He told us that he (Ted) has a mean left hook and can knock your teeth out.
-Ted was in WWII. again, vivid stories. chills. stories that make me want to go back and learn more. This man has so much life experience, it's just amazing.
-This is the first stranger shot that you can see ME in. LOL. yup. look hard. I'm there.
Thank you Ted. You are an amazing soul. We will most certainly be back to visit. :)
for the project: www.100strangers.com
The Rock Strangers take on a completely different character at sunset.
In daylight they are bold, bright red and playful. Here, reduced to silhouettes against the low sun, they feel almost ancient. Strange markers on the promenade, with small human figures moving around them like scale notes.
What drew me in was the graphic simplicity: the sun, the dark forms, the long strip of golden light across the ground, and that lovely sense of people quietly passing through the scene.
Public art changes with the light.
So does the story.
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
Daniel had a cigarette in one hand and a phone in the other. He agreed with a smile when I asked if I might take his photograph. He was glad when I said that I would send him a copy as he was short of up to date pictures.
Daniel works at Karen Christensen Hair and Beauty in Wells. He started as an apprentice, which was mostly cleaning up after everyone. Now he has learned all the skills required of a hairdresser. He has been there five years. I said "you must really enjoy it". He likes working with people. "I couldn't work in an office", he said. He agreed that it is good to work creatively with your hands.
In his spare time Daniel enjoys walking, running and shopping. I asked if he liked to spend his money travelling. Daniel likes Wells and would rather invest in clothes than travelling the world.
Thank you Daniel for allowing me to make portraits with you today. I hope that you like them.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
“I’m going to be a doctor” is what Esther told me when I asked her to let me know something of herself. I met her in Clarks Village with her friend, Kelly.
She asked me where it would go, when I made the request to photograph her. I said Flickr and she said “what the heck, why not”, or something like that, agreeing with a smile.
I asked what Esther liked to do. “Maybe you like drinking?” I suggested remembering the habit of medical students and doctors. No, Esther said that she liked to know stuff. She uses her spare time to further her aim of knowing everything.
While I was taking photos I wondered what was making Esther laugh. It was Kelly, behind me, she was taking photos with her phone.
I wasn’t with the friends long but it was pretty busy in the shopping centre and Esther said that she had seen lots of people that she knew. She did a great job despite the distraction of her friends and boss passing by.
Thank you Esther for being part of my project. It was great to meet you and Kelly.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Continuing with my strangers project I met Lisa on Richmond Street in the Entertainment District of Toronto. Lisa is 38 years old and was born in Montreal. At some point her father moved to a farm in Magog, Quebec. After a few years, her dad wanted to leave Magog and was considering moving back to Montreal or relocating to Cornwall, Ontario which, coincidentally is where I live. In the end, Montreal was chosen.
After a career as a ballet dancer Lisa studied business at McGill University in Montreal. Lisa left Montreal 15 years ago during the Referendum on Quebec's sovereignty and moved to Toronto . At that time, she did not know what the future held for her and she wanted to move to a big English speaking City. She is presently undertaking 5 years of post-graduate studies in Osteopathy at the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Toronto. This new and emerging alternative healthcare field emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function of the body, as well as the body's ability to heal itself.
Although Lisa loves Toronto as a big multicultural city, she says her heart will always be in Montreal. Her hobbies are contemporary dance and DIY projects of all kinds. She also teaches Yoga and is the founder of Shas Yoga & Pilates Studio .
This picture is #33 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
Rachael came down from Salt Lake City with one of the several bands that performed at our local park. Silly me lost my pen and I can't remember the name of the band. It took me quite a while to work up the nerve to ask anyone, and I'm sure people including Rachael wondered why I kept looking at them.... lol. But Rachael was kind and didn't act like I was a weirdo. She was comfortable in front of the camera and says she recently did a fashion shoot with an 80's theme. It sounded like fun... :)
Find out more about the 100 strangers project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
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.
Danboro always felt like a stranger around them. Walter was not amused.
Day 315 - #Photo365 - A Stranger
I stumbled across the Flickr "100 Stranger" challenge. I like taking photos of people, but models are usually not readily at hand, so I thought this challenge might be worth a go.
Vicky was the first person I approached. She is a student at Cleveland State University and was waiting for a bus to go home. I took a few pictures of her, some of which may have been technically better, but this was my favorite because it was the only one that featured the cigarillo she was smoking.
