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It's been a while since my last stranger so I felt rather nervous jumping back in today. Lucky for me, Ben here was just the guy to help me break the ice. When I first saw him, I thought that he looked way too cool for me and almost decided not approach him. I quickly changed my mind and decided that it couldn't hurt. He turned out to be very friendly and down-to-earth, letting me ask a couple of questions about himself.
Ben is a mechanical engineer from Colorado. He moved to Davis where he currently works at a solar company that engineers solar equipment and helps businesses implement solar technology. While Ben is a very hard worker, he also likes to hang out with his friends and play sports, one of them being kickball. Recently, his kick ball team in Colorado won the championships.
Thanks Ben! You've become stranger #73 in my on-going stranger project.
Check out my other work at edju.org
Check out more of other's stranger photos at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
This picture is #52 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"
On my way home on Friday evening I spotted this chap and stopped him to ask for a portrait before I'd had time to think about it. He looked quite surprised but like so many people I've met doing this was happy to help. I got him to head back the way he'd come to find a decent spot, then noticed a drain cover and moved him a little further back to get that out of the shot. I've made that mistake before. I went for the style and close up diptych straight off because he carries himself with effortless style and I really wanted a close up too. It's funny, sometimes when I walk around with Mrs Bomvu I point out guys and ask if she thinks they are good looking, because I honestly can't tell what is and isn't attractive to women. Usually I get it wrong. But I thought he looked great so I hope that you viewers who prefer guys agree!
I've taken to recording notes on my phone which is easier than trying to write notes in a notebook but annoyingly there must have been a hummer driving past or something because for the life of me I cannot hear his name in the recording. I got everything else, the location and so on, but not the name. Learning point: Say the name twice, once at the beginning and again at the end of the note!
But thank you anyway and sorry I didn't remember your name!
-Update: he got in touch, his name is Rob!-
Constructive criticism gratefully received
If you're anywhere near London check out the 100 Strangers London Meetup discussion thread here.
Highly recommended.
Take a look at pictures from the last one here.
I met Darren on Yonge Street in Toronto. It was early morning and he was busy working on his notebook computer having his morning coffee. When I approached him and explained my project, he gladly accepted to pose for me. When I handed him my business card he said that he had heard of me. I was pleasantly surprised and it confirmed that I was legit. He said he wanted to be himself and grabbed his sun glasses from the table.
Darren is 39 years old and lives in Mississauga, west of Toronto. He is an account executive for a large well known company. During his spare time he loves boating on Lake Ontario. He loves Toronto because of the atmosphere and the fact that there is always something to do.
This picture is #5 in my 100 Strangers Project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Barbara was visiting Street from Bristol with friends from the Women's Institute. They had first been to the Shoe Museum before doing the retail thing in Clarks Village.
When I asked Barbara what she liked to do in her spare time, she told me "gardening". I don't know why but I told Barbara that we used to have a big garden and it was wasted on us because we didn't do gardening. I really should have asked Barbara about her garden. Instead I told her about our small garden where we have had pet rabbits that mean that we don't have to cut the grass. On the other hand they eat everything and make a mess by digging hole and making piles of droppings.
Barbara told me that she has 3 cats. They don't keep the grass back. On the other hand the cats don't tunnel or eat all the plants but they do make other mess to clean up.
When I met Barbara we were in quite strong sunlight and I asked if she would move into some shade for the photographs. There was a shaded bench nearby. There was a man sitting on the edge of the bench but I think he moved on while I was taking the photos. With hindsight I should probably have explained to him what I was doing. A little later I saw him back on the bench so I guess that he had kindly moved out of the way. I think that maybe I get a bit focused when I am taking photos and can lose track of what is going on around me.
Thank you Barbara for agreeing to be in my project. It was good to meet you today.
This picture is 72 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 #55 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'd finished photographing stranger for the evening. I'd shot a good number of people over the last two evenings and it was enough. I packed my camera away and headed off 'down the tube' as they say in London.
I walked onto the escalator and who did I see in front of me than this vision of a lady with the coolest t-shirt that I've ever seen. I guess at this point I should make the admission that I'm a bit of a metal head and that I love heavy, hard rock music. So a t-shirt with a skull cut out of the back is going to appeal to me.
Now I've been wanting to capture some tatoo's for the project for some time and was planning on getting this going at the 100 Strangers meetup in Camden later this month but here in front of me was the perfect subject. I started grappling in my camera bag and as we hit the bottom of the escalator I stopped her and made my pitch.
