100 Strangers Complete!!

d00d said:
So many beautiful colourful people, makes you feel warm and happy ......
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:)Thanks David, I'm glad it invokes feeling in others, the 100 strangers project has been a revelation to me and my photography.
 

#87:100 Strangers - Matti by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I paid another visit to Camden where about a week ago I had been previously and found a background I wished to use.
Having waited for quite sometime, I noticed Matti walking along with his partner Vanessa. I thought Matti's style would be perfectly complimented by the graffitied alleyway in the background.
Matti appeared a little surprised when I approached him and introduced myself and my project. Happily he agreed.

Matti is from Ipswich but had been visiting London over the past couple of days. He works for the NHS.

I asked Matti what his life ambition was?

"I aspire to be a voice artist for video games/cartoons as I've done some amateur voice overs in the past but it would be great to put myself out there further."

What is your happiest moment?

"Meeting this lady!" as he gestured towards Vanessa.

Vanessa met this with a thumbs up and a smile, saying.

"I will pay him for that later!"



Thank you Matti and Vanessa.

Good luck with your aspirations!
 

#88:100 Strangers - Kate by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I noticed Kate walking along with her dog Buster and thought her style would suit against my chosen background.

Again, as Matti stranger #87 before her, Kate appeared a little surprised when I approached her and asked her to be part of my project. Happily, she agreed and we walked just around the corner to the background wall.

Kate is originally from Iowa but has been in the UK for around 8 years.

"i am about to go back to the States for a month to visit family."

I asked Kate what if anything she was struggling with right now