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
I had just checked the light on a nice graffiti wall in Toronto’s Kensington Market after photographing Kaley (#848 in my project). The light was excellent and I figured if I saw another interesting subject before leaving the Market for home, I would pose them near the wall. He walked toward me on the sidewalk. Ask and you shall be rewarded. His appearance was more formal than is the norm in this artist’s colony neighborhood where dreadlocks and tattoos are more the norm. He also had a face with a lot of character.
I approached him and although he didn’t stop, he did slow to hear my request. People who keep walking are usually avoiding getting tied down to deal with someone they don’t know. Slowing down, however, represents uncertainty - something to be worked with. When I said I could make the photograph in a couple of minutes tops, he shrugged and said “Well, ok.” Meet Seth who told me he was on his way home. He must work nights.
I explained I wanted to use the wall just around the corner as a background and I sense his hesitation again but he followed me and understood my plan. I positioned him and took a quick photo or two and then asked if he would mind removing his sunglasses which he did. I said he dressed well and asked if he always took such care with his appearance. He looked embarrassed and said “Yes. I like to be presentable.” Photo taken he was ready to move on. He said he didn’t need a copy of the photo and declined the card with a subtle smile and was on his way. I asked a quick “Where are you from originally?” and he replied “Ghana.”
Thank you Seth for pausing on your way home to meet and be photographed for The Human Family. Meeting you was brief but pleasant and you did have a nice look on the streets of Kensington Market.
This is my 10th submission to The Human Family group. Visit the group here to see more portraits and stories: www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily.
Here is Becky working in the Artisan cafe. I had seen Becky when I visited the cafe before but had not spoken to her. She enjoys working here, not so much in the kitchen – where it is very hot but out with the customers; there are lots of great customers (see my strangers Karen and Lizzie, numbers 23 and 21).
Becky lives in the village of Lydford with her boyfriend and usually gets the bus in to Glastonbury but gets a lift on Saturday's as there are not many buses. Unfortunately they have had some car trouble. The car is rather special and has a very low chassis, so low that the oil sump was broken when it snagged a cats eye. Becky likes living in Lydford – there is a nice wier there.
Tonight Becky is looking forward to a party in Bristol. Although Becky and her boyfriend do DJing the party tonight is being done by somebody with a bigger sound kit. They will be getting a lift in because of their car problems.
Becky thank you for letting me take your photo. I know that you don't generally find it easy but I am pleased that you let me. It was good to meet you. I expect that I will see you again as where you work is a nice place to meet people.
This picture is #036 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 #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
Outside the SPJST Hall in Taylor, Texas, a barbecue cookoff was winding down. Inside people gathered around the bar to drink beer, watch football on an old-school television mounted on the wood-paneled wall and play some adult video games. Henry was one of the them. He joked about his hat that he is a distant relation of the Duck Dynasty folks on TV.
He is my 191st stranger in the Flickr challenge to shoot photos of 100 strangers: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/. I've been a lot slower with my second 100, but I'm in the home stretch.
You can see my full set of Stranger photos (so far) here: www.flickr.com/photos/joemoconnell/sets/72157627547511612...
I saw Lucy walking up Glastonbury High Street with an empty basket. She gave me a big smile as she passed me. I can't think why I didn't stop her but the moment passed.
Later I saw her again. This time I was on the other side of the street. I crossed over and asked if I could take her photo. She agreed and I said that it was for a project that I was doing, taking pictures of people that I didn't know. I told her my name and she told me hers saying “you know me now”. I laughed.
I told Lucy that I had seen her smiling earlier and she said that she was in a good mood. She was on holiday and going to France “to build a castle”.
“To live in?” I asked. Lucy smiled again and told me that it was a voluntary project. I asked if the accomodation was included. It isn't. Lucy and her husband will be working on the castle for the fun of doing it and the satisfaction of giving.
Another reason that Lucy was happy is that it is her birthday next week and her basket was no longer empty. She had collected a parcel from the post office and was hoping that it might be a present. She had also borrowed a book from the library; she would be reading it while on holiday. Sounds like Lucy should have a great time, with physical activity and the joy of reading.
I know that some won't like the missing hairline but this close shot, was the one with the best smile.
Thank you Lucy for agreeing to be in my project. I hope that you and your husband have a great time in France.
This picture is 80 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
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!
Matiu agreed to be part of my strangers project. I gave him my name but he didn’t give me his. Instead he said that he would give his name after I had taken the photo – otherwise he wouldn’t be a stranger! I explained that I would like to know him at least a little before we made the portrait, so he gave me his name.