I didn't use any of my 'standard' lines. I wasn't even cool! I just stated straight out that I was in love with her t-shirt and that I needed to photograph it. She was up for it so I took her round a corner out of the way of the other commuters and got to work.
I did tell her that I was breaking new ground. I said that I've never photographed a stranger from behind and I'd never photographed anyone in the underground. To say that I was nervous of camera shake is an understatement and I really had no idea how this was going to turn out. It seems that I don't have enough respect for my trusty D3000 as it handled the task perfectly!
Once again though I made a note of her name on my phone and yet I seem to have mislaid it. That's really annoying because she was really friendly and we had a good chat. She's from France and like so many French people who are not in Paris, speaks incredibly good English. Considering that I want to live there one day, I really need to start making more of an effort with the language.
Anyway, technically this is not my best stranger picture but given the circumstances ( underground) and the fact that I was not planning to photograph someone, I'm really happy with how it turned out.
Constructive criticism gratefully received
If you're anywhere near London check out the 100 Strangers London Meetup discussion thread here.
Highly recommended.
Take a look at pictures from the last one here.
“Would it be OK to take your photograph.... I'm doing a project to take photos of people that I don't know... You have to be at least 18?”
I gave the young lady my card and she paused a moment to consider how to respond. I was already pretty certain that she met my age criteria, as she was on her own in the Glastonbury Abbey grounds. I tend to use the same opening, it has served me well. Sofia came back with a response that I hadn't expected...
“I'm not from around here” she said.
“That's alright. Have you come from far?”.
“From Spain” she replied.
I introduced myself and gave the young woman my 100+ strangers card. She asked me if it would take long. She was meeting a friend. I told her “about 5 minutes”. Sofia agreed. She was quite happy to take part. During our conversation, I never got the impression that she was looking for an excuse. Rather she was weighing up things – she smiled all the time.
Sofia has studied Art History and is now travelling while deciding what to do next. When I asked about her other interests, she told me that she likes to keep fit. Sofia enjoys archery, swimming and running.
Sophia told me that she doesn't come out well in photos and I said that she should let me worry about that. Initially I had Sofia stand slightly downhill from me but the shots that I liked the best were the ones that I took where we were on level ground and she is looking down toward the camera (me being short and Sofia a lot taller).
It was 3 minutes between my first and last photo, we had probably chatted for a minute or two before I took the first one – so my promise of 5 minutes was good. Sofia gave me her email address and we exchanged goodbyes and words of thanks.
A few moments after we had gone separate ways, I heard running footsteps behind me. I turned to see Sofia. She had accidentally given my contact card back when she had returned my pen and pad. I was pleased that Sofia had come back. It makes me think that she will look at some of the other portraits and stories.
Thank you Sofia for agreeing to be in my project. I enjoyed meeting you today and making portraits. I hope that you like them. Best wishes for your travels and in all that you do afterwards.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
This is my 20th submission to the Human Family group
My first stranger! This friendly girl works on a tourist boat and was dealing with loads of passengers when I managed to quickly sneak in and ask if she wanted her photo taken for the project. She was super keen to do it and pulled a bunch of amazing poses which were all blown out, until I asked her to walk forward into the shade and she posed very nicely. Totally missed out on all the brilliant (literally...) poses she did first.
This picture is 1/100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I just about rugby tackled Sebastian to the ground near Grey's Monument, Newcastle.
He was plugged into his music and couldn't hear my pitiful 'excuse me' cries... so I grabbed him - not wanting this gorgeous stranger to slip through my fingers.
What a nice, easy-going friendly lad. He was rushing back to work (at the tattoo and piercing place in Eldon Square surprise surprise) so I didn't have long. I had to think quickly where to 'put' him, spotted the corrugated shutters, liked the perspective effect and took a couple of shots.
I was fascinated by Sebastian's amazing ear lobes where he'd had one of those big disc things in. He told me he knew someone who could get a coke can through their ear hole. Blummin heck!
It would have been great to have had time to chat some more, but with a friendly handshake, Sebastian went on his way.
Thanks Sebastian for letting me take your picture. You are my most colourful stranger to date, and I'm so glad I (literally) ran into you. :) :)
Sebastian 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
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.
“What do you think of the recent Sterling row?”
