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I was on the return path, checking my mobile, when I crossed the path of Ophélie. Light eyes, beautiful freckles... I froze a second before thinking: “hey, I should have approached her !”. She was walking fast, so I hesitated to run to her. Then I decided to walk fast the parallel street, hoping she would turn in my direction at the next corner in order to approach her in front... what she exactly did ! I hoped also she did not remember she already crossed my way 300m before ! :)
Ophélie is student in contemporary literature as Josselin, stranger #82. But I don’t remember what job she plans to do in the future... And like all the student I approached the , she’s in holidays... Damn ! not me ! :D
Thank you Ophélie !
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Will was enjoying a coffee with a friend seated at the outside seats at Café 12 when I interrupted him to ask the obvious question.
He was very friendly and very interested in the project and instantly agreed to participate. So we moved to a shaded area and took a few shots.
Will is a local and works as a Water and Nature Scaper. He specialises in designing and making water features/fountains. Originally from Singapore he has been in Australia for 15 years. He invited me down to his workshop/warehouse to look at his work which sounded interesting, so I might just take him up on the offer. He said that he also does healing work with Reflexology from time to time.
I liked Will’s combination of the beret and glasses and for some reason he reminded me of the actor, Laurence Fishburne. Normally I would post a image without glasses, but I think they complete the image I have of him and complement his style.
Will and his lady friend were super nice and their warmth made for an all round pleasant encounter.
Thanks for being part of the 100 Strangers Project.
This picture is #151 in my 2nd round of The100 Strangers Project.
You can see my 1st 100 Strangers Set here
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
this was the best make up job i have ever seen!! she said it took her three hours to do it….don't you love the red eyes?? my hubby and I were invited to a wedding reception/ costume party. everyone dressed in halloween getup for the bride and groom…it was really fun! I knew I would find a stranger at the party, and here she is. This is Chavana. She is a friend of the groom, and an awesome makeup artist!! www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
She was sitting at the coffee shop and a cute dog sat by her side. He was wagging his tail basically asking me to pet him. From there, I struck a conversation about dogs and she seemed like a very friendly and happy person. I asked her if she wanted to be part of my stranger project and she willingly agreed to.
Robin has a Phd in history and loves politics. She is currently finishing up her dissertation and lives with her husband who she has been happily married to for about a year. Quite honestly, she lives a very content life. “My life is effing awesome!”
It always makes me happy to hear people doing well and I often ask them what their source of happiness is. I asked Robin that question and if she had any advice.
“That’s a hard question, and honestly I don’t feel right giving advice about happiness. My happiness feels sort of accidental. I mean, I was adopted as a child and it just so happens that my parents are awesome. I was a happy kid. Sure I get anxiety sometimes, but in general I was born into a great family and I’m just a happy person. I don’t feel like I have the right to tell someone ‘do this and you’ll be happy’.”
Thank you Robin, you are stranger #153 in my on-going stranger project.
Check out more of other's stranger photos at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
"Hi guys, would you like to be part of my photographic project?" "I would like to see your photographic project, not being part of it!" So began the conversation with William and Heather (coming next). But after a while, and without insisting too much, they also agree to be part of it. Met in Trastevere where they were having a walk in a great sunny day. William is Canadian, Heather comes from United States. They're in Rome to visit Heather's brother, but mainly for leisure.
So, thank you Will for BEING PART of my project!
This picture is #8 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 #20/100: Holly
I recently moved to Sheffield where I hope to restart my mission to get to 100 strangers. Getting back in the saddle after a bit of a break it took me quite a bit of courage to approach someone in a busy lunchtime break. People looked hassled and unapproachable. I lurked at the entrance of small shopping centre and waited to see if inspiration would hit me. And then it turned up in the shape of this colourful stranger with striking blue hair.
I gingerly introduced myself to her. She was with a friend and they were chatting but stationery, unlike others bustling past with a sense of urgency. This gave me courage. After I explained my motives the two girls relaxed and I learnt that they were both trainee nurses. Cyan-maned Holly is currently working as a healthcare assistant but due to start her nursing degree at Hallam later this year. Her mate is already at Uni. No wonder they seemed more approachable to me. Nurses are lovely aren't they.
Holly had just done 4 days of work and was having 3 days off. I asked if her work was tough, knowing full well that it is. She shrugged and accepted this assessment but chose not to complain. A good sign if she wants to do caring work.
