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This lovely gentleman was manning the gate at the Holi Festival today.
We had quite a long conversation and he was happy to have his photo taken.
He only works casually and was happy to be offered a day of work at the Festival.
This picture is #91 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I've come to realize that taking pictures of strangers is more about capturing the moment than about the perfection of the picture. So yesterday I was trying to take at least one picture before I went home (it rained cats and dogs all day) when I turned around a corner and there she was. Lindsay was sitting on the ground with a friend, a stack of baby clothes by her side, her broken butterfly tiara on her head and those big watery eyes that told me that something very intense was happening and that the moment was worth capturing. I introduced myself, asked for her permission to take a picture, we got to talking and she told me that she was expecting a girl soon and that most likely, "she will be trouble, like her mother". I laughed and said that the girl will probably be so cute that she won't mind the trouble; she smiled back and this is what came out of that exchange. I realize now that I was focusing on her eyes and kind of missed the most obvious thing in the picture: her belly! Her fingers were put together as in the shape of a heart and I should have used a different aperture to get it sharper. But I did capture the moment, got her face in perfect focus, didn't chop her fingers off and that's a huge triumph for me. I'll post a close-up in the comments section. Thank you so much Lindsay for the picture and best of luck to you and the baby!
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
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
Mika has been working in London for almost one year and is from Slovakia. Mika was happy to be photographed for this project although we only had a few minutes before she was due back to work.
If you are reading this Mika , 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.
This picture is #63 in my 3rd round of the 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
I went out after work yesterday evening to continue my strangers project down on the South Bank near the Tate Modern. I've been keen to shake tihngs up and try different things and decided that it would be good to try to incorporate some London landmarks into my pictures. I set up to use St Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge and tried to work out what aperture would be good for this and set about finding a suitable stranger.
I hadn't waited long before I saw George walking buy. From a way off I could see he had this sort of Captain Jack thing going which was great and as he got closer I saw he had amazing eyes and an expressive face so headed in for the pitch. Such a nice guy, he happily moved over to the spot I'd chosen and posed for a couple of quick shots. He's from Bulgaria and has been in the UK for about a month and is enjoying it. But I sensed he wasn't into sitting around for a chat so I thanked him and wished him well. Thanks George!
Now at f/5.6 I'm not sure I've got enough of the background in as I'd have liked. I'm thinking this shot is unfinished business and I need to try even narrower. I've not shot portraits at 5.6 since the early days when all I had was a kit lens, so it's interesting trying to do it now.
If you like my work, please take a look at my Facebook page and my website.
This is the 1st photo of my 100 Strangers challange. This young couple are Maggie Mc Carthy and Mathew Andreucetti who kindly posed for a photo. They were sitting relaxing in Stephens Green, (Dublin, Ireland) after Maggie skipped class (Mathew's idea!) to spend some time with Mathew. Unfortunately Maggie was caught out when her teacher just happened to see them. Needless to say they hid the stress very well!
This picture is #1 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:
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Or in this web
A trip into Nottingham with no other purpose than to add to my stranger project proved to be fruitful. As I slowly ambled along the streets my eyes fell on a young lady walking towards me. Her black attire, and black red hair produced a striking look, so I stepped forward and introduced the project to her.
I photographed Katie exactly where we met, asking her to lean on a concrete post so I could use a building as the backdrop to her portrait. The day was overcast with a little brightness coming from my left which produced some gentle modelling to Katie’s face. It was also windy, and that caused a few problems with Katie’s hair blowing across her face, so it was just a matter of taking a few more images than I normally would to ensure I got some photographs with hardly any flyaway hairs crossing her face.
Katie is a student in her second year of studying politics. She told me she’d like to work in the charity sector once qualified.
When not studying, Katie likes to play video games and read fantasy novels.
What can’t Katie live without? “My dog, Indi,” she replied, then told me, “She’s a Red Lakeland Jack Russel cross.”
I asked Katie to describe herself in one word. Vibrant, was her answer.
What is Katie’s guilty pleasure? Katie smiled and then said, “eating chocolate when there is no one else around, especially Cadbury’s Chocolate Buttons.”
Thank-you for saying yes to being photographed for my stranger project Katie. I hope you like your portrait.