“I’m not a hard Scottish Nationalist but I believe we should have our freedom”
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I don't think I approach strangers of an older generation much. No, scrap that. I DO approach them but this is the first time anyone has consented. I shall have to try harder in trying to persuade them that means :)
Meet George. He and his lovely wife were coming out of the Art Gallery when I came upon them. When I asked them for a picture, George said, "Yes, OK, but you better hurry up, my wife is incredibly impatient". I think he was joking but I didn't take the chance and I reeled of a few shots of him. On a side note, I am preferring my portraits in landscape more so than the conventional portrait - any thoughts?
Back to George, he then informed me that his wife had been asked for her portrait in Norway, in a similar way to what I was doing. I told him it could well be the same project but a different photographer, it is worldwide after all.
Both were Scottish, and after the initial pleasantries I decided to be topical and ask them about the recent happenings regarding Scottish Independence. You see what he did with his response? It makes me smile even now :)
Have a great weekend folks!
This picture is #047 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
Angela was feeding the birds near the moat in Wells and having some lunch. She told me that she is moving shortly. She likes this area but plans to move somewhere where there is more going on. When I asked Angela what she enjoys apart from feeding the birds, she told me that she likes the outdoors and has visited many of the viewpoints in Somerset and loves spending time in the countryside. I feel inspired to explore some other places in our county.
Thank you Angela for agreeing to be in my project today. It was good to meet you. I wish you well as you move to Chester.
This picture is 43 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
When I asked Sam if I could take his photo, he seemed a bit surprised and uncertain. He asked if it would go on the internet and I thought for sure that he would have an objection. After considering for a bit he smiled and said “Go for it”!
I am sure that he expected me to take a photo straight away. I preferred to talk for a bit first. I explained that the 100 strangers project is about meeting people and improving photographic skills. We chatted until we were both relaxed before I turned on the camera.
Sam told me that someone had commented that he still had short hair on his Facebook photo and he was in need of a more up to date portrait. So we would both be benefiting from this meeting.
Sam was a good subject. He was easy to talk to and happy to sit or stand as we tried different shots in and around St Michael's Tower.
While talking with Sam he shared that he plays the mandolin. He lives in Glastonbury and had come up the Tor to enjoy “the view, the altitude and the air”. He is an acupuncturist.. www.somerset-acupuncture.co.uk
Thank you Sam. I was so glad that you agreed to be part of my project. It was great to meet you. I hope that you like the photos.
This picture is 38 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
Richard was taking down the old Taylor, Texas, City Hall when I met him. Our house is for sale, so I had to leave while prospective buyers checked it out. The City Hall area has free wireless, so my plan was to camp out there in my car on my computer for a bit. Instead I talked to Richard. He's been in the demolition business since 1991. He took a break for college, but ended up right back in the business. He says it's fun to take them down, less fun to clean up the mess that's left behind.
He is my 224th stranger in the Flickr challenge to shoot photos of 100 strangers: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/. I'm going veeerrryy slowly this third round.
You can see my full set of Stranger photos (so far) here: www.flickr.com/photos/joemoconnell/sets/72157627547511612...
David was in Southampton promoting his company, SplashMaps, who make wearable, washable maps. I approached David because his company is providing the maps for a Paris to London charity bike ride that I am taking part in later this year - (www.justgiving.com/P2L/). We chatted about the maps and then I asked if I could take his portrait for my 100 Strangers Project. David agreed, as long as I got the map in the picture too :-)
The photo was taken in a shopping mall and the lighting wasn't fantastic; I asked David to turn slightly so that he was illuminated by the huge video screen that was on the wall about 10 metres away. Considering the lighting, I was fairly pleased with the result.
Thank you David for agreeing to be part of the project.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This was taken on an Olympus PEN EP-5 with a 45mm lens at f\1.8 using available light.
This is Jon.
Self-confessed 'grumpy middle-aged man', Jon is a painter and decorator from Oxford. I chatted to him outside the John Radcliffe hospital where he was having a cigarette break. He seemed really interested in the 100 Strangers project too. Very enthusiastic and not in the least bit grumpy at all. He was more than happy to pose for me before getting back into the hospital, to decorate something I presume.
An interesting fact about Jon? He's actually a trained potter. I bet you never knew that.
This picture is #07 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.
Taken in Oxford, UK on 03/03/2012
Today I went to the horse races and decided to venture off into the stables. I found Chuck Voglewede. Chuck is a Farrier. A Farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of horses' hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves. A farrier combines some blacksmith's skills (fabricating, adapting, and adjusting metal shoes) with some veterinarian's skills (knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb) to care for horses' feet. Chuck has been doing this for over 30 years.
