Strangers 365

Henry

2011-06-19T11:05:00.002+01:00

These images were taken of Henry 20 days after he was born. He was born 3 weeks early. It was a lovely couple of hours with him, Sarah (Mum) and Pam (Sarah's Mum) watching him explore the world.

Tommy

2011-06-12T20:11:00.002+01:00

Poppy

2011-06-12T20:10:00.000+01:00

Royal Wedding: A new acceptance for photographers?

2011-05-01T21:10:00.000+01:00

I spent the 29th April in London with my camera. I wasn't interested in getting images of the main attraction - Kate and William - but wanted to photograph those who wanted to be a part of the celebrations. Normally there is a great wariness to create 'street' images on my part due to the current climate of suspiciousness towards anyone carrying, let alone using, a camera on the streets of London. This day help a very different atmosphere and acceptance. The general atmosphere of the crowds was one of communal engagement. Many smiles. Conversation with complete strangers. A nice place to 'be'. It was also the largest fancy dress party I'd seen! And it wasn't just the British getting involved. I saw flags from many nations.

But why my question: 'A new acceptance for photographers?'

Well, I must be very sceptical and say that I don't think this atmosphere will last. Sadly. My experience of the day. photographically, was pretty unique when compared to being on a street or at an event and partaking in photography. This was different in two main areas.

It felt, and was, acceptable to photograph children. All the parents of children I photographed appeared very proud that I was doing so. If I were to photograph children enjoying life any where else in the current climate this would be a very big 'No No'. Why was today different? I have absolutely no idea. But I wish I could bottle what ever it was that created the atmosphere.

Secondly was the relationship with the police. All officers I met and photographed were very convivial. They appeared to be enjoying the atmosphere themselves. It must have made a big change to them looking after crowd control and not expecting anything major to happen - whilst still being alert to something possible happening. I would imagine their normal stance is waiting and expecting something to happen and their nervousness and anticipation feeding into a negative atmosphere with elements of crowds seeking to bait and escalate that uncomfortable air.

Through out the day I was never challenged as to what I was photographing and why. It was just accepted as part of what was going on during the day.

More images can be seen on my Two Dragons Flickr site.

Tim Hetherington

2011-04-20T20:23:00.000+01:00

I never met Tim, but he greatly influenced me.

It is with great sadness that I have learned he was killed in Misrata, Libya. Tim influenced me greatly with his work 'Healing Sport' on how sporting activities in the war torn regions of Africa were helping heal wounds in many ways. This video, available until 29th April 2011 is well worth watching. I believe it provides an insight into a many who clearly believed in the humanitarian power of images for a change for good - despite the darkness of the heart and mind that had to be explored to create the essence of hope.

View this 'Healing Sport' and you will see how he influenced me in my project with young people 'Through Our Eyes'.

There are some excellent bio's of his background from working with the Big Issue and the Homeless to many other humanitarian projects he was involved in.

He shone a light on the dark corners of the human condition and showed their is potential for optimism. It is a very sad irony that he was killed looking to brighten that beam in ever darker corners.

A Life in Bags

2011-04-16T21:08:00.001+01:00

This image has been selected to go through to the next stages of a national competition by a social equalities agency.

It was taken in Trafalgar Square which I find a fantastic location for street photography. The myriad of tourists mix with all social layers of British life. This image is a particular favourite of mine as it shows the these layers in one image.

Four very different images connected by the bags they carry and the reasons they carry the bags. The business man with his daily work life. The tourists with their accoutrement for their day in London and the homeless gentleman with what appears to be his life.

Four separate individuals connected by bags. Strangers to each other.

Esther Rantzen

2010-11-20T19:03:00.000Z

I was asked to photograph the national launch of the Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) course from Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA England).

Esther Rantzen was invited to speak.

It was interesting to photograph her as she had stipulated that I didn't photograph her whilst she was speaking. This I fully understood, and complied with. What was interesting for me was that Esther obviously wasn't comfortable being photographed at all. It was obvious to me that she was very aware of where I was and made it quite difficult to get good images as she positioned herself away from the camera.