This picture is number 340 in my 100 Strangers project, yes, I’ve decided to do a fourth round. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is my 312th submission to the Human Family Group. To view more street portraits and stories visit www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/
So, I've started the 100 Strangers Project, and this was my first victim! He was a bit wary when I asked if I could take his photo but gave in. If you're the person above, thanks!!!
i went to dallyinthealley.com/ today. super cool. soooooooo many interesting and amazingly cool people to see.
not sure which of these shots i should add to my 100 strangers set. i'm not entirely happy w/ either. i waited way too long to ask this girl to pose and the light was horrible. so, i did some bad editing to try to save it and these are what i came up w/. i'd love to have gotten some better shots of her...again, the lesson was pointed out to me: you snooze, you lose.
so, here's kristi. she was crazy funky and i just had to ask her to be a stranger for me. we talked a bit...turns out she works at Noir Leather in Royal Oak. i told her about the old man shot i have outside their store and that i'll have to take it in there someday. she was super nice and a perfect stranger.
thanks kristi!!
check out their myspace (i think she runs it for the store maybe??)
profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile...
and she's in a band too, but i can't remember the name.
check out all the strangers at www.100strangers.com
This picture is #64 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 think it was Emma. Why I didn't write down her name I don't know. I'd been out for what seemed like ages, I was on my way to get a quick bite to eat and then back to work and she looked like she was in a hurry. Normally I'd no have stopped her but I'd been dealing with rubbish lighting conditions since I'd stepped out of the office to look for strangers and suddenly, right there, it started to look good. I saw the light catch her hair and without thinking stepped over and asked if I could take a picture. She agreed right away though she seemed to look at me like I was mad. I couldn't really think of anything to ask her or say, I'm like that when I'm hungry. But thanks for the lovely photograph, I hope I remembered your name right!
So i'm finally geting back to the 100 strangers project with this shot of Jason. I and my shootin' friend were wandering around an old part of Bloomington when I walked by an old brick building with the garage door up. I peeked inside and saw a beautiful old car (you may by now know my love of the old roadsters). I snapped a few shots from outside then noticed someone moving around inside. My friend jhorine walked up and urged me to go inside and check it out. I am the biggest chicken ever and I stood there for a bit debating whether or not to take his advice. Before I knew it, jhorine was inside conversing with Jason. I finally went in and joined the talk and so glad I did. Jason told us he just opened his glass company, Mack Glass, in April of this year. He studied at Illinois State University and abroad in Italy. He showed us some of his fantastic work (which I ended up buying a piece of) and introduced us to one of his business partners Josh, who showed us how he makes coffee with a small pot of water and a hot dob of glass. It was great to meet you Jason and Josh, (picture of both coming soon) and look forward to checking out the Christmas tree event in December.
You can find out more about Mack Glass, check out upcoming events, and buy their art at www.mackglass.com/home.html.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100strangers.com/.
Explore!
This picture is #56 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
Natalia is a waitress at a great deli where I sometimes get lunch. I was walking past when she was clearing a table but didn't look as busy as she usually does. I don't like to disturb people when they are busy so I jumped at the chance. A few days ago I bumped into one of my past strangers and stopped for a chat. Stranger #30 Sam had seen his picture in the group and approved. It got me thinking that it would be a good step forward to photograph a stranger who was someone I was likely to see more often. A bit more pressure!
Natalia was up for the idea though she was quite nervy. I took some pictures that weren't very good so she asked to try for more. She was more relaxed for the next attempt and I really liked this one. I had one better but was caught out by a bit of camera shake which was a shame. But I'm happy with this one, I hope she likes it too.
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
Meet Paola, from Rome. I was visiting the Romics 2014 convention, when I noticed this smiling girl with a colourful dress and necklace. I approached her and explained her the project, and the fact that even if I had already taken a lot of pics of people which I didn't know (all the cosplayers) those didn't count for the project, since they weren't "aware" of the challenge. She was very kind and agreed immediately, since she was accustomed to these kind of projects due to a friend of her being a photographer.
Chakrin favourite all time record
Don't Cry
Guns 'n' Roses
Little Portland Street London.
Chakrin was on his break having a quiet smoke when I approached him. He is working in a Thai restaurant in London to help finance his course in Financhial Management. He is from Chiang Mai in Thailand. Chakrin says the course is expensive but it is shorter than if he was to do it at home and there are more opportunity's to get a job with an overseas degree. Some of the streets around this area of London are quite long and as the sun sets it can create an interesting light which I like as it adds some colour to the background.
www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
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I approached Ludwig because I liked his red cap ! He accepted, but he added: "I'm not good for smiling." No problem, come as you are !! I'm quite satisfied by the result, his expression is perfect ! Nice eyes too.
By the way, he works in a cinema. He's the guy who sales popcorns ! :)
Thank you Ludwig !