When I started setting up for my portrait Holly became a little self conscious. I took a few long shots and then moved closer for more intimate framing. It was shaded in the shopping centre causeway but sunny just outside so I got some decent reflected light. In the end I choose the wider angle because I always feel the context makes an image speak much louder. While I had a lovely shot of Holly peering into the lens with a vulnerable expression I preferred this shot because you can see where she is and the image reveals her slightly shy, feminine demeanor. She smiles broadly and wholeheartedly. She made a comment about how her eyes squint when she smiles and this image shows that. It also shows how beautiful and gentle her soul looks through that smile. Thanks Holly for brightening up my day and helping me continue my journey to 100 strangers.
This is Stranger 20 in my 100 Strangers project. To find out more visit the 100 Strangers page on Flickr.
This was the second stranger I approached during my first session getting street portraits of strangers. She was sitting with her friend, Stranger 3, while watching her niece play at the park, also at 9th Street in Cleveland near the Rock Hall. Trying to control shadows from the harsh sun, I decided to shoot these in the shade of the concrete steps they were sitting on. They were very interested in our project and gave us a hard time for not having Instagram! I ended up texting her the link to my Flickr account so they could see the portraits we produced.
I sought to meet my next stranger, not for a portrait but to pet her family and to hear her story. Retha and her husband live full time in an RV with their eleven Japanese Chin dogs. With a folding fence running the length of their RV and eleven long haired spaniels with oversized eyes and short muzzles running around outside, they were the talk of the park that I was visting.
Being quite accustomed to attracting attention, Retha and her husband were very willing to share their story and tell us about this unique breed of dog. Her long-haired friends were retired from the show ring and breeding, and were now enjoying their days traveling around the country making new friends.
I tried in vain to get a photo of all of her adorable dogs at once but they did not cooperate. Instead Retha agreed to participate in my stranger challenge. I took her picture sharing her lap with two of her friendly travel mates.
This photo is included in the group 100 strangers:
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/pool/
This photo is included in the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit:
Having completed Annamaria’s portrait (stranger 51), I met my friend on Denmark Street, the little street full of music shops just of Tottenham Court Road in London. He was intrigued by the project and wanted to see me in action to get a taste of what was involved. It was getting dark now but I was game.
When I saw the alleyway to the side of Hanks Guitars shop with its purple façade and the mass of papers on the left hand side, I knew I had my backdrop. All I had to do now was to find a stranger. Being a road full of music shops there quite a few musicians there who I thought would make great strangers. After one friendly rejection followed by a rejection from a police officer (off duty and also friendly), I saw Nathan standing across the road and felt he was perfect. He was game and so I moved him into position.
I had already tested the shot with my friend and decided that the 35mm would be better. I also bumped the ISO up to 800 to ensure that I could keep the shutter speed at an acceptable level. After a few shots without a reflector, I brought it out to see if it would help. It was marginal as to whether it was helping or not but it did help to bring a hint of a catchlight to the eyes.
I tried a few shots with some more smiley expressions but there is something about his melancholic eyes in this shot that I find really compelling.
I opted to go black and white on this one as I was struggling with the white balance between background and the foreground and using Zack Arias’s tips went for B&W. In my next shot I use the same alleyway and stayed using Lightroom to sort out the white balance. For this one, however, I think the black and white works better.
Nathan is a sound engineer and would look the part in any rock band. He was happy to have his portrait taken even though he was slightly self conscious about his tatty headphones.
Thanks Nathan for being a part of my project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the
100 Strangers Flickr Group Page
As always any critique welcome
Danny asked me if I had been up the Tor and I said "no". When he started telling me about the views, I realised that I had missunderstood his question. I had thought he meant "had I been up the Tor today" but he was asking if I had ever been there. When I replied that I visit the tor frequently he asked me if I had been to "Deers Leap", evidently the landscape is wonderful and I need to make a visit.
When Danny had first seen me, I had been reviewing photos of Lucy, my stranger 338. I was looking at them in the electronic viewfinder. As the camera was pointing at a downward angle, Danny imagined that I was taking photos of the pavement. I am not surprised that he thought that I would make better images on Glastonbury Tor, than taking photos of the footpath!
I told Danny of my interest in making portraits of strangers and asked if he would like to be part of my project. Danny was a warm and friendly character and he was a very willing to participate. He told me that he had just come from a visit to the dentist so he might have difficulty smiling.