I found this a little disconcerting as her talk was very much about her work and, rightly so, Childline. Esther stated she actually new little about MHFA England and the YMHFA. The problem for me was her willingness to use the event as a platform for her work but appeared less interested in helping promote the YMHFA - especially by being helpful with the images.

This was a useful expereince for me in listening to the request of the person being photographed, but also keeping to the requirements of who asked me to create the photographs. MHFA England were very pleased with the images.

I've not heard from Esther.

Boris Johnson

2010-09-03T11:12:00.000+01:00

A Flying visit from the Mayor of London to unveil the new village sign in Havering-atte-Bower. This village is as far as you can go from the centre of London and still be in the city.
There's a contradiction.

Roundwood Park

2010-07-30T18:07:00.001+01:00

A gathering of like minded photographers looking to learn from each other descended on Roundwood Park, Willsden, last Sunday. All manner of tips and techniques were discussed as portraits were taken of the unsuspecting public. It was interesting how people reacted on being asked if they'd like to be models. Seeing a group of 20 photographers appeared to relax them. I wandered away from the main pack at one stage and asked a family and they became very defensive and said 'No, thank you.' However when the group of us were in close proximity people approached us.

We were fortunate to have a few friends and families of attending photographers as well.

Particular learning points for me was seeing how individuals and groups were posed. It is not just about knowing 'positions' but critically about how you communicate ideas to the person modeling. What I found fascinating was the 'two approaches' that leapt out to me. Some photographers were very technically adept and new what they wanted from their equipment and light and worked with their subject accordingly. Others were very people oriented and had a manner of relaxing the model to pose in particular positions and places to create different effects. Both, I feel, learned new ideas from each other.

Tracey

2010-07-20T07:15:00.000+01:00

I was introduced to Tracey at a conference I was attending and photographing. She was very keen to have her photograph taken which is unusual these days. It proved a great experience to try a few things off the cuff. The corridor had natural light pouring in through sky lights and the walls and background created an effective frame. The tricky part was balancing the light on white and black clothing to ensure there were no 'blow outs' on the white and the texture was captured on the variations of black.

It was also lovely to have someone who liked having their photograph taken. This made it rally easy to asked, suggest and work with her to try different poses. What was particularly gratifying was the combination of working with Tracey and me knowing what I wanted from the final image meant a series of pleasing photographs were created in 10 minutes.

Shirin

2010-07-18T15:24:00.000+01:00

I met Shirin in 2007 when I was involved in the 'Through Our Eyes' collaborative/participative photoproject. Her role was as Communications Manager for 'Magic Bus India' and played a vital part in the success of the project. Since then Shirin spent a year in Swansea, in the UK, completing a Masters Degree. As a direct result of her studies and experience she has set up an NGO - 'Palash' - in her homeland of India that works to recognise and protect the rights of those who are disfigured.

Shirin describes her vision:

"Palash, also known as the flame of the forest, is a visually striking flower. It captures your attention and its unconventional form stimulates a curiosity around its appearances. The Palash flower is symbolic to individuals who are ‘visually different’ especially the disfigured whose appearances could draw unexpected reactions. Palash strongly supports and advocates the cause of the ‘visually different’ as it believes that any disfigurement however striking need not be a requisite for prejudgment.

Our Vision - To have an inclusive world that recognises and protects the rights of the disfigured.
Our Mission - To socially and economically re-integrate individuals with disfigurement by addressing their psycho-social rehabilitation, livelihood opportunities, advocate and create awareness on disfigurement enabling an inclusive environment."

Remarkable person. Remarkable cause.

We are hoping that one or other of us win the Lottery as we'd like to create a book/photo project along the lines of 'Through Our Eyes'.

Lia

2010-05-31T15:00:00.000+01:00

Lia was a stranger to me. In fact to most of the world. I work with Lia's Nan. Lia is only about 6 weeks old here. I'm not usually a fan of this type of framing, but it appeared to work for this image. I am pleased with how the image looks in black and white. The family were very pleased, which is what really counts in the end.

The difficult part of getting this image was acting fast! Little movements are happening all the time, and small changes in Lia's shape made a difference to how the image worked. Hands around the face, feet in the air, etc.