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
I met Brittney at a gift store called Celtic Treaures, which is one of my long time cleints. Brittney was having a cup of tea and talking with the owner, Lisa, and noticed that she was very outgoing and friendly - a great candidate for the 100 Stranger Project! I started to tell her and Lisa about the project and before I could finish and ask brittney for permission, she started posing like a classic movie star, as though she were already three steps ahead of me in what I was leading up to - the big question, "Can I take your picture?" Brittney is a very quick wit and funny, and she has been told for years that she resembles Jodie Foster, which she hates, but I thought it was more of a compliment since I think Jodie Foster is pretty. Thanks to Brittney for the photos and to Lisa for allowing me to shoot in her gift store!
"This picture is #90 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com"
When I asked her, Leontine was waiting for people to visit an appartment. So she did not understand what I was asking for ! Then she was really suspicious, but she accepted and wanted to be taken with her dog ! No problem. However, I'm not satisfied by the result because the dog is blurred. Anyway, I like her expression !
By the way, she works in real estate, but I don't know what she does exactly !
Thank you Leontine !
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
I was standing on Castle Hill, near Lancaster Priory, partly because it seemed to be a good place to start to photograph Lancastrians, partly because it would be the last place hit by the afternoon sunlight - if there were sunlight. I'd already thought this wall of the Castle (on the Crown Court side) would make a good background. But for a long time I did not see anyone I could ask.
Just when I was about to give up, Natalie came walking briskly along, listening to her headphones. I told her about the project and asked her if I could take her picture. She said I could if she could keep going in that direction, because she was on her way to meet someone. I stopped her in front of the wall. (I used two different cameras, and I got the exposure wrong here, in my rush). She continued on her way.
Thank you, Natalie, for agreeing to be part of my 100 Strangers Project, even when you were in a hurry.
This picture is #002 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This picture is #88 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
Still in Covent Garden, I spotted two beautiful young ladies out and about, one with a camera and one doing a lot of posing.
I was moving into position to stop them when I spotted fellow stranger photographer Kevin Day apparently also on the case. We stopped for a chat and he told me that he had his eye on the blond one. I confessed that I did too. It was funny, we were talking like a bunch of school kids at a school disco:
Kevin: I was after her, but you can have her if you like
Me: No, I was going to but you take her.
Then they moved into the shade and Kevin said he didn't like the light. Now maybe this was my ruthless streak coming out but I figured if you ain't going for it, then I am. And off I went to get the shot.
As I was about to speak to her, she turned to talk to someone else and my run in was looking lost. But then I had a look at her friend and instantly veered off towards her, she was stunning. I don't know why I didn't notice before.
So this is Andra. She's from Romania and was helping her friend out by modeling for her for the day. So in the end I got the model!
Kevin meanwhile hung back till her friend was finished with whoever she was talking to and moved in and got an awesome shot of his original quarry.
Click here for Kevin's picture of Eva.
So it all worked out well in the end!
Thanks Andra for being my 88th stranger.
This picture is #50 in my second 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
See my first set here: Bomvu's 100 Strangers"
I was just packing away my camera when I spotted Rosie heading out of Warren Street tube station. I nearly cut down a few pedestrians in my haste to catch up to her. She was a little unsure about the idea but agreed to pose. I would have liked to have done more with her but it was very busy in that spot so was difficult to do much, and I sensed that she'd back out if I pushed too hard. Needless to say, with such a lovely looking girl I didn't have to work too hard to get some good images and I think her character shines through here.
This was another one of those very quick sessions which is a shame as I'd have loved to have chatted to her more. I was interested to know about the guitar strapped to her back, though I'm soon going to eBay my electric guitar in order to help fund some camera gear. Thanks Rosie, you are such a gem, thank you so much for being my (1)50th stranger!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.
The walls of the shop are covered with brightly coloured phone cases. Display cabinets show off mini-speaker and headphones. As I entered the store, Matt asked me if I was looking for anything in particular and what kind of phone I had. I told him that I was just browsing and showed him my fairly basic, non-smart, Nokia.
Matt admired my camera, so I told him a little of my project that began with a challenge to take photos of 100 strangers. I handed him my card, which has a few photos on it. He said that he had been looking to get his photo taken professionally and asked if I would be interested. Instead I asked if he would be up for being in my project right now. He agreed and I took some amateur ones outside the shop.
Matt could not move far from the shop as he was working. He didn't want to leave his colleague on her own too long. When we got back inside I asked if it was allowed to take a photo of Matt in the shop – I know that many companies don't allow this. Matt's colleague said that it wasn't and there were video cameras operating.
I've taken photos of quite a few strangers from Spain over the last year and Matt surprised me by telling me that he had come from Spain to live here. He had been living in Lanzarote since he was 10 years old. Matt and his family had owned and run a business out there. He had been working in a bar before he came back to live in the UK.