I asked him to tell me something interesting about himself - something not a whole lot of people know and he told me that in 1981 he rode 1850 miles from California to North Dakota on horseback. On his voyage he was photographed by a nat geo photog. The published photo has him riding his horse with the contrast of a gas station signs behind him. It was a special issue about Energy. The picture can be seen here www.thelongridersguild.com/library/voglewede/Feb81_Nat'l_...
I think this has to be my coolest stranger yet, thanks for letting me take your portrait it was a pleasure talking with you.
This picture is #051 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project at 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I saw her beautiful curly reddy brown hair out of the corner of my eye as we were wondering around Carnaby Street. Amy was standing by Choccywoccydoodah having a cigarette break. I approached her and explained the project and without hesitation agreed to be apart of it.
Amy describes herself as English Carribean, works in the Choccywoocydoodah shop (what a cool name for a shop) and loves working there.
She asked where I would like her and I said that here was perfect. I took three shots of her and she did that thing a lot girls do which was to pout. She only pouted a little and it actually looked quite nice (see comments section). When I asked her not to pout she said she couldn't as it just happens when a camera is about :-). Anyway, I managed to take this shot which I liked.
Amy seemed like a lovely person and I would have loved to chat with her more but at the same time I didn't want her to lose all of her break just chatting to me!! Thank you for being my 26th stranger in this project Amy. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the
We arrived in the city early on Sunday morning especially to do some street photography around the Convention Centre where the Brisbane Comic-Con was being held. As we approached the Treasury Building at the end of the Queen Street Mall, we came across this young lady and her friend.
They were taking it in turns to pose on the steps and take each other's photograph. They posed together for a photo for me, and then I took their individual photos.
This picture is #46 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
Spotted Damal 10 minutes before I actually met him as he was battling the notorious traffic along King street riding his bike. Unfortunately, I was unable to see where he went, but then out of the blue he rides past me on the foot path. I eventually chase him down and ask for a photo.
Damal was very enthusiastic about the project and at being selected to be photographed. When I heard his American accent I immediately called Evan and Sara Michelle over, who are both form California, to meet a fellow patriot. They chatted for a while about home and what cities they were from and Damal lamented about how bad some parts of his city were with crime and homelessness.
The three of them were like old buddies catching up and there smiles and laughter rang out loud, but I also sensed a bit of home sickness coming through. The reminiscing from my perspective, was quite interesting to watch and I couldn’t help but feel a little sad for them.
Damal said he was an engineer back home but hated the stress of the job, so he moved to Australia where he now works at Sydney airport in freight forwarding. He really loves the casual life style in Australia and hopes to stay for some time.
I really liked Damal's positive energy. A very upbeat sort of guy with a lot to smile about.
Taking a leaf form the Mcconnochie brothers, I created a diptych of Damal and his bike.
Thanks for being part of the Strangers project.
This picture is #137 in my 2nd round of The100 Strangers Project
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Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
It was getting really dark and cloudy but you couldn't miss her if you were blind. Perfect for my new prime lens, I thought! I approached her and told her about the 100 Strangers project and she was totally comfortable about me taking her picture; I asked her about the piercings and she said that they hurt a bit at first but not too much; her parents got a little mad but soon got over it. The colors of her eyes and hair really pop against the black clothes and shadows, she could easily be mistaken for a model. Thanks Isabelle!
This picture is #13 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
Nancy is a co-worker of Dave (Stranger 77). I met them both outside of a fish market in Portland, Maine. Dave was offering her his leather jacket as I approached.
Nancy was born in Portland and has worked at this same fish market for 25 years. She is one hardy lady as the weather was in the mid-50's this morning, and she was outside in short sleeves. The market was "too cold". Nancy has recently moved from Portland proper as it is getting too expensive. Portland is a wonderful city, but seems to me much like Austin, TX. Some of the people like Nancy who made it a wonderful city seem to be moving. Got to love those local folks who make the city special. Guess going down the alleyways pays off.
Nancy does not fancy pictures too much as she told me, but she agreed to participate. Thanks, Nancy! If you would like to see other photos of those participating, Please go to www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers.
This is Stranger 7/100 in the 100 Strangers Project on Flickr. Find out more here: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
This is Oliver (left) and O'Hara (the scarlet macaw - get it?) I've been seeing them around my San Diego neighborhood for years and finally got them to pose for me. They obviously adore each other. Check out the holes in his shirt, where she's been using it as a grip. O'Hara also seems to recognize cameras, because she kept posing for mine!