Bernie

2010-05-28T16:32:00.000+01:00

The local character. Bernie is one of those 'Jack's o' all trades', combining electrician, park management, tree surgery and a few other jobs into one life.

Emma

2010-05-27T21:12:00.000+01:00

Not technically a stranger, I've worked with Emma a few years ago. However, she called out of the blue to ask for some portrait and 'image' photographs for her acting portfolio.

Barbara (Argentina) & Jack (Italy)

2010-04-23T22:08:00.001+01:00

Due to personal circumstances this project went belly up.

However, I managed to get a few in the intervening months from the end of January.

Here's one, and more to follow.

Sandy Me Harbinder - No 24

2010-01-25T20:27:00.001Z

John - No 19

2010-01-24T19:05:00.000Z

Nathan - No 20

2010-01-23T17:52:00.000Z

Paul - No 23

2010-01-23T17:50:00.001Z

David - No 21

2010-01-22T21:40:00.000Z

Andy - No 18

2010-01-18T18:36:00.002Z

Andy is an 'Ecotherapist'. Simply put (very simply!) a Psychologist and Environmentalist. The combination have converged to form his current work emphasising how our green spaces are vital for our wellbeing. Although I had talked to Andy on the phone a few days ago, we only met for the first time today. After we had finished our meeting I asked if he'd mind being the 'Stranger of the Day'. Across the road a health centre has this mural painted on it. Although a little 'cheesy' it did appear to be a useful backdrop. I think Andy's face say's a little about what he thought of my stereotype! But at least I didn't have him wrapping his arms around a tree!

Jacob - No 17

2010-01-17T17:43:00.002Z

'Jacob and the Decorators' - not a popular beat combo from the late 60's but a sychronised kite flying team. I spent a while watching and getting photos from around the group, and it was tricky not to just watch. The skill was impressive. Trying to do justice to their skills in photographs was quite an operation.

During a break I managed to talk with Jacob. He explained how the group got the name. Originally they used to use overalls to keep the wind out and someone said they looked like a 'bunch of decorators'. The name stuck.

The 'calling' was accomplished with crisp clear commands. Think of a Highland Ceiledh without the alcohol! Each person in the group of six managed to control their kite whilst, to my lay-mans eyes, chaos appeared in the lines - crossed, twisted, done up, undone - a veritable cats cradle.

Their concentration was total. Occasionally one person would go 'out of synch' but the others would carry on to be rejoined at a appropriate moment.

I managed to get plenty of images of the kites themselves, too many for this blog. They will appear on my website or Flickr at a later stage.

Neil - No 16

2010-01-16T17:40:00.003Z

I've managed to keep posting the images, but the writing dried up. By the time I've completed a days work, created an image for this project and taken the dog for a walk, there is only time to post the image.

Part of the problem is light. Sometimes leaving the house at 5.00 am and returning home between 5.00 and 6.00 pm means the daylight available is not easily accessible. However, this is likely to change quite fast. I'm already noticing the daylight hours expanding. This will provide two great 'Golden Hours' at the start and end of each day.

The image of Matt (No 14) is the start of looking at different styles and approaches. This is a little too bright and I might edit this image to reduce this. I only noticed it on different computer screens.

Anup (or Bobby, as he is usually known) is Nepali. I liked the tattoo of his name on his hand. He was also shy and took a little bit of persuasion before creating his portrait. He works in a local store, and the shelves work well in drawing the attention to the person. The shallow depth of field (focus) allowed me to concentrate on the hands and the tattoo. But you can still see Anup is smiling. This style will appear more often.

The latest image is of Neil. Saturday gave no excuses for getting out and about. Sadly, the rain and wind did! As with the snow a lot of people are 'heads down' and not stopping. So the local shops again provide a source of potential recruits to this project.

Neil works for a local security installation firm. His boss did not want his portrait taken. Neil was more than happy. I find it interesting how quickly people start to relax. This is beginning to show in a number of the images. However, I also recognise that more time with people would allow them to relax more. But I'm interrupting them and their day. There is this constant contradiction in looking to get a portrait that shows the person whilst not often having enough time to spend in their company to do them justice.