He enjoyed his life in Spain and proved his fluent Spanish to me (I didn't understand a word but it sounded very authentic). Matt seems equally happy living in England. He enjoys his job in Street. When I asked him what he liked to do when not working, Matt surprised me again.... Computer programming. I worked as a computer programmer for many years and I had forgotten that people do it for fun. I remembered that when I worked as an assistant gardener, I used to program in my head while I was raking leaves. Matt smiled when I told him this … he can do this kind of thing too.
We exchanged words of thanks as I left the shop. Matt seemed genuinely pleased that I had taken his portrait.
Thank you Matt for agreeing to be in my project. I hope that you like the photos. Let me know if you would like me to take some more photos of you... we could find a better location and spend a little more time.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
This is my 30th submission to the Human Family group.
“Does it take you long to do your hair?”
“No, I just whip it up in no time”
__________________________
By the extract of the conversation above, it's quite obvious what caught my eye with this stranger. I say stranger as in my haste to take a photo and thank her, I forgot to ask her name. Still learning.
It was an unexpected encounter really. As she was behind another person on the street she only came into view at the last minute. I complimented her hair and as she walked past asked for her picture which she was very much happy to do.
As I looked through the viewfinder and looked at her appearance more closely, I complimented her again and she said I had 'Made her day'.
I am beginning to learn that street portraits are not just about the photo, but making a connection with the person. I didn't get to find out much else about her which again is a rookie mistake I hope to fix.
Have a great weekend everyone!
This picture is #003 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
Im new to Instagram - instagram.com/onwhite_photography/
I've been doing this just over a year now, and I'm only up to #24! For those who don't know, the goal is to take 100 photos of 100 strangers. It differs from other challenges photographers put themselves through (such as the 52 challenge where you take a photo a week or the 365 challenge) because I can do it at my own pace without an obligation to produce photos within a certain time frame. (I tried the 52 challenge once, it killed any creatively I had - which is very little - my approach to photography is more nerdy/technical than it is creative).
In retrospect its been great. I can experiment with photography. I can shoot and process in different ways than I usually would. I can attempt to be creative and explore different techniques and styles which I couldn't if taking photos for families.
I am slightly changing my approach to this project. I will spend a little more time talking to strangers and finding a little more about them. I hope it will make it more interesting...
I took Shian's photo in front of the state library. Its an easy place to approach strangers as most people are just hanging out. I picked him because of his striking hair and colourful top.
Shian is a professional contemporary dancer, which he has been doing for 7 years. He works for a small production company where they choreograph and organise their own shows. I asked if has aspirations to dance for larger companies - he conceded to the fact that very few dancers make it big and doing so would require a relocation to at least Sydney or internationally.
While in Toronto this past September I met Gord, who works in the financial services industry on Bay Street. After explaining my 100 strangers project to him, he told me that I seemed to be on the "up and up" and agreed to participate.
Gord is 43 years old and was born in London, Ontario. He now lives in Burlington, part of the Greater Toronto Area. When Gord is not busy working, he enjoys spending time with his two children. He also loves comedy and playing golf.
Gord looked like a busy person so I thanked him for his time and he handed me his business card so that I could send him a copy of his portrait when completed.
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
This was another stranger I met and photographed at Whitby Goth Weekend - a goldmine for stranger photographers.
He had already struck up a conversation with myself and my wife, so it was a natural progression to ask for a photo.
The light was challenging again, but my 6d handled it beautifully. This image turned out pretty sharp I think, but I'm not so sure about the background - I think it may be a little too distracting.
Any constructive criticism and advice is welcome!
This picture is part of my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Stranger # 8 - Irene
I saw Irene while waiting for the subway and was immediately drawn to her because of her hair. I thought her side-shaving was very chic and fit her well. After taking a few pictures we chatted a little bit. She thought it was a pretty bold project to walk up to random strangers and ask to take their photograph, and I replied that i thought it was bolder to shave one side of your head. We both agreed to disagree on which was bolder.
Since then, I've emailed Irene the photos that I took and color corrected. She said that they were cool but wasn't sure if they fit her personality well. I thought it was interesting that our perceptions clashed yet again, this time on nature of the photograph. Suffice to say, we both agreed to disagree.