While we were chatting, Danny said that I might be interested to know that his grandfather was the comedian Tommy Cooper. Check him out on Youtube.
Danny is a professional hat maker (Here's his fb page). He also works as a self-employed chef and has been running festival events with his partner, Zara. She had been running this business for three years before they got together. His delight at the moment is Alice, their 3 month old daughter. Danny is also a photographer and has been a film maker.
Danny told me that he would like to work with young offenders. He left home when he was 13 and was homeless for many years. He learned many things the hard way and he would like to help others to know that there are better ways than being the wrong side of the law. Danny had a spell living in the woods and more later had a hand in starting Runnymede Eco-Village.
Thank you Danny for agreeing to be part of my project. It was good to meet you. I hope that you like the photos and send best wishes to you and your family.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Hello to you all :)
this is my 30th stranger, Her name is Mita Makiko (i call her Mita-san), she is Japanese
yes, Japanese!! XD
this story began with, well, let's say we met in opening ceremony where she came from Japan with her friends as a participant. I was there because i would took some pictures of my little sister doing Balinese dance as one of entertainments held by the committees.
after performance ended, Mita and her friend wanted to take picture of them with my little sister. well, call that luck because at first i had been observing Mita for a while, haha
i volunteered to take their picture, and for "exchange", well, you must know the rest, right? :D
of course i asked them first (Maki and her friend) if they wanted to participate or not and took several shoot. Because the light is so dim, i had to use higher ISO, which my camera could cope with.
well, i certainly hoped that i could show them Jogjakarta, but i thought their time is limited, so sad. i promised them to send these photos via email, too :)
glad to see you, Mita-san! kawaii da ne! ^^
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
This picture is #30 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at http://www.100strangers.com/
Bob is the subject of this picture. He develops business software for a living. I met when I saw him and his dog by a cross-section. I asked him, "If you had one piece of advice to give to the world, what would it be?" He said, "Do what you love." I shot this picture wide open and tried to get him to look at the camera. Unfortunately, he was quite timid, but I still found his expression looked kind of interesting, almost like he is deep in thought. Do you have any constructive criticism?
Learn more about 100 strangers at:
I saw Birgit when I was thinking about calling it a day and going home. And you don't say no to such an opportunity. So I walked over to her and asked my usual question. She wasn't convinced immediately, but handing her my card and explaining a bit more did the trick :)
The main image is the very first shot that I took. Her eyes were a bit dark (fixed that in post), so after showing it to her, she suggested to move her bangs a bit, which did help.
Birgit was on the way from one work to another where she had an appointment. She asked when the shot will be online which makes her the first to ask this question :)
She liked the first shot more and I agreed, so I put the other one in the comments. Both are really nice images, I think.
Birgit, thanks again! I hope you like the outcome. If you like to have the full-resolution images, please contact me and I will send them to you.
This picture is #28 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I made a Facebook page, so please check it out and like if you like :)
What do you think about the image? Constructive criticism is appreciated!
Tom favourite all time record
Heavan is a Halfpipe
OPM
Pitshanger Lane Ealing London.
Tom was going door to door selling Lovefilm packages. His working day was virtually over and he told me it had been a success. He had done a marketing degree and this job was to add experience for his CV. He was confident and happy to stop for the photographs.
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
© All rights reserved please do not use on any other websites or blogs without my explicit permission.
Howdy from Eddie my Flickr Stranger #60 in my second set of 100 Strangers who was our
greeter at the Santa Town/Santa Christmas Wonderland hayride that one can take to ride
through all the beautiful Christmas light displays in this amazing land of over a million
Christmas Lights. He has worked here for years and loves his job of welcoming people
to this spectacular destination during the season from the 1st of November through the
end of December. He is married and has children and loves his family and is active at
his church in Snook,TX. From his big smile under his big stetson cowboy hat and bright
magenta Western shirt down to his well enjoyed cowboy boots he was a delight to meet
and visit with as we waited our turn at the hayride that would take us through Santa's
Christmas Wonderland. He and his wife like to do a little country dancing too and he
also shared he is a big A&M University fan!!! Whoop!!!! Thanks so much, Eddie, for being
such a delightful host and making our adventure at Santa's Wonderland even more special!!!