Again, I expect this to change over the year.

One aspect that is becoming obvious is the subtle differences in how people stand, their facial expressions, hand, arms and shoulders are positioned from me introducing myself, and my 'strange request', to me lifting the camera to my eye. as soon as the lens comes between our eye contact the dynamics change. One thought I'm already having is to take the tripod with me and position the camera so I can click the shutter whilst I maintain real eye contact and converse with the person.

Neil managed to relax pretty well. It was almost as if he had these type of requests every day!

Anup/Bobbie - No 15

2010-01-15T21:42:00.004Z

Matt - No 14

2010-01-14T21:42:00.000Z

Judith & Geoff - No 13

2010-01-13T18:07:00.001Z

Tom - No 12

2010-01-12T19:53:00.005Z

There are times when photography just makes me smile. There are times when it makes me laugh out loud. Tonight I had a great fifteen minutes in the company of Tom.

Like last night I could only carry on the 'Strangers 365' late on when it had become dark. Again, a couple of people I approached on the street were wary when I asked to create a portrait. Again I decided to approach those who were still at work, or just about to finish for the day. A local tyre fitters was empy of customers and no one was in the fitting bay. Going through a door to the storage area I met three lads chatting before closing up. I asked my usual question, preceding it with 'Hello, I've got a strange request...' Tom's colleagues laughed and said 'He will!' and laughed louder. I explained what I was doing in a little more detail, and he said 'Alright! Where do you want me?'

I went back to the fitting bay as the tyres would make an interesting background, and could be darkened to emphasise Tom. He was great to work with. Good portraits are the result of the relationship between those on both sides of the lens. Tom was very easy confident in a very relaxed way. Advertising was suggested hence holding the tyre. He said he felt he looked 'geeky' when he smiled in photographs. I think you'll agree he is very photogenic and I believe that is a lot to do with how relaxed he appears. I like both the colour and black and white versions. The give a different atmosphere but are still striking. Tom's eyes really help draw you into the photo.

I took four images all of which I am pleased with in different ways.

So, what made me laugh? And I'm still smiling as I write this!

I showed Tom the images using the screen on the back of the camera. It was obvious to me then that they were reasonable. I mentioned about putting them on the web and that he'd have the ladies flocking for his details. Tom's mates really laughed at that! I said 'So you're used to that!' 'To which he replied in a very unassuming way 'Actually, I'm a male escort'.

I'm not usually surprised, but surprise is the understatement of the year! And I think it will remain the surprise of the year for the other 343 days!!!

Conversation carried on, after I picked myself off of the floor, and he mentioned he was also getting a major tattoo - torso and arms. He showed me part of it and it will look impressive. Tom is also getting down the gym to develop the muscles. What he'll look like when there 'developed' will be impressive, that I have no doubt!

The result of this chance encounter is that I could be doing a portfolio of images for him. That will be great to do! Nice bloke. Photogenic. Interesting to talk with. And Tom and his mates still have me laughing like a drain. I hope you like these images, Tom.

Approaching people is becoming easier, but it still gets the adrenaline pumping. Each encounter is adding to my skills, not just in photography but in talking with, working with, enjoying the company of people who I would never have known about if I had not embarked on this journey.

Arvinder - No 11

2010-01-11T20:03:00.000Z

The streets were so quiet tonight. I asked several people and it was 'No!' each time. Perhaps the dark really changes how people accept each other. Daylight helps people feel comfortable, or more comfortable, whereas darkness makes the inhibitions heighten.

Therefore the 'rules' were bent tonight. Near where I live a pharmacy was open late. Although I'd seen Arvinder, I'd not actually met him. The pharmacy was empty so I went in and asked my usual question. What a lovely response! Arvinder is very gently spoken and said a portrait would be fine. I managed to get the image I was after first go, and spent several minutes in conversation. It appears his cousin is a keen photographer, with the same camera I use. Arvinder may do some more photography himself one day - he's not made the move to digital yet. He was a 'Canon' man.

I thought I'd do both colour and black and white for this portrait.