This photo is #5 (Connie) 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 dropping my wife off at the local golfing finale when I saw Connie in a bright green and yellow outfit. I had to get her photo. After telling Connie about the 100 Stranger Project she immediately agreed. Connie said she was dressed up because the theme for the womens' golf was Mardi Gras. I hope she wins for the best custom. Connie has golfed for about 15 years and was very enthusiactic about the event. I took several photos but could not decide on a full body or the half body shot. I choose the half body shoto to show off the beautifull color outfit. I wished her a good game and went on my way. Thanks for helping me out in my challenge Connie.
I took Connie's photo in front of some Lilac bushes as the Sun was popping out every so often. Unfornatelty when I used the flash there were lots of reflections from her custom glasses. I hope my edits (remove light spots) are OK for this challenge?
My Nikon D50 camera settings for 2013/09/14 include;
Lens: VR 85mm F/3.5 G, Aperture Priority, Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
1/500 sec - F/3.5, Sensitivity: ISO 200, White Balance: Cloudy
I went to take donuts and coffee while waiting for the mall to open. I was working on my notebook when I noticed a staff clearing some tables beside me. I made my move and asked if I could take her photo. She agreed.
Meet Dhenjie, a regular staff at KrispyKreme. She mentioned that her shift changes every now and then [I thought to myself I was lucky to have caught her]. But before shooting she had to ask her supervisor's permission. So I had to repeat my spiel to the supervisor. He finally agreed but with a hint of hesitation. So I took some hurried shots because I could see Dhenjie already had incoming calls in her ear piece. I tried to raise her cap a bit because it was covering her pretty face but it was firmly lodged by the strap of her earphones.
Thanks again Dhenjie. I hope to catch you again at the risk of raising my sugar levels.
This picture is #42 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 is Phil. He is a watchkeeper at the National Coastwatch Institution station at Shoreham-by-Sea on the south coast of Great Britain. He was on duty when I visited the station, and he and his colleague were very keen to tell me about it. The charity was established in 1994 in response to severe government cutbacks to HM Coastguard and this station started operation in 2008. Working in close cooperation with the coastguard and the RNLI (Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Station is situated just across the harbour) it is open during daylight hours 365 days a year, supported entirely by volunteers, around 60 of them. Phil was a keen yachtsman previously, which is what led him to step forward when the station was established around six years ago.
This picture is #4 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 07; ms dockville festival, Hamburg(Germany), 10th to 13th of August, 2012
"Is that your real eye-color?", I asked her as I decided to follow her out of the crowd at the Sleep Party People gig. "Yeah, it actually is.", she said with a smile. Later on she told me she was drunk at that time we first met, and I'm glad that I'd told her I'd come around later. "We are the tents with the yellow umbrellas and the little tree.", she explained and went back dancing with her friends.
On Sunday I decided to look for the said tents and luckily, I found them. The little tree wasn't really a tree but more of a branch stuck to the tent with duct tape, but still. As we sat there and I chatted with her and her friends, a woman came along and asked if they had done this out of artistic reasons, the whole decoration. "Oh no, we just wanted it to look nice.", one replied. "So you are, just like hipsters that don't admit they are hipsters, artists that don't admit that they artists?" The woman left after another complimenting them once again for the idea, and this conversation got stuck in my head for the entire day. I don't know why. Maybe it is because I like things like that. I like sitting somewhere with people that I think are nice, and maybe I don't even need to talk much, just sit there and observe and try to get to know them by just sitting there and listening. It might be awkward for others ... but it shouldn't be.
The girl's name is Nora. I hope she sees this as well, I gave her my link ... fingers crossed.
Stranger #5 - Christian. A milestone, #5 of 100. I met Christian at the lake. Really easy to talk to. He was planning to windsurf but wasn't sure the conditions were quite right. I asked him about his accent and he told me he is originally from Croatia and now lives in the New Orleans area with his wife. I asked if I could take a few shots and he said "Sure, take as many as you like, but I'm not shaved". Now I ask the ladies, does it matter if he's shaved or not?
Christian, if you see this, a million thanks, great luck to you wherever this world takes you.
I find it really difficult to approach people and ask if I can take their photograph. After a few months of missed chances, hesitation, and poor excuses I lost momentum with the whole project and my camera remained firmly entombed in my bag.
That was until I received an email, spurring me on. 'I love your holga prints - you should revive the stranger photographs.'
I would. Yes. I could do it. I will do it. Yes. Yes. Yes.
I found myself in Banbury on a cold Saturday afternoon with strangers on my mind. Yes. I will ask someone. I will.
'Hello, I'm trying to take photographs of 100 strangers for a project I'm doing and I wonder if you'd be one of the strangers?'
'Er, oh, no thanks.'
I would. Yes. I could do it.
'Hello, I'm trying to take photographs of 100 strangers for a project I'm doing and I wonder if you'd be one of the strangers?'