I asked if he had come to the Tor with the intention of chanting (see the write up of Anthe, my stranger 482). He said, yes “and to feel the land”. I had noticed that Matiu and his friends were barefoot. The way of those who want to feel the connection as they walk.
We were sitting under the bright midday sun. I wondered if Matiu would be willing to have the photo somewhere else but he told me that they had limited time.
There were strong shadows on his face and I tried to reduce these using a reflector; Carolina, who will be my stranger 484, held the reflector for us. The light was bright and Matiu closed his eyes, opening them when I was ready to make the portrait.
Thank you Matiu for being part of my project. I enjoyed meeting you and seeing the strong bonds of friendship between you and your companions. Best wishes.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
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:
30/100 : Let the universe tell you.
It's so easy to lose track of things. Life is like water, and it can get in the way of everything. Sometimes it simply washes over things and you lose sight of them for a brief moment. Sometimes, if you don't act within the right timing, the simple and harmless washing over starts stacking and all gets submerged.
But the real problem is when, if you leave things in that state for too long, they drowned.
This is what happened with my [100 Strangers] Project.
The last photo I published for this project goes waaaay back to September 2014. It's been almost a year!
Since I moved here to Melbourne, I used every waking second to work on my career, to find new gigs, to meet the right people and especially, to make sure the right people know I exist.
The price that I ended up paying almost unconsciously is leaving behind all my ongoing projects, included this one.
But last week, the universe felt like it was time to wake me up from my stasis.
I was walking down the road with my camera, scouting locations for a portrait shoot that was going to take place in a couple days. My camera was hanging at my side and for some reason, I had just mounted on my 85mm.
I was standing in the middle of the road, all focused in reviewing the pictures from the camera LCD. When I lifted by eyes, this guy was in front of me.
I didn't have time to think. It all came naturally out of my mouth.
"Hey, sorry, can I take a portrait of you?"
"Sure!"
Click.
All it took was one frame to remind me why I love this project and how incredibly stupid I was to leave it to the side, covered in dust for so long.
Thank you, Stranger.
Seriously.
[This picture is #30 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page ]
Camera Info: Nikon D700 | 85mm (ƒ/1.8D) @ 85mm | ƒ/2.8 | ISO 200 | 1/250 s — Camera Handheld
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
This picture is #002 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
My stranger number two is Kat although I thought it was Kate so replies refer to Kat as Kate; thats my fault. Sorry Kat.
Kat works at a well known jewellers that makes customised jewellery along with their own designs.
I signed up for a photography course and was given a homework task of portraits, landscapes, street photography and a few others. I opted for Street Portraits with the intention of killing two birds with one stone. Homework and joining the 100 strangers group.
I was walking around and looking for someone that stood out. I spotted Kat having her photo taken by a colleague of hers and I guess she was modelling the chain and cross seen in this portrait.
As she was about to go back into the shop I quickly asked if I could take her portrait. It was all very quick and I didn't really have time to think about how I was going to approach her or even what to say.
Its all very new to me and I haven't even really thought about how to approach people or how to ask them to stand/sit/pose…….
I asked her to step into a doorway that was black as I thought it would be a good background and there were lots of people around that would have been walking between her and the camera.
I would like to say that I considered the light but I have to confess that I just got lucky.
The conversation was very brief, she was obviously at work and I didn't want to hold her up. I also think she was as shocked to be asked for a portrait as I was to be asking.
I'm also very pleased I didn't have time to think about the situation because afterwards I was wondering if a 44 year old man asking a young woman for their portrait is maybe a bit weird.
I guess I am just going to have to get over that if I want to take images of interesting people.
Kat is very pretty and with her style stood out from the mundanely dressed crowd (I include myself in that description). I had to have the images printed for college so told Kat that I would drop of any prints I made. Luckily Kat is aware of Flickr as it turns out she was previously photographed by another member of the group Arnab Ghosal (www.flickr.com/photos/arnabkghosal/10407818943/in/set-721... )and she kindly agreed for me to take her portrait to be post it here.
As far a photography technique goes, I am still coming to terms with the exposure and focusing. Although using a fixed 85mm lens and having to use my feet to alter the composition was all reasonably new. Again I guess as we all progress we get used to judging distance and it should all fall together a little more fluidly? (I'm hoping).
Thank you Kat for not telling me to bog off!
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
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