I am so behind due to so many personal things going on in my life... but onward with my second set of 100 Strangers on Flickr. This is Chad, my Stranger #56, a fireman in Tomball, Texas. One Saturday I passed the fire station on the way to mail something at the post office and I noticed that there was a public event going on at the Tomball Fire Station #1. There was a demonstration of how they go about extracting someone trapped in a car. There were pink fire helmets for the children in support of BCA along with free hot dogs, cokes, and coloring books. All the equipment was out and on display for everyone to view from the ladder trucks to the car of the Fire Chief that he uses to get to the fire first and make sure everything needed would be on it's way. Chad loves being a fireman and is originally from West Texas but his wife is from Tomball so they have settled here. It was interesting to learn how much in common my grandson and Chad have with both graduating college then going into the Fire Academy and ranching in their spare time and team roping when time allows. It was a pleasure to meet Chad and I enjoyed our visit and I thank him for wanting to be one of my 100 Strangers on Flickr. Find out more about the Flickr 100 Stranger project and see pictures taken by other photographers at: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
small world? absolutley.
so we found the perfect coffee shop to warm up in---and of course to grab a warm beverage. everything about this place was perfect. the lighting, the simple menu, the location....
and then we met josh. and to attempt to make a long story a little shorter:
josh agreed to be a "stranger" for me. then he had to go help out behind the counter. he came back and i explained the 100 strangers project more and that it was flickr based. with that, i said he may know terry (also from GR). and of course--they are friends. all the people in the coffee shop exclaimed "we love terry!"......josh went on to talk to us about terry, the coffee shop, the area, etc. and he even drew us a map so we could find our way to the hip bars in town. and guess what? he was right! thanks for your help, josh. i had not one but two of the best chocolate martinis ever at bar divani and we loved it there as well as stella's! it was great to meet you and we will certainly be back! :)
if anyone ever gets a chance to stop by his shop, please do! you won't regret it.
and here's the stream of the ever fabulous and famous terry:
www.flickr.com/photos/powerbooktrance/
and be sure to check out what other photogs are capturing in www.100strangers.com
Stranger portrait - Lynn. Being a Brit I couldn't help noticing Lynns hat which was sporting the name of the UK's longest running soap opera. Turns out Lynn could be Calgary's, even Alberta's biggest "Corrie" fan. She told me she'd visited the set in the UK a few times, hardly ever missed an episode and just loved the show.
I had seen Pepina and Monika at the top of Glastonbury Tor. I had been very tempted then to approach them. For some reason I held off. They seemed to be enjoying the feel of the place on a very atmospheric day. There were faint mists around the Tor, light cloud, heavy cloud and small areas of sunshine. Although the two women were together, they each spent time near the tower; feeling the stone or perhaps just sheltering from the breeze.
There were plenty of others at the top of Glastonbury Tor today. I did not regret not interrupting Pepina and Monika. I had a super meeting with Jacques and Stephane, instead. Jacques became my stranger 418.
When I later visited Glastonbury Abbey, who should I see but Pepina and Monika. They were sitting at the small cafe. It seemed an ideal opportunity for me to engage with them. I’d been up the Tor twice that morning and I was ready for a coffee.
Pepina and her friend Monika are visiting from Bulgaria. Pepina was happy to be in my project and said that she would translate for Monika. Pepina translated as I went through my explanation again, briefly for Monika. At the end, I asked if Monika would be willing to be in my project too. Monika quietly said “OK”.
We talked a little of Bulgaria. Pepina said that it has changed a great deal over recent years. Changed for the better. I had been perhaps 25 years ago. Pepina suggested that I should go back; recommending Varna, the port city and seaside resort, on the Black Sea. Studying my contact card, Pepina said that she would definitely take a look at my project later.
The 85mm lens on my camera required a bit more distance between us than the small tables allowed in the cafe, so we moved to a picnic table nearby. I photographed Pepina, then Monika. Although that was enough to give me a reasonable portrait or two, I wondered if they ladies would be willing to try another location in the abbey grounds. They were.
We went to the lady chapel. There were a few people on the ground level, so I suggested that we go downstairs. I took another few photos of Monika and Pepina; then a photo with the friends together. Before going our separate ways Pepina took a photo of Monika and me with Monika’s phone.