Tom, Keira & Charley No - 10

2010-01-10T16:01:00.001Z

On a very flat grey - leaden skies - day I looked for colours. Tom's yellow jacket stood out and the hat was great. He is Scottish, so i joked that this weather made him feel right at home. I asked the usual question and he agreed. Then he introduced me to Keira and 'Charley'. They were really nice. Happy to be photographed, and very proud of 'Charley' - a 12 week old Huskey.

I would have loved to have spent more time with them - I'm sure I would have some wonderful images. However, my own dog was needing attention, and my wife was finding the bitter wind too uncomfortable. Blackheath and Greenwich Park are likely to be a rich source of 'strangers'.

I am noticing it is easier to approach people who have dogs. Maybe because I love them, but also a dog introduces itself to you before anything is said - making the initial contact and breaking the ice.

David - No 9

2010-01-09T17:44:00.000Z

Once again the weather is proving interesting. It was very grey and flat earlier. Then it started snowing. And then it snowed some more. I wandered around the shopping area near where I live and kept an eye out for interesting characters, clothing, or both. It was like a ghost town. Those people who were braving the elements had their heads down, plowing onwards to somewhere warmer and more comfortable.

The wind was blowing snow around and I was trying to find somewhere in the lee of a building where it would be a little settled. As I walked up this alley between shops David walked past and smiled (there is that universal signal of friendliness again!) and made a comment about fighting on. I just asked if he would mind being a portrait subject, and is facial expression was 'I didn't expect that...OK then!' He asked what is it for and I explained my 'project' and that it would be on the interwebby thing and he was fine.

Light was disappearing very fast, so it was back to fill in flash. I managed to get David to angle is head to avoid reflections in his glasses, and two images later it was done. I gave him my card, shook hands, both smiled and headed off in different directions.

I'm really enjoying this short moments with complete strangers. With luck when the weather is a bit more amenable we'll be able to make the moments last a bit longer.

Mr & Mrs Hinds & Lily - No 8

2010-01-08T20:03:00.000Z

Danson Park was stunning this afternoon! I arrived when it was quite quiet but more people appeared as the sun was setting.

I spotted Mr & Mrs Hinds, and 'Lily', across Danson Lake. Their coloured clothing made them stand out. Everyone else I saw and met had relatively muted clothing - browns, cream, white, black. I had made the decision to wait and look out ofr colours that stood out. The Hinds were an obvious choice. Having 'Lily' in a bright pink coat added that bit extra.

I managed to chase round the lake to meet them at a point I knew would provide a nice backround with the avenue of trees, and the setting sun provided good light from front right (Photographers perspective). This where local knowledge helps a lot. Knowing good locations and the time they would be effective cuts out a lot of pressure (self imposed!) when approaching someone for the first time. For me I had the elements of the portrait ready, knew who I wanted, and made a bee line to ask them. It was lovely to have the Hinds say 'Fine!'.

The Hinds had no problem acepting my request. They said people usually wanted to photograph 'Lily' on her own. I couldn't resist this great combination of colour. To have 'Lily' looking at the camera was a bonus.

I gave them my card and said I would provide a good resolution copy. Unfortunately they do not have access to the internet. Maybe their relatives will get in touch.

The sunset was looking to be a belter! I carried on looking for potential portraits, but the park became really quiet. I would have loved to have found someone at the time I took this tree. What a portrait that could have been!

Tara, Michael, Yip & Tony - No 7

2010-01-07T19:51:00.004Z

A beautiful evening at the O2. I wanted to get some images of the snow and ice - there is a little bit of both about at the moment. I also felt that this location would provide an opportunity to carry on the 'Strangers 365' project. I made the decision to use fill in flash and look to make the backgrounds more interesting.

I was taking images of the snow and ice formations on the 'wall' when a German lady walked past and made a comment about what I was looking at being interesting. I asked if she would mind me creating a portrait and it was a definite no! On asking why she could not give a reason - she just didn't like having a photo taken of her. She also mentioned that her mother has not got a photo of her over the age of 15. 'Miss Deutsche' was a striking lady and I find it more and more intriguing why people don't want images of themselves. I'll explore this a little more in a later post when I've talked to more people.

The O2 has a covered walkway of glass linking the North Greenwich Underground Station to the Arena. This was holding snow which was breaking and creating interesting shapes and patterns. I took a lot of shots which should will make intriguing abstracts.

Whilst pointing the camera skywards Tara, Michael and Yip walked past and smiled. A smile is a universal sign of friendliness and it makes it more comfortable for me to approach. I'm a reasonably smiley person, so maybe that is why I'm getting more acceptances than rejections.

I asked if they would mind me creating a group portrait and it was an immediate 'Yes!' I recognised the ice 'wall' would make a pleasing background and with some fill in flash should great a good portrait. This is the result.
It would be better to not have the dividing lines between the green and white, but it is nice. Tara is from Malaysia, Michael from Hong Kong and Yip from London. Tara and Michael are studying Hospitality in Switzerland.

They probably thought they'd escaped the snow and ice!

Tony is a delivery driver from London. I'd finished what I wanted to do and was watching the light to see if any pleasant early evening colours appeared. He asked me if this was North Greenwich Jubilee Line Underground Station as he had parcels to deliver. I said he was and he thanked me and disappeared. I knew he'd be back. He left his van parked as a big clue. As he seemed a nice bloke I thought I'd wait and ask to create his portrait. Tony was gone for 15 minutes which gave me time to plan what I wanted. This is the result:

I like this. Canary Wharf in the background and Tony pleasantly lit. There is a nice catchlight in his eyes and the eyebrow piercing can be seen clearly.

The downside? The cap. There is a slight shadow under the peak, but it could have been worse. Oh! It is! That badge! I'm a Spurs fan!!!

Once again many thanks to my models. It was lovely to meet you.

Elizabeth - No 6

2010-01-06T16:52:00.004Z

Heavy snow today. I got back home with snow falling and it only got heavier. Plus the natural light was fading. Wandering around I found reasonable light from a store window. But people looked miserable and stressed. Probably concerned they wouldn't be able to negotiate the incline out of the car park.

And the snowfall became heavier.

I decided to go and shelter under the A2 overpass. Which is where I saw Elizabeth. Bending over, sorting out her bike, and no doubt building up will power for the next stage of the journey.

'Excuse me, do you mind if...?
I thought I was chancing my luck. Would I be open to having a portrait taken after struggling through snow on a bike having, it turns out, just having been to the gym, with still a few miles to go to get home. I like to think I would, but then I like photography.

'I'd rather you not.' Replied Elizabeth. Which I could whole heartedly understand!

When rejected I always ask why. In this case it was probably a stupid question! Statistically I believe 85% of the British public do not like having their photograph taken. Today, in this weather, I should imagine it was closeer to 99.999%!

Like a lot of people Elizabeth found it a difficult question to answer.

Then, taking me by surprise she said 'Go one then.'

I had to ask if I heard right! I had! So had, once again, to think very quickly. I didn't want to keep Elizabeth from her journey, but I also wanted to get a reasonable portrait to be able to send on to her.

I tried to use the lights from the underpass which worked to a certain degree. Unfortunately I needed to get Elizabeth to raise her head to add some light. If someone was with me I'd use a reflector - I will make sure I carry a small one with me in future - to bounce light into the shadow area below the headwear. I liked the background being bright. I don't like the colour caste created by the street lights.

But I really like this portrait! It is not just a photograph. It is a pictorial memory trigger for the day a mad photographer met a pleasant and determined woman battling to get home through rediculous weather. I think it is a situation we will both remember for a long time!

Thanks, Elizabeth.

Jo & Vimbayi - No 5

2010-01-05T18:03:00.005Z

I was attending a workshop today, so was surrounded by strangers. Jo and Vimbayi were very willing portrait models.

My time and concentration was on the workshop, so had to get these images during a break. I was hoping to get the sun coming through the unusual window grating to create some interesting lighting. However, the sun disappeared so I was left with indoor lighting.

Black and white looked a good idea for Vimbayi, especially with the coat. I might experiment and try both in colour and both in black and white.

The portraits so far in this project are nothing special in terms of style and technique, but it is proving invaluable in creating something very quickly under time pressures (in this case) and lighting limitations. I'm certain as I do more I'll relax more, and help my collaborators to relax more, as well as having better poses, backgrounds, lighting etc.

This is a lesson in thinking quickly, but remaining relaxed and creating a rapport with my subjects to get better and better results.

Peter - No 4

2010-01-04T17:57:00.000Z

Thurrock Services - cold! Very Cold! So many thanks to Peter who I managed to accost whist he was loading a trailer with pallets. I'm not too happy with this photo. Too many shadows and harsh light. His left hand is slightly blanched by the flash but it isn't to far of the 'natural' colour ...it was cold!

This was a real grab image. I had a long day with travel and work, and was struggling to think of where I could get someone in a different location to my normal haunts. The useful part of this experience is thinking on my feet, but also starting to plan places where I could get interesting portraits in unusual locations.

As you may have noticed...it isn't too difficult... no women yet! Several rejections...no change there, some would say. Fortunately my wife hasn't rejected me, and has given me some useful ideas to work on.

The challenge within the challenge is to photograph at least one woman in the next seven days.

Si - No. 3

2010-01-03T17:21:00.000Z

This was the easiest and the most difficult portrait to create so far.

Easy because Si grabbed my attention straight away! And there are links to my outdoor past with him flying a sport kite.

Difficult because the light was fading. It was a beautiful late afternoon and the light was gorgeous, but to get Si's portrait at the same time as the wing he was flying proved very tricky. Unfortunately the sun had set by the time I had worked out the best position (Under the circumstances!) to stand in relation to Si, the wing and the direction of the fill in flash.

Si was great! Didn't bat an eyelid at my request to photograph him, and I spent a good hour chatting to him - both ending up with near frost bitten fingers. He needed a breeze to fly the wing - but this created a severe windchill. Blackheath has tremendous views and attracts all manner of Londeners keen on outdoor activities.

I hope to rejoin Si on the 17th when there will be a gathering of flyers.

Ste - No 2

2010-01-02T19:42:00.000Z

Only three rejections before Ste accepted. But being a New Yorker, now living in Kent, he has probably experienced many more strange requests!

He was taking his dog, Sam, for a walk before heading off back to work as a recovery driver. Our weather recently has kept him more than busy.

People's reactions to being asked is very interesting! Usually very wary and make a decision quickly about being photographed or not. It appears so far that I'll be asking at least 3 or four people before one accepts. There is often nervous laughter, and always a smile - whether a portrait is made or not.

Already this is proving a very interesting and useful learning process.

Arthur - No 1

2010-01-01T17:02:00.000Z

So! It starts!

I met Arthur and his son Derek near where I live. A late start to the day (it is New Years Day, after all) meant I was wandering around a ghost town. Arthur and Derek had just been to check on their sprouts growing at a local allotment.

Derek was a keen amateur photographer in the past, and immediately asked if I knew anywhere that my be interested in his old, and now unused, darkroom equipment! No wonder they had no difficulty with my odd request to take their portrait! They were more than happy being in front of the camera.

I left them wandering into the local pub.

This is going to introduce me to all manner of characters!

I will be publishing my favourite portraits on my website - www.robcolinthomasphotography.com

The full selection will appear on my Flickr site.

I would always appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Strangers 365

2009-12-31T07:08:00.000Z

To start the new decade I needed a challenge. It took some consideration but in the end I decided on a portrait photography project.

I am going to create a portrait of someone I have never met before on each day of 2010. I am also considering each person that allows me to photograph them also photographs me but haven't set this in stone. I'll see what happens.

My 'rules' are light.

1. I will never have met the person before.
2. I have to ask to create the portrait - no candids! Not press the shutter and then ask (or disappear!).

Why? Because I want to have a project that will motivate me, frustrate me, challenge me, improve my photography, and it is also a form of networking. Pressing the shutter release is only one element of creating the image. The most important part, for me, is creating a rapport with the person being photographed.

365 mini character studies. Each one reflecting some part of the personality of the photographer and the photographed.

I will look to post some of the images here but have all the images on Flickr. It is also my intention to keep a diary of what happens, what I learn, the mistakes made and the fun that this project will create.

Tomorow is January 1st 2010. 365 strangers to meet.