100 Strangers **Complete** 15th July 2016.

Rather than go out shooting on such a lovely day as it was yesterday, me in my infinite wisdom decided to wait until today when the weather was decidedly grim.
Before the weather turned nasty in London, I managed to make two portraits for my project. The results are posted below.
 

179:200 Strangers - Vytaute by Iain Blake, on Flickr

#179 - Vytaute
I paid another visit to Poplar station on London's DLR in order to use this striking backdrop of the tunnel/bridge above the rail lines.
Vytaute is from Lithuania but living and working in London now.
Vytaute appeared to be in a rush when I asked her to be part of my 100 strangers project. I promised it would only take a few minutes to which she agreed but said that she wasn't photogenic!
I asked Vytaute where she would like to be in 10 years time?
"My ambition is to have my own business, something in beauty or fashion."
Thank you Vytaute and good luck!
 

180:200 Strangers - Jess by Iain Blake, on Flickr

#180 - Jess

Following on from my visit to Poplar, I jumped on the DLR and made my way to Greenwich.

I noticed Jess's stylish look and particularly her fantastic coloured hair.

Jess is from Birmingham and was down visiting London for the weekend with her Mum, Diane.

Jess designs and makes jewellery. Taken from her website:

www.sniktandbamf.co.uk

"Hello and welcome to Snikt and Bamf, here we aim to combine our love of popular culture, comic books, Sci-Fi, and anything geeky with our Passion for new technologies together with our specialist skills gathered over years in the jewellery and arts trade."

"I make acrylic jewellery and would love to make a go of it, being self employed I want to be self sufficient and draw a wage."

Diane gave me Jess's business card and said with a smile,

"I'm the Mum, I'm the pushy one!"

Thank you Jess and good luck!
 
blakester said:

179:200 Strangers - Vytaute by Iain Blake, on Flickr

#179 - Vytaute
I paid another visit to Poplar station on London's DLR in order to use this striking backdrop of the tunnel/bridge above the rail lines.
Vytaute is from Lithuania but living and working in London now.
Vytaute appeared to be in a rush when I asked her to be part of my 100 strangers project. I promised it would only take a few minutes to which she agreed but said that she wasn't photogenic!
I asked Vytaute where she would like to be in 10 years time?
"My ambition is to have my own business, something in beauty or fashion."
Thank you Vytaute and good luck!
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Striking backdrop used very well, a very pleasing image :)
 
What a great project, with some really fantastic portraits, particularly Rachel, Kit, Chloe, Yomi, Jess, Saga, Sandy, Phil. I've thought about doing something similar but frankly lack the cojones to make it happen. Bravo.
 
SixToes said:
What a great project, with some really fantastic portraits, particularly Rachel, Kit, Chloe, Yomi, Jess, Saga, Sandy, Phil. I've thought about doing something similar but frankly lack the cojones to make it happen. Bravo.
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Thank you @SixToes,
It is such a satisfying project, I've thoroughly enjoyed shooting it.
I would urge anyone into people photography to give it a go.
 

181:200 Strangers - Susann by Iain Blake, on Flickr

Susann is from Hamburg, Germany but was visiting Brick Lane, London.

"I'm going home tomorrow and it makes me sad, I love London. I lived and worked here 20 years ago for a two year period but left due to a work situation.

My advice to my younger self would be don't give up so soon, hang in there!"

"I would love to return to work in London, I am a social media expert, marketing and media person, fashion lover and German speaker...and if someone's has a job in London they can contact me...any time!"

Thank you Susann!
 
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182:200 Strangers - Elizabeth by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I noticed Elizabeth and her great sense of style while she was shopping in Cambridge. I thought she had a happy, friendly and calm aura about her.

Elizabeth is from Bishops Stortford and was shopping for a hat for her forthcoming wedding.

"I am getting married to a Scotsman in 5 weeks time. He is from Glasgow but has been living in Australia."

I asked Elizabeth, not that she is old but what advice would you give to your younger self?

"I am old, I'm 50!" she said with a smile.

"I would tell my younger self not to worry so much about things, make your own choices because you want to, not because you have to!"

Thank you Elizabeth, good luck with your forthcoming nuptials!
 
wallyboy said:
Another couple of crackers there,
Love some of the comments, your subjects make, words of wisdom indeed.:)
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Thanks Walter (y)
The comments are a bit more difficult to come by. I try and ask the strangers an open question but I am acutely aware of how I am putting them on the spot by asking the questions.
The 'trick' is to start with a bit of chat, ask them a question but then try and expand upon their answer with further questions. I try not to have it appear as an interview more a general discussion whilst finding out about the person.
 
blakester said:
Thanks Walter (y)
The comments are a bit more difficult to come by. I try and ask the strangers an open question but I am acutely aware of how I am putting them on the spot by asking the questions.
The 'trick' is to start with a bit of chat, ask them a question but then try and expand upon their answer with further questions. I try not to have it appear as an interview more a general discussion whilst finding out about the person.
Click to expand...
I would think that is the icing on the cake, when you get some nice snippets, certainly adds real flavour to your theme, seems the area you cover has a wealth of interesting people.
 
wallyboy said:
I would think that is the icing on the cake, when you get some nice snippets, certainly adds real flavour to your theme, seems the area you cover has a wealth of interesting people.
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Thanks again Walter (y)
Yes, I am happy when that happens, when a connection is made and I get a glimpse of the person behind the photograph.
I mainly shoot in London but cambridge has been good for my project too.
 