Thank you Pepina for being part of my project. It was good to meet you and Monika today.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
This picture is #49 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"
Walking out of Fitzrovia Square I was thinking that I needed to find something a little different. As if an answer to a prayer, I spotted Lewis sitting on a low wall enjoying the day. He agreed to a photograph or two so I got stuck in. As I was lining up for the first shot, a mate of his walked by and reminded him that he should be charging me!
I thought it would be cool to do a diptych similar to my street style images that I've been doing so took a few from afar and then came in for a portrait. Mission of the day: Don't miss the gold tooth!
He asked me what kind of people I shoot to which I gave my stock response, "anyone I find interesting". I then gave him one of my cards with a close up portrait of Tilly to which he gave a little chortle and pointed out that she looked far more interesting than him.
Lewis was such a great friendly guy and though he doesn't have Internet, he said he'd get his kids to look up the site for him. So I hope you get to see this Lewis, thanks so much for agreeing to be a part of my project. I hope you like the pictures.
Constructive criticism gratefully received
If you're anywhere near London check out the 100 Strangers London Meetup discussion thread here.
Highly recommended.
Take a look at pictures from the last one here.
I had chatted with Aveline for a couple of minutes before asking if I could take her photo for my project and was surprised when she declined my offer. She told me that she had her own camera. Once she realised that I was not asking for money, she agreed that I could take her photo. After this we chatted some more and I took a few photos.
Aveline was visiting Glastonbury with a friend. She was impressed that it wasn't comercialised. Aveline was traveling with a friend, who knew lots about the spiritual aspects of Glastonbury. I met Aveline's friend briefly, later. I asked if she had been meditating and she said “dreaming”.
Back in Brussels, Aveline has a 14 month old daughter. Aveline's partner and brother are looking after the little girl, while she is away. It is the first time that she has been separated from her daughter and she is looking forward to getting back to Belgium to see her.
Aveline is a pianist. She has been playing in orchestras from an early age. She taught piano while she was pregnant but doesn't have time now that she has a small one to look after. These days Aveline performs and composes.
We talked a bit about our roots. Aveline's mum is from Spain and my dad is from Poland. I suggested that maybe she got her dark eyes from her mother. She said there was something eastern European in my looks. She thought that apart from that there wasn't much Polish about me. I agreed that there had been little Polish influence in my life. I also said that I am more Somerset now than Londoner – having spent so much of my life in the West of England.
Thank you Aveline for agreeing to be in my project. It was good to meet you. I am so glad that you changed your mind and allowed me to take your photo today.
This picture is 76 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 #12 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 seldom go to pubs after work but I had to meet a friend to pick up a present for my son's 5th birthday and that was as good an excuse as any. We were sitting at our table and I was telling Andrew about the 100 Strangers project. While we were on the subject, Maureen came and sat down at the table next to us and ordered dinner. Andrew took one look at her and demanded that I ask her for a picture. I didn't argue.
Maureen is such a lovely character, we had a long chat and she told me, after I mentioned that I love sailing, about an incident at the Cows Yacht Squadron when she was about 6 or 7 (she's 70 now) where she barreled into some gentleman's knee. When she picked herself up, she looked up into the eyes of Prince Philip who was standing there with the future queen of England. She told him he had bony knees and he laughed and apologised.
Maureen kept on asking me why I'd want to photograph her when there were so many lovely looking young ladies in the pub. I hope this picture goes some way to explaining the answer.
Thanks for a wonderful encounter.
Exif data auto added by theGOOD Uploadr
File Size : 6.4 mb
Camera Make : NIKON CORPORATION
Camera Model : NIKON D3000
Software : Adobe Photoshop CS5 Windows
Exposure : 0.077 seconds
Aperture : f/5
ISO Speed : 400
Focal Length : 35 mm
Subject Distance : 0.8 meters
My D90 is in for repair. I can't believe how uncomfortable I was with my old camera! I fumbled to do everything... from setting exposure to changing focus points, or switching it to view finder mode. It was quite embarrassing. It's funny because just a few days ago I was complaining about how much easier it was to use manual mode on my old camera.
Anyway... I drove to the park to find a stranger. To my surprise the park was filled with firefigher's tents and TONS of strangers. There were also signs indicating I shouldn't go in there. I felt like a real reporter as I passed the signs. :)
This is Mitch and Brian, and they are here from Elko, Nevada, to fight a fire that has already burned over 38,000 acres. I didn't ask as many questions as I would have liked because I was flustered with my camera settings. I did learn that they are replacing firemen who were injured, and that the maximum time a firefighter could be here is two weeks. I bet their stories would have been great. Somebody kick me, please.