Find out more about the Flickr 100 Stranger project and see pictures
taken by other photographers at: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Jesse Taylor is today's new Stranger. I meet him as I was taking out my garbage. He was headfirst into the back of his van sorting out some wiring. I noticed the guitar and music gear and stopped for a chat.
Jesse appears to be living the dream... He has taken his love of mosaic and combined it with surfing and manages to keep it all together travelling and singing in his renovated tradies van. Currently he does his gigs, mainly around the Sunshine Coast but nest weekend will find him playing at Byron Bay in between hitting the waves.
Writing most of his own material, Jesse describes his style as Folk but will dabble in other genres such as Jazz and Reggie.
I saw Vernon scratching a lottery ticket and the color of his shirt and hat contrasted nicely against his skin. I had to convince him to let me take his picture, but he was really kind in the end. You look at this shot and can almost hear him saying, "do you really want to take my picture? Don't you have anything else to do?" So I took the shot and told him "man, you look mean!" and he replied, "I'm not mean, let me give you a smile!" which you can see in the comments... Yes, I guess we have the same million-dollar smile... on the inside... and my wife teases me about it, too, Vernon :-) We ended up talking about everything from life to squirrels and had a great time. Thanks a lot, Vernon!
This picture is #24 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
In the course of choosing a local florist and working out the details for a prom corsage, I came to meet this fantastically charming, creative and down to earth mother and daughter.
Will have to add more to this story later, as somehow it is suddenly time to pick up my son from the dance.
Each of 3 times I met with Mari Lynne, she was dressed in similar Boho style. Always a long skirt and funky jewelry. She also was consistent in wearing her engaging smile.
The floral shop (which, according to the business card has been owned by her parents and run by the family for 30 years) is now run adjacent to the family farm. Each time I was there, I also saw her lovely mother, who also smiled readily. Cropped out of the shot is Mari Lynne's young daughter, who happened to be there today.
We chatted at length about all sorts of topics, such as the casual trend of youth, and how flowers aren't wanted as much as they once were (a similar discussion was had while at the salon about older ladies and their Friday hair-dos dying out). She talked about current trends in floral design and has a soft spot for Gerbera daisies (but seemed not to want to say Gerberette, a mini variety)
The story she told that I most want to share is about her parish (I have since found out from a friend who happens to be a member of the congregation, that Mari Lynne is the pastor's wife). Every year they hold a Snowflake Ball. They maintain a lending wardrobe of cast off formal gowns in a "Cinderella's Closet" that the ladies are invited to utilize. I love the idea of an all-ages dance where extravagant (if cheap and or borrowed) gowns are encouraged. It sounds like a bright spot in mid Winter.
Mari Lynne and her mother, Shirley, were certainly a bright spot in the hectic prom-prep season.
10/100 and 11/100
Name: Boon Huan
Place: Resorts World Sentosa Hard Rock Hotel Singapore
He is currently working at The Resorts World Sentosa Hard Rock Hotel as a Guest Relation Officer. This is my first time to totally ask a permission for a stranger to take photo of them which I totally don't know. I was a bit nervous but this is the purpose of this project, to extend from my comfort zone and meet new people using my camera. I ask him about on which hotel is the best in Sentosa and he replied that it depends on which mood that suits me. I ask him if I can take a photo of him and he gladly accepted it, the place is a bit dim so there is a shake on my shot (I was nervous also lol!!!) and we finished with a handshake. It was a fun experience even though I am not sure what questions to ask, on my way to next people I will meet along the way!!! Time for my next journey!!! :D
This picture is 001 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This picture is #86 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
Olivia's friend laughed when I asked if I could take either one of their portraits for this project saying that he might break the lens with his looks. He quickly stepped to one side and Olivia kindly agreed to take part. Olivia mentioned that she lives local to the area we met in, Peterborough.
If you are reading this Olivia 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.
Katherine was smiling when I saw her in the queue in the charity shop. After I left the shop, I looked back through the window to see her having what looked like a happy conversation with the staff at the counter.
I sat down on the wall outside the shop and waited for her to come out. Perhaps she would like to be in my ongoing strangers project. She walked in my direction and I almost let her keep going but at the last minute I made my decision.... “Excuse me.... would it be alright for me to take your photograph....”
Katherine agreed and I told her a little of my project, handing her my card. She recognised two of my former strangers, Lizzie and Esther. I asked if we might walk a little further along the high street and we stopped at the wall where I photographed Celeste.