'No, mate, not interested.'
I could do it.
'Hello, I'm trying to take photographs of 100 strangers for a project I'm doing and I wonder if you'd be one of the strangers?'
'I not speak English well.'
'Can I take your photograph?'
'No.'
Could I do it?
'Hello, I'm trying to take photographs of 100 strangers for a project I'm doing and I wonder if you'd be one of the strangers?'
'Yeah, ok.'
I could do it.
This is Ed.
He lives in a village outside Banbury.
He 'hasn't done much'.
His favourite film is Anchorman.
This picture is #35 in my 100 strangers project. See the rest of my 100 strangers pictures here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Taken in Banbury, England, on 12/01/2013
Jack is saving up to study performing arts in Cambridge. He is working in a hotel, I think doing a bit of everything there. Today he had come to Clarks Village in Street to grab a bargain or two, with his friend, Verity.
“Aha… ”, I said, when he told me that he was into performing arts, “that explains your very positive response, when I asked if I might take your photo!”
Jack and Verity were sitting at some benches when I approached them. Jack was happy to move from bench to bench, satisfying my need to try different backgrounds. He and Verity were very easy to talk to and I didn’t get round to asking Jack much about himself, spending rather more time on myself. His friend did tell me that Jack is very talented.
Thank you Jack for being part of my project. It was good to meet you and Verity.
You can view more portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family
Cyril don't like to see himself in photos. But he accepted anyhow, and the photos are nice ! If I remember well, his job consists to organize events with music bands from the region. He gave me some names, but I didn't know anyone...
Thank you Cyril !
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
So, I've been procrastinating starting the 100 Strangers project for so so long. Over a year. Like, I heard about it, liked the idea, decided I wanted to participate, and joined the group. And...... that's it.
UNTIL TODAY!
Today was one day where I had my camera with me (and I had already been shooting), and I fell into a conversation after I saw a man "catch" a gull by accident with his fishing hook. He went down to the edge of the shore after reeling the gull in closer, and held the bird while he took the fish hook out of its wing.
Before that happened was when I first spoke to him. I said, in reference to the gull on his fishing line, "How's this gonna work?"
Apparently, it wasn't his first gull, and, in fact, he explained how ducks are much easier to unhook, 'cos they'll just sit right down for you and let you work on their wings, easy. Gulls, on the other hand, get pissed. They bite. They flap.
So a small crowd gathered to watch this guy take a fish hook out of a gull's wing, and most of this crowd cheered when he let the bird go, relatively unharmed (just a little pissed).
After he came back up to the walkway at, he and I started chatting. Found out he's REALLY well-rounded; he grew up around animals and mechanics, motorcycles, etc. (and his knowledge of these subjects is vast), plus he fishes (for BIG karp, upwards of 25 lbs., with only a ten lb. strength line, just for the challenge)--though he finds it boring and plays games on his phone while he waits for a bite.
We spoke for a long time, and I explained to him the "100 Strangers" thing and he said that yeah, I could photograph him, but he wouldn't pose for it because he hated having his picture taken. So I got a candid-looking shot, and I hope it's good enough for my first photo I'm submitting to the group pool.
Honestly, I'm surprised at myself for only now starting this project. I'm also surprised about the location of my finally starting it: Lowell, MA. When I lived in a really friendly Vermont town and went into Montpelier all the time, I really wanted to start the project, but never did. Though I'm pretty sure anybody I'd ask for a photo in Montpelier would let me take it...
I'm proud of myself for finally working up the courage to start in the project. Hopefully, because of it, I'll end up having better photographer skills and social skills.
I got another shot of him that I really liked, here. It's a silhouette.
This is photo #1 in my 100 Strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers group page or at 100strangers.com.
[Blogged!]
This picture is #50 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
Ok – I know what you’re thinking ! Beauty .. Well lets go back to the beginning ; I went to see my Camera man who helped me set up the old 85mm lens ( He was impressed ! ) It was spot on but still tricky to use .. I went out for two hours trying to spot someone with an “Ecclesiastical” Theme but went to all three Churches with no luck ! Then decided to look for shocking / character / something worthy of a #50 – After approx 2 hours inc 4 No’s ( Two couldn’t speak English btw plus One said no due to reglious belief's)
This made me more determined to get my #50 as I am not going to the Balloon festival. I have to say Verity was sitting under a tree , walked passed her three times and on the 4th I sat down next to her , she was texting/going to make a call and didn’t see me for a minute! Verity looked up and gave one of those most rare friendly smiles I have seen and said hello, sorry i didnt see you there how can i help !