I managed to get out shooting for my project today which has been a bit neglected due to my second shooting for Damien @Slimbert and Yvonne @Yv at two separate weddings.
I kickstarted my project again, making one portrait today, again in one of my favourite locations, Brick Lane in London. Result is posted below.
 

183:200 Strangers - Decca by Iain Blake, on Flickr

Decca is a researcher and writer based in London but currently completing a Phd in Contemporary Palestinian Literature in Cambridge.

It was her style and a confident look which drew my attention to Decca as she walked along towards Brick Lane.

I asked Decca about her name, was it short for a longer name?

"I was named after a famous author, Jessica Mitford whose nickname was Decca."

I asked Decca what makes her happy in life?

"Justice and re-distribution make me happy!"

"I'm a writer and journalist, writing about everything and anything!"

"I'm all about words!"

"In 10 years time?"

"In 10 years time I'd like to be in New York working as a journalist but don't know in what capacity as the whole industry is changing with technology."

Thank you Decca and good luck!
 
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•


There is something… about Decca… hard to say…
or maybe… her eyes look sad but her lips are kind
of smiling… hard to say… but a very cool portrait!

 
wallyboy said:
A keen eye as usual,
Would be great if you bumped into here in ten years time, you light the face very well indeed., and keep good colour.:)
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Thanks Walter (y)
I often wonder that myself, what will become of the strangers ambitions.
The lighting is very simple, I generally ask the stranger to stand in open shade then I lift the light by use of a reflector.
 
Kodiak Qc said:
•


There is something… about Decca… hard to say…
or maybe… her eyes look sad but her lips are kind
of smiling… hard to say… but a very cool portrait!
Click to expand...

Thanks Daniel.
Yes, I get what you are saying about Decca's expression. I would say she is a quietly confident young woman with a strong sense of character.
 
I'm often surprised, by how this thread has kept my attention, but I think it is a reflection of how good your work is Iain.
 
johnnypanic said:
I'm often surprised, by how this thread has kept my attention, but I think it is a reflection of how good your work is Iain.
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Thanks John :)
I do appreciate people looking in and commenting whilst conscious of the fact that it's a long running project which may struggle to hold the viewers attention.
 

184:200 Strangers - Ellie by Iain Blake, on Flickr

#184 - Ellie

I noticed Ellie having a cigarette break in Wardour Street, London.
I thought her look and sense of style would match the background I had chosen which was just along the road a little from where she was standing.

Ellie is from Southend but works at Toni & Guy as an apprentice hairdresser.

I asked Ellie what makes her happy?

"That's a simple question but its difficult to put into words, my mind has gone blank haha!"

Where would you like to be in 10 years time?

"Rich and famous!" said with a big smile.

Thanks Ellie!
 

185:200 Strangers - Tish by Iain Blake, on Flickr

#185 - Tish

Tish and her friend Jenny were strolling along when I approached and asked her to be part of my project.

"We are not going anywhere in particular, just having a wander around."

"Music makes me happy. I'm a bass guitarist in a band. My ambition is to be successful in my music and with the band!"

Thanks Tish, good luck!
 
blakester said:

185:200 Strangers - Tish by Iain Blake, on Flickr

#185 - Tish

Tish and her friend Jenny were strolling along when I approached and asked her to be part of my project.

"We are not going anywhere in particular, just having a wander around."

"Music makes me happy. I'm a bass guitarist in a band. My ambition is to be successful in my music and with the band!"

Thanks Tish, good luck!
Click to expand...
Hi

I have really enjoyed following you projects and the complete focuss on giving a 'voice' to the strangers with your gentle questions/prompts and so they cease to be strangers.

It keeps nagging me to try something similar.

I am just about to head off to Ireland for at least 6 months and your exprrience is resonating with me as a "1 Stranger meets100 Emerald Isle Regulars".......

100 days, 100 pubs...... 100 Regulars ☺

Thanks for sharing to date

Steve
 
Hugh Jarse said:
Hi

I have really enjoyed following you projects and the complete focuss on giving a 'voice' to the strangers with your gentle questions/prompts and so they cease to be strangers.