Katherine is a mum and an artist. I asked if she paints and she told me that she does performance art. Although Katherine is creative, she didn't find it easy being photographed. She said that she prefers to be in charge. Katherine was still willing to take part but was relieved when I said that if we met again, then I wouldn't ask for her photo again – she smiled.
Thank you Katherine, for letting me photograph you today. I hope that you like the result. Best wishes.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
This is my 28th submission to the Human Family group.
Today, I wanted to get some new pictures for the project and also hand out my new moo cards that I made (for about the fifth of the price that they cost online). So I headed out, even though it was already quite late and not much sun left.
I was waiting somewhere in the crowded city center when I noticed something blue coming closer from my side.
Meet Martin. He was practically walking right towards me. I made a step and asked him if he would like to participate in my little photography project to which he instantly agreed.
After taking the first shot (the one in the comments), I wanted to try to get him to laugh but without saying "smile". I have read from a lot of you that your strangers start to laugh when you tell them to look very sincere or not to smile. So I told him to look really angry which he did quite well, but the expression is a bit too exaggerated, so I decided not to include this one.
I started laughing about the expression on his face which luckily made him laugh as well and that is the image you can see above. I am not sure which one is the better one after all, but in the end went with the happy one as the main shot since I accomplished to make him laugh.
I bluntly asked Martin what made him dye his hair blue and he replied that he had three weeks off from work and just felt like doing it without any specific reason. I also wanted to know if a lot of people asked him about it. Apparently people normally wouldn't walk up to him and ask directly, but rather talk "secretly" ("Look! Blue hair!!"). Many kids would be excited and would like it though. When I thanked him, he shook my hand.
Martin, thanks again for your time and willingness to look angry for me :) If you'd like to have the full files, just write me an email and I'll send them to you. I hope you like them!
This picture is #20 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I made a Facebook page, so please check it out and like if you like :)
What do you think about the image? Constructive criticism is appreciated!
This picture is #39 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 second American for the day. Alexa was walking with an older gentleman who I took to be her father. I've been trying a slightly different approach by asking more directly "May I take a portrait of you for my project?". The theory is that they will then ask what the project is rather than say no. That gives me a chance to give my pitch. Well Alexa didn't get that far, she simply said sure. She seemed to be in a hurry to catch up to her companion so I really had to hurry to get the shot and didn't chat much but she's at the University, Birckenbeck that I was near.
Anyway, thanks Alexa for allowing me opportunity. I fell into the old trap of capturing my reflection in her sunglasses but I'll live with that because I love the colour of her hat and as you can see, she's a stunner.
Exif data auto added by theGOOD Uploadr
File Size : 4.1 mb
Camera Make : NIKON CORPORATION
Camera Model : NIKON D3000
Software : Adobe Photoshop CS5 Windows
Exposure : 0.005 seconds
Aperture : f/1.4
ISO Speed : 100
Focal Length : 50 mm
Subject Distance : 0.8 meters
Lindsay is the director of education at the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin, Texas, where today the students I'm teaching from Odense, Denmark, met with the author Carolyn Osborn, whose latest novel--and the short story it grew out of--is set at the museum. Ney was a rule-bending German sculptor who moved to Austin and built that castle-shaped house that is now the museum in 1892. She wore pants and often slept outdoors on a cot. Lindsey has a history of working in art galleries and museum and sought out the job she now enjoys eight years ago when she moved to Austin. This shot was taken in the museum's basement under some pretty harsh light, but I like the dreamy results. In the basement we were also shown a cache of clay Ney harvested along the Colorado River. It's still waiting, ready for the next sculpture.
She is my 194th 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...
After my so particular stranger #57, I notice a couple walking in Trafalgar square. They were very cute, with their berets :) I start to talk about the project:
"Hello, I'm a french photographer, working on a project..."
"Wait, wait, we are French too :)"
So I continue to explain the project in French. I noticed later that there was a lot of French people in Trafalgar Square.
They both agreed for a picture. It was a very sympathic and smily couple. I have start by the guy.
He was the 58th stranger in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100strangers.com/
This picture is #67 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
Davide is from near Venice in Italy and when I met him was walking through the middle of Edinburgh while on holiday. It was late in the day therefore the light could have been better
If you are reading this Davide 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.
Dla wszystkich fanów serialu Stranger Thing - i nie tylko! Polecamy nasz plecak z wyjątkowym napisem nawiązującym do fabuły wspomnianego serialu. Plecak Promise Stranger Things świetnie sprawdzi się jako plecak szkolny, ponieważ z łatwością pomieści format a4 i jest naprawdę wygodny. Plecaczek będzie także super prezentem np. dla przyjeciela czy przyjaciółki. Dostępny jest w czarnym oraz białym kolorze.
My camera fell down to the ground from the bench while taking it out from my bag. Good thing is still working. Whew! :) I heard someone said: That's an expensive camera, don't break it. I replied, actually it's an old camera and it is already cheap now lol. He said "Why don't you take a photo of me?" I said, of course! Gabba is homeless and I learned that his father is Filipino but he had not seen him since he was born. He also mentioned that he moves from place to another looking for comfort. "As long as I'm alive, that's fine." He said. He makes face most of the time when people takes photo of him. :) He said life is tough and he wants to go skateboarding when he get the chances again. I told him about my project, and he said, "I guess I'm in." Thanks Gabba and I hope things will get better for you real soon!
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers
I was very impatient to introduce you Momo, my wonderful stranger #9 !
Momo was walking on St-Laurent with his girlfriend when he caught my attention. I was behind him and the first thing I noticed was his red glasses which were coordinated with his Dr. Martens.
He walked with determination and all that I've had time to tell me before he disappeared was that he would have made an interesting stranger.
A few minutes later, when I was stopped in front of a musical instruments store, I saw him inside. It was my chance !
Once inside the small store, I went to introduce myself to Momo by explaining him the project. When his girlfriend, Crila, heard me ask him if he would agree to pose for me, she immediately exclaimed how cool it was ! Her eyes were filled with admiration for her man.
Seconds later, we were outside for some shots.
On the first two shots, Momo was leaning against a wall making me a peace sign with his fingers. As he was a bit too much in the shade, Crila (who is a professional photographer) suggested him another location, which gave the result above.
I am extremely happy with this picture and I think it represents well the energy surrounding Momo.
It’s certainly one of my favorites so far.
What I did not know when I met Momo is that he is also known as the internet's rock and roll kick-ass motivator.
I invite you to visit his website and to follow him on YouTube. He’s a really cool guy!
Thank you so much, Momo, for being part of my project. What a blessing to meet people of an infinite generosity, as you and your lovely Crila. Your photo will be for me a source of motivation for the rest of my challenge.
This picture is #9 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.
For all strangers unfamiliar with flickr: You can easily see yourself and all my other strangers in my 100 Strangers set.
Another stranger photographed at the Whitby Goth Weekend.
This young woman stood out among the pub-goers simply because she was so beautiful.
I asked her for a picture, and she agreed straight away, and posed for a couple of shots while her boyfriend waited patiently just outside the frame. :-)
I *think* this is pretty sharp where it needs to be, but I'm not sure I'm totally happy with the picture, although I can't put my finger on a reason.
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.
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
Anna was waiting outside Kings Cross station under the canopy waiting for the rain to stop. 13 is unlucky for some but I could not have wished for a more friendly stranger who was more than happy to take part in my project.
If you are reading this Anna, 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.
First up a shout out to Suga Kane whose idea for a project and I hijacked for my last two strangers. Check out his stream and steal his ideas too!!!
During the conversation with my previous two strangers we overheard the sounds of another instrument. We thought it was a violin, so after leaving the pipe players I went off in search of the sound.
Nishimoto-san was playing in amongst the trees, as I approached the shape of the tree seemed to match that of his Saxaphone, which I really liked and I stood taking a few shots while he played.
It seemed an ever and then he stopped to empty the spit out his tube and I took the opporunity to approach him.
Me: "Hi I just wanted to show this picture I took of you. The shape of the tree and your sax are perfect"
Nishimoto "Wow that looks great, I wish I could have a copy of that"
Me: " Well do you have a computer, if so here is my card, follow this link and you can get them"
Nishimoto "Unforunately I don't, but I am always playing here if you come by again"
At this point, it struck me that he might be homeless as with previous strangers and indeed with a lot of elderly people I meet in parks, it is very difficult to tell,
I asked him how long he been playing and he replied it was too many years to remember. At this point the conversation didn't seem to be going anywhere, so I asked if I could take his picture, he smiled and as he raised my camera he just started to play.
At first I couldn't work out if it was OK, but I decided to take one anyway and he didnt seem to mind. I shot about four or five pictures before he stopped playing and put down his saxaphone on the crate he was sat upon.
"Actually as you can speak Japanese, I have a favour to ask you"
"Sure, what is it"
He reached into his bag and pulled out two Jazz books containing songs by all the greats. He showed me all the song names where in English and asked what they meant. Thus began our conversation for over ten minutes we went through songs and tried to get a meaning in Japanese. This was no easy task for me, the song titles deep meanings and without lyrics to guide me sometimes too tough,
"How about this one - extraction"
"Errr well extraction means pulling out a tooth, but I would guess it means being taken away from somewhere or someone in this case"
The books had many different song titles some easy and some more difficult. He seemed happy he could finally have some meaning to his music and for me, this was one of the most meaningful conversations I have had. Finally I could give something of value back for taking his time.
"This picture is #10 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com"
I met Anna today when I was buying a new phone. She has been in Australia for 4 years from Finland.
Her English was excellent and she was exceptionally helpful facilitating my purchase.
This picture is #59 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This picture is #35 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
He didn't speak any english and works in Ginza shining shoes. A tough job but one that he takes enormous pride in.
14 / 100 : Naturals in Rome.
Sunday Afternoon. An important soccer match (Italy - Spain) that gets broadcasted on huge screen in a wonderful outdoor club, in the middle of a garden, with a Vintage Market event going on.
Seriously, could you ask for a better spot for shooting portraits? Nah, believe me, you can't.
And the fact that, despots being an Italian, i really can't stand soccer as a sport really works to my advantage here! I had a wonderful day strolling around the Vintage Market crowded with interesting people and even more interesting items!
While my friends got mad because it was way to packed in front of the screens to actually be able to see the match, not to mention that the crowd produced a lava-like temperature, i took the chance to take my time really finding out who i wanted to take a portrait of, trying for once to concentrate just on quality, not on quantity.
Still ended up with 9 good ones in my camera, but hey, this time i can say i had reasons to photograph every single one of them.
This guy was on my list from the get go. As soon as i saw him, i knew that i HAD to take his picture.
Something about the way he was walking, behaving, talking with his friend really got me interested. But somehow, i was losing track of him every now and then so it took me a while.
He was wondering around with his friend and a Nikon Film camera with a 50mm lens. I thought him being a photographer or a photo enthusiast may have helped and in fact, it did!
When i approached and asked him if i could take his photo, he gladly agreed and posed straight away.
When i saw the photo on the back of my camera, i realized how natural he was in being in front of a camera. Great stuff!
Thanks, stranger!
As usual, i'm posting some Extras on my Facebook page HERE so go and check them out!
[This picture is #14 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page ]
Camera Info: Nikon D700 | 85mm (ƒ/1.8D) @ 85mm | ƒ/2.8 | ISO 280 | 1/180 s — Camera Handheld
Natalie, Roberto, Nicole enjoying each others company. These three friends were at the pool at the Venetian Casino in Las Vegas, NV. They had made their way to Vegas from San Francisco, CA.
Although, I've been thinking about starting my own "100 Strangers", I had not started until my wife and I were on this trip. I saw Natalie, Roberto, and Nicole pose this way for another one of their friends. I asked them if they would be part of my "100 Strangers". Thanks you guys...you were #1 of 100!
New Group I joined: 100 Strangers.
So this is my FIRST stranger, I met this man in Florence , chalking on the street ground, his name is Johnny McGrogan and he went to Italy on a Art scholarship for a year and that was 6 years ago ! He chalks on the grounds of Florence at night and models in the day for other art students. He is from Ireland, northern Ireland.
His work was amazing and the title I used was the one he had over the chalk work, thought it was quite witty when working for money :o))
Also this is me trying diptych, joining two shots, not such a good attempt :-/
My stranger #2 is The girl of the kiosk is winced we buy for the bus.
Me going to stop to I caught yawning, I did not u time to take a picture from life, it is a shame! That would have done a great candid.
She noticed me and we laugh at many of this situation!
She then explained that she was my up since 5:00 in the morning and felt already tired of being behind the wicket. It was about 7:00.
J'e he's asking if I could take it to portrait heartily accepted!
I just had time to take a picture and as the bus arrived already, so I have shortened our conversation and I forget to ask his name!
Here's the story !!!
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 saw Madeleine in the health food shop in Glastonbury. When she came out of the shop I asked her the question. She wondered why I wanted to take her picture and I told her about the strangers project and gave her my card. She asked me if I was an artist and I said that I was an amateur photographer, someone that take photos for pleasure and that I find it a good way to meet people.
Madeleine agreed then she asked me how I chose who to photograph. I told Madeleine that I pick attractive or interesting faces. Now that I am writing this up.. I think that I have a tendency to ask people that look approachable (and have an attractive and/or interesting look or accessory).
She put her shopping in the basket of her bicycle and we crossed the street where there was a bit of shade. It has been the hottest day so far this year in Glastonbury. My card has a few of my strangers on it and Madeleine liked the one of Daja. I told Madeleine that I had started the project in Boston and she could see how I might find it easier to begin by approaching people so many thousands of miles from home – don’t have to worry about bumping into them again.
Madeleine asked me if people ever say no when I ask if I can take their photo and I said about one in five. I mentioned that I read of someone who had got 4 refusals in a row. Madeleine suggested that people in Glastonbury are quite open about things. I agreed but I have just remembered that there were 2 young ladies in the town that said no.
Madeleine is an artist and is toying with the idea of university. She likes to paint people and mostly uses acrylics. Using acrylics is handy because Madeleine has a 4 year old daughter and with acrylics you don’t need nasty chemicals to clean your brushes. Madeleine also enjoys writing, she is writing and illustrating a book – the main character is a cat.
Madeleine loves her new bike. It was a present from her Mum. She loves to cycle on the levels (beautiful countryside). Her Mum would like Madeleine to wear a helmet and fluorescent clothing, like she does. Evidently her mum looks like a bug when she is on her bike - with her bright clothing and helmet. Madeleine prefers to look more stylish, like a Parisian lady out for a leisurely ride.
Madeleine also enjoys Zumba and was going to a class in Godney this afternoon. To earn some money she does some modelling and cleaning but would like not to have to do the cleaning.
Thank you Madeleine for being my stranger number 32 – it was good to meet you. Just after leaving you I remembered that I had taken a photo of someone else with a young child who is starting university shortly. Jaz, stranger 26, is going to do a languages degree with the Open University. I wonder if an OU degree might suit you too? I wish you well with your book and other art.
This picture is #032 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I was back in Philadelphia, and this time I was meeting up with another photographer who was interested in trying the 100 Strangers Project. He suggested Rittenhouse Square near downtown. As I neared the destination, I could tell that this would be a good area for finding strangers as the streets were brimming with a virtual cornucopia of potential models. I even spotted what would become Stranger #57 walking down the street with a fellow monk, but at that point I was more interested in finding a spot to park.
I eventually met up with my friend, and I immediately started commenting how excited I was to see such fertile stranger territory. I even mentioned to him that I had seen a couple of Buddhist monks a few blocks back. Lo and behold, about a minute later I spotted them again strolling across the square. I sprang into action….it was show time.
We caught up to the pair, and I began my rap. It quickly became obvious that the gentleman I was interested in did not speak any English, and his companion only had a limited grasp of the language. We were able to determine that they were from Laos, but my desire to take a portrait was not being communicated. Our encounter was beginning to break down, and the companion politely began to wave us off. I usually accept rejections at face value, but in this case I felt there was simply a lack of understanding.... a different approach was required.
I took a deep breath, and I turned toward the gentleman I desired to photograph. I smiled and did my best to convey a sense of peace and serenity. I calmly pointed to my camera and then gestured toward him. I then asked the companion how I would say ‘thank you’ in his language. He stated “Khaup Jai”. I repeated the phrase and finally cupped my hands together and respectfully bowed toward my stranger. At that point a he flashed a slight smile, straightened his posture, and subtly shifted his shoulders back. I had my pose. I quickly took a couple of shots. I didn’t think any other direction or shifting for background was going to be possible, but I was thrilled to have captured the shot that I did.
Before we parted ways I asked him what his name was (interpreted through his companion). He responded (I think it was the only word he said), but it was so foreign to my ears that even if my memory was perfect, I would still probably butcher the spelling, so Stranger 57 will remain nameless. I thanked him again, and we went our separate ways.
For all of you that have checked out my portrait and story, I simply say ‘Khaup Jai’.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.