Verity blew me away with her charm , beauty and people’s skill.
Verity did not panic when I asked for her photograph , quick thinking she asked the best questions to date on my project , wanted to see some of my work before she even would consider a Yes. We chatted , before the photo shoot – she was keen to help with my story by offering some interesting facts. I knew Verity would be my #50 on all accounts :
1)Her Creativity and style : Did you know she changes her hair style every single day ?
2)Her charm and personality ( I meet many people , yet hard to find someone quite like Verity)
3)Verity is an Recruitment Manager , she lives in the Town , great ambassador !
4)Verity described her love of Art in many ways - It shone through
5)She simply loves being Creative
6)Verity is also an Illustrator – She is designing a cover for a Shakespeare Play ( Her Mum is a writer with a book that will be Illustrated by her she hopes with a smile )
7)Her Brother is teaching her Guitar Lessons – I can see Verity as a classical rock chick ?
8) Her necklace ... Enough said
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It is my pleasure for you to be my 50th most worthy Stranger , You have promised me you would look by Monday. Hope you do & approve on how well it went and the Story. Please let me know ? Text or email
( 10 weeks ago I would have never been able to approach you for a photograph & Not capture you in such away as I did in the following photographs ) I hope I have done you justice. CJ
Thanks Guys - To you all old and new - I have learnt so much - Im enjoying the Journey !
A few days ago I was off for an interview not far from the French border, in the Alps.
I arrived early in the morning, and discovered "my interview"' son wanted to cook a special lunch for all the family with me as special guest.
I was honored, and the man added: "As far as I don't want anyone around while cooking, you can stay with my brother-in-law, this morning"
I understood I had no choice, said "Ok" and… met Carlo.
This nice man works in an old casino and has a great passion for the history of his region, the Val d'Aosta. He lives with his family, including two cute huskies, right in front of a medieval castle (see it in my next entry).
"Did you know that here the French language was the official one three years before… France?" was just the beginning, and his anedoctes about VIPs at the casino had me laugh a lot.
Lunchtime arrived quite fast, and knowing already most of the others I had the great time I was sure to enjoy, did a nice interview for my project and a few shots I want to print for them with special care.
Last but not least, the lunch was GREAT. I love Alps' cuisine even more…
This picture is #102 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
A week has passed since I arrived in Portland. I've been mainly busy spending time with my adorable grandchildren, taking them to the school bus in the morning, waiting for them at the bus stop in the afternoon. In between playing, reading and painting with the wee one and the 4 y/o. There's no shortage of doing fun stuff with little children !
However, today I took a couple of hours to myself and walked down Hawthorne Blvd to look around and meet new people.
Portlanders are friendly and easy to talk to.
Chris was passing by while I was making some pictures of two new murals in town. I said hello and we started talking.
Being a Portlander he hadn't noticed one of the murals I was photographing and thanked me for pointing his attention to it.
Chris has been working as a massage therapist for the past decade, a work he likes a lot. He was actually taking a lunch break from work to run a few errands so we didn't spend too much time together.
"What would be your message to the world, Chris?"
"Breathe, don't panic!" came his answer straight away.
"And your advice to your younger self?"
"The same. Breathe and try not to panic!"
Chris had no email address to give me. "I am old school," he said. I gave him one of my cards so he can get in touch.
He thanked me for the random encounter and wished me a good rest of the day.
As I said, Portlanders are so friendly :-)
This picture is #02 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"
Marta was walking up Sloane Street when I spotted her. The light was starting to fade and I had the 70-300 lens on which was not idea for the conditions but you can't progress without stretching the boundaries so I stopped her and asked her for a picture. I explained what it was about and she agreed to the picture. I took a few pictures of Marta and tried to get a closer crop of just her face but unfortunately I couldn't keep the camera steady enough to get a sharp picture. This was the closest I got to sharp though it still is not perfect. I can't wait to get a fast lens!
Marta is from Spain. She did tell me what she's doing here in the UK and how long she's been here but I didn't write it down and now it's slipped my mind. She was lovely though and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to photograph her.
Michal is posing for me in front of her artwork.
I met her a couple of minutes earlier and asked her for a portrait. She wondered if I photographed graffiti, too, and when I said that I did, she suggested we'd walk to her whale mural. It was just a corner of a street away.
Michal, 31 y/o, started her art about five years earlier. If she could give an advice to her younger self she would say: "Don't be afraid to follow your dreams." And yet, she doesn't have any regrets.
Michal loves colours in her artwork. Colours for her mean positiveness, optimism. She believes in looking at the positive side of every situation.
"Even if some of my work emerges from pain, I still look at it in a positive way. It is important to me to make good to the world."
This is Agnes, my 20th stranger! I had seen her the day before, shutting up the second hand clothes market that she works in. As it was late in the day I didn't want to hold her up, but thought she'd make a great stranger!
The next morning, as we were heading into Reykjavik, I found her shop and went in to see if I could see her and take her picture. She happily agreed to be part of my project and I was keen to capture her wonderful purple hair!
Thanks Agnes for being part of my project, I hope you like your picture.
See all of my Stranger pictures at My 100 Strangers page
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com
Meet Scott, my Stranger #35 in my 100 Strangers Portrait Project. I was taking photos in the Heights when I remembered this neat garden and went to see what there was for me to photograph. A very nice young man was there picking some okra for his wife out of her garden plot at the 17th Street Community Garden. I asked him if he minded being one of my 100 Strangers and kindly he agreed!!! Looked like he had gathered enough for a nice mess of okra at supper/dinner that night!!! Thanks, Scott, for pausing to be part of my Flickr project... it is greatly appreciated!!! Wonderful neighborhood garden with both flowers, veggies, and fruit. Worthy project for any neighborhood!!
This portrait picture is stranger #35 in my 100 Strangers Portrait Project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Fairfax, VA
Local restaurant chain Silver Diner is opening up a new concept diner called Metro in Fairfax. I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea there last weekend before they officially open.
Andrea is from Bolivia and has been in the U.S. for about 9 years. She's worked at Silver Diner in Tysons Corner, VA for 4 years and was here today as a "Trainer of Excellence". As the restaurant was doing a few "test-run" services this day, Andrea was on hand to coach and train the new wait staff. She was kind enough to take a break to pose for the project. And what a lovely pose and smile it is! Thank you, Andrea.
This picture is #224 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
Dianna was sitting on a side street, eating a bowl of fruit. The art festival was on Venice Avenue, the main street In town. Dianna’s blonde hair was mischievously blowing about, so I asked ‘the question’. She was a bit surprised and shy, but obviously she said OK.
I didn’t realize it, but Dianna worked at a nearby consignment shop, Fifi’s. She was on break, eating a late lunch – I worked quickly. After getting this shot, I showed it to her. She rolled her eyes and said, “Oh God, look at those wrinkles!” They WERE pretty prominent. I winked and said that a little Photoshop might be in order. She mock grinned and said “Good!” I said “Not too much, maybe about 8 ½ years.” Dianna smiled and said that 8 ½ years would be fine. Then I let her get back to the abbreviated lunch.
I often agonize about whether or not to blur wrinkles a bit. When wrinkles in the image appear more prominent than what I perceived upon meeting the person, I slightly blur the area. In Dianna's case, my first impression was about her hair and eyes, so I de-emphasized wrinkles.
Thank you, Dianna, for allowing me to photograph you for the 100 Strangers Flickr group.
This is Serena.
Serena watched me from the doorway her shop as I took the photo of Stranger #66. She watched me rifle through my bag for a new roll of film. She saw the look of disappointment on my face when I realised that I didn't have one. Bollocks. In London. Near Brick Lane. Loads of potential Strangers. No film.
It turns out that Serena owns a shop called Retitled. She stocks vintage film cameras and accessories (as well as vintage clothing for women). How lucky was that?
I had a choice between very, very out of date colour film (too much of a risk with this project - what if I meet 12 strangers, take their photos and then the film comes back blank) or Fomapan 400 Action. And beggars can't be choosers. So that's why I've gone all very black and not much white.
At first Serena wasn't too keen on being part of the project, simply because she doesn't having her picture taken. But after we'd chatted for a while, and I'd loaded the new film into my camera, she agreed.
With a normal 400 ASA film in my camera, I'm sure I wouldn't have ended up with such a dark photograph. I know I wouldn't. But that's what happens when using film. Unpredictable. And also adds a spark of excitement to life. I suppose I could lighten it in Photoshop, but I don't think it matters too.
A fact about Serena? She hates music. What? Hates music? I was staggered to learn that fact too. It's true though or so she says. But don't let that put you off. She's lovely. And if you're in her neck of the woods, stop by Retitled and purchase a vintage camera or two.
This picture is #67 in my 100 strangers project. See the rest of my 100 strangers pictures here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
Taken in London, England on 08/02/2014
This picture is #56 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 met Pedro while walking down the side of the Thames in the middle of London. When he told me that he was from London he could see that I was slightly surprised as Pedro is not a common for someone London born. He then explained that both of his parents are Spanish.
If you are reading this Pedro 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.