For the photography end of things - I wish I would have composed the background differently. There were a lot of tents, and they could have made a real cool background. I am pleased with the perspective of the firefighters. The grass was higher than the sidewalk I was standing on, and I like the effect. I'm going to try and remember this.
Find out more about the 100 strangers project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
P.S. I need to start getting photos of females!!! I think I'll go back and ask for a female firefighter. :)
This picture is #93 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
We had ten minutes left before we were due to meet back in Covent Garden with the rest of the 100 Strangers Meet Up group and I was getting tired. I'd been on the go since early morning. My feet were killing me, I was out of moo cards and even the legendary 1.8 lense was starting to struggle. But I had to try a stranger shot with my £5 flash diffuser in front of my on board flash. I've been wanting to try it for some time but have never had the guts. But this day I was in the zone, I'd photographed 15 different strangers so far with a total of 74 pictures and had exceeded all of my expectations of the day. Another subject on my to do list was to get a guy in s suit. A smart, dapper guy dressed well. So when I saw this chap walking towards us I couldn't hesitate.
He was absolutely brilliant. After hearing me out, he gave a little chuckle and settled into a pose. I snapped off two quick pictures and then he was off on his way. I didn't even get his name. I didn't give him details of the project or anything. Peter may remember better than me whether this was due to me not asking or him being off too quickly. By this point I think had hit my saturation point and time was up so we headed back to the rendezvous.
After that, we bid farewell to a few of the delegates and then Peter (pmconnochie), Ben (Zubrow), Celine (Mrs Zubrow) and I went for a quick coffee and headed off on our ways.
The meet up was everything I could have asked for. It was great to meet like minded people. My friends all think I'm mad and meeting other people on the same page was wonderful. I learned loads without really trying to, just by chatting to people and comparing notes. With the aid of peer pressure I definitely increased my confidence and drive about a hundred fold and I made some new friends. Which for a project about strangers is pretty cool.
This being the last of my pictures from the meet up, I'd like to thank everyone who came along, it was a blast! For anyone who didn't come along, I'm sure we'll do it again, don't be shy to join us!
I met Clement when we were camping at Green Patch NSW.
Clement came to our rescue when our car battery was dead.
My husband asked this young traveler to help jump start our car and as we got talking I asked if he would like to be my 5th stranger :)
so let me tell you a little bit about this helpful young man.
Clement has come all the way from France to travel and explore Australia, He brought a van, did some repairs on it ( in which he can't believe how expensive things are in Oz) and is now in the process of a sojourn up the East Coast of Australia, he plans to go as far as Cairns in QLD then over to Uluru in NT then maybe to the west coast.
Thank you Clement for being my #5 now only 95 to go ;)
Good luck with your travelling and please reach out to me so i can send you your other photos :)
Some things i would do different: I always get a bit nervous asking my strangers so i have to learn to slow down a bit but i know this will come with practise and i was using my 70-200mm lens that i haven't fallen in love with yet so tend not to use very much but i need to use it more, I do love the bokeh it produces but :)
More information about the 100 Strangers project can be found here:
I have to admit I didn't see this stranger coming nor I spotted her from some distance. It was a mere accident, a corner you choose to turn just to stumble upon her, by some stroke of chance or luck. Clad all in black but for her bright red leather jacket, and sporting not-so-discrete piercings in her bottom lip and ears, I suddenly found myself in front of a strong personality that, however, accepted to be approached and photographed.
Meet Joana, who was actually the one who started the conversation when I was offered a card from a local tattoo shop. Having kindly refused inking my body -for the time being- I introduced her to the project and she accepted without second thoughts. During the brief shoot I discovered Joana was born in Brazil and has been living for quite some time in the city. We shared some points of view about photography and art, and overall spent an interesting 5 minute break from her work.
In a final revelation, her own email address was a reference to a popular Brazillian saying which refers to being an open, welcoming and kind person, as her close friends and relatives acknowledged, something one can totally understand even after such a brief period of time. A real pleasure.
I sent her these shots, I hope she likes them.
Thanks for your time, Joana!
This picture was #52 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.
Shortly after picturing Mrs. #2, this lady asked if I was a professional photographer, to which I responded, "Hopefully"
As the meet-up group walked through the colourful streets of Melbourne both Neil and I turned our attention a beautiful, young dark-haired woman wearing bright red. She was accompanied by an older gentlemen and being taken by her beauty I immediately did a U-turn and stopped them to go through the stranger blurb.