It keeps nagging me to try something similar.

I am just about to head off to Ireland for at least 6 months and your exprrience is resonating with me as a "1 Stranger meets100 Emerald Isle Regulars".......

100 days, 100 pubs...... 100 Regulars ☺

Thanks for sharing to date

Steve
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Thanks Steve, that certainly sounds like a great idea for the 100 strangers project.
It would have a common thread running through your project. I would encourage you to give it a go. Good luck!
 
blakester said:
Thanks Steve, that certainly sounds like a great idea for the 100 strangers project.
It would have a common thread running through your project. I would encourage you to give it a go. Good luck!
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I visit Ireland regularly and have botb family and friends all over the country.

A common theme is tbat it can be difficult for me to not find a converation in a bar on any number of subjects.

I may give it a try to test out how I feel doing it.

I could use my EOS M, with either the ef/m 22mm pancake lens or the kit zoom. Subtle and small in what can be dark and varied places. The 22mm is f/2 max aperture so available light and pushing the ISO should negate the need for flash. (The 90EX speedlight is ettl/ettl ii and it's GN is quite low and I havea 3rd party diffuser), so the use of flash (if really needed) should be lightweight.

The idea is nagging at me!

S
 
@Hugh Jarse
Steve, that sounds ideal for the project. rather than walking into a bar with a dslr, something a bit more subtle and discreet may be the way forward.

You will have to give it a go to get rid of the nagging, its the only solution :D
 
blakester said:
@Hugh Jarse
Steve, that sounds ideal for the project. rather than walking into a bar with a dslr, something a bit more subtle and discreet may be the way forward.

You will have to give it a go to get rid of the nagging, its the only solution :D
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Now an itch!

As you probably know, the EOS M is basically a mirrorless 650D. The 90EX is timy (GN is 9). Pocket sized with the 22mm! (Good bokeh on that tiny fellow tlo).

I will be giving it a go but no booze for me :-(. My meds and a pint will not worm. Time for blistering conversation.

I think 'we' have talked me into it!

Cheers

S
 
Hugh Jarse said:
Now an itch!

As you probably know, the EOS M is basically a mirrorless 650D. The 90EX is timy (GN is 9). Pocket sized with the 22mm! (Good bokeh on that tiny fellow tlo).

I will be giving it a go but no booze for me :-(. My meds and a pint will not worm. Time for blistering conversation.

I think 'we' have talked me into it!

Cheers

S
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I'm sure there will be good craic to go along with the portraits haha.
I look forward to seeing your results Steve!
 
blakester said:
I'm sure there will be good craic to go along with the portraits haha.
I look forward to seeing your results Steve!
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I will start, hopefully, next weekend in Wexford. The craic has always been good.... and not just in Crikelewood but also Edinburgh, Kirkudbright, Perth, Invernesss and even Stranraer - all over the place if you really want it! Ahh the memories....
 
Hugh Jarse said:
I will start, hopefully, next weekend in Wexford. The craic has always been good.... and not just in Crikelewood but also Edinburgh, Kirkudbright, Perth, Invernesss and even Stranraer - all over the place if you really want it! Ahh the memories....
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Being a Jock myself I completely agree!

The first portrait is possibly the hardest but once you start, it'll grab hold of you I'm sure. I know it did me.
 
Really nice couple of images iain, image one says to me straight away rebellion, the alleyish BG suits. Two doesnt seem so edgey still nice tho.
Do you edit info given, or is that just what they say which you have put here.
 
wallyboy said:
Really nice couple of images iain, image one says to me straight away rebellion, the alleyish BG suits. Two doesnt seem so edgey still nice tho.
Do you edit info given, or is that just what they say which you have put here.
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Thanks Walter.
Yes, I agree with you on Ellie's rebellious look and thought her an ideal stranger to suit the background.

No, I don't edit the information really. I try to get a dialogue going with each person. Sometimes it flows easily, others it's a little more difficult.
It means asking open questions to get them to give longer answers. Depending what that answer is, I will try and expand by asking another question.
 

186:200 Strangers - Ayce by Iain Blake, on Flickr

Ayce was visiting London with her partner from Turkey.

Ayce is a stage actress.

"Acting makes me happy, when I am on stage i can act the fool."

"Turkey as a country is very chaotic at the moment but we have to stay because of family. Most of our family are older generation, so we will stay to look after them."

Thank you Ayce.
 

187:200 Strangers - Emmy by Iain Blake, on Flickr


Emmy by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I noticed Emmie's colourful hair whilst she was walking along with her friend Alex enjoying a wonderful sunny day near St Paul's Cathedral, London. She had a personality and smile to match the weather.

"We are just having a wander around, we've been to an exhibition and had a walk by the river enjoying the weather."

"I don't mind where I am in the future, as long as I have a dog!"

Thanks Emmie!
 
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