They were both very receptive and without too much ado I was taking a few shots of Chiara as her dad watched proudly from the side.
The day was quite overcast and I really wanted to get more light into those ever so dark eyes, so I moved Chiara to the outer edge of the footpath away from the covering of the shop awnings. Although I was pleased with the additional light and how the image turned out, I couldn’t get away from the trams that are in almost every street and sure enough just as I started to shoot one pulled up behind her. Bugger!
Chiara was out with her dad shopping for a Mothers’ day present so I thanked them both, gave them my card and let them get back to the shops
.
Thanks for being part of the Stranger Project.
This picture is #140 in my 2nd round of The100 Strangers Project.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Batu describes himself as a Turkish Australian. I'd describe him as a true Renaissance Man. For one so young, Batu shows a great in-depth knowledge of world history, Norse mythology, English literature, Norwegian folk/metal music, and a whole host of other subjects. This is not to mention the Masters Degree he's studying for in psychology.
I was lucky enough to be sat opposite Batu on a long train journey. We instantly started a conversation, he offered me some of his "tucker" and right up until the end of the journey there was not a moment of awkward silence or a single drop in the quality of out chat. We conversed about subjects including religion, secularism, education, the age of a forest, the development of belief, evolution vs creationism, more of that Norwegian metal music that I've never heard of, gun control and the history of just about everything, and of course photography. This was my chance to introduce the concept of the 100 Strangers Project, and as one would expect Batu was gracious in his agreement to help me out with the project.
In his spare time Batu likes to read about history, he writes and plays the guitar.
We didn't agree on every subject we spoke about, gun control for one, but I did find we shared an awful lot of common ground in all the other subjects.
If you are fortunate enough to bump into Batu on a train or anywhere, then ask him about American literature, the Unification of Germany, the Reformation, or more of that Norwegian music I've still never heard of. You won't regret it. He's a joy to chat to.
I'm delighted to add Batu into the 100 Strangers Group on Flickr but more pleased to have him in my own project.
This is Lloyd who was one of our guides on the USS Ponce. He is 21 years old and has been in the Navy for 2 years. His home state is Ohio and like Michael has traveled quite abit in the last 9 months. His job on that day was to keep us all together and answer questions which he was very good at. When I told him about the project at first he didn't say anything, when I asked him again he then gave me permission and went into a military stance.
Thank you Lloyd for letting me take your picture and for your service.
This picture is #7 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
Armando was smokin' ribs at Arts, Beats, and Eats, downtown Pontiac yesterday when i spotted him. i knew he'd be a great stranger. i approached him, explained the project, and he agreed. i pulled my camera out, turned it on, and um....nuthin'. turned it off. turned it on. still nuthin'. so um, yah.....the battery was sitting at home on the counter.
good ol' point and shoot saves the day once again! LOL
thanks Armando!! :)
They were freestyle dancing unselfconsciously as I was going to class and I regretted not having time to photograph them.
To my surprise, more than two hours later they were still at it when I got out of class.
I guess having my chance to photograph them was just meant to be.
Oh, for the energy of youth.
This picture is #76in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Since August I've been keeping an eye on this doorway with the intention of using it as a background. Sometimes the light has been horrid, other times there have been no suitable subjects and other times I've simply lacked the patience to hang around. Yesterday it all came together.
I'd barely said good by to number 75 when Beatrice walked by. She was walking fast and not looking approachable but I was feeling bold so I stopped her and asked if I could take her picture. She didn't ask for any details, just said I'd have to be quick as she was in a hurry. No problem!
I've recently been trying out contact lenses with varying degrees of success and equal measures of frustration though usually once they're in they're fine. This day, my left eye was bothering me but not enough to take the lenses out. Not bothering me that is, until I looked at Beatrice through the viewfinder. My vision blurred up so much I could see NOTHING. Well I figured I wouldn't have time for another shot at this so I snapped off two pictures and then tried my right eye for a third. This picture was the second and I'm not entirely sure what that proves but it has got to be something!
I gave Beatrice a card and she shot off as I called out a big thank you to her.
While I was shooting she told me that she's studying at a nearby college. She mentioned a number of subjects but I only caught English and Spanish. Clearly she enjoys it as she was in a big hurry to get there.
Beatrice: If you look at the site, thanks so much for taking the time, I hope you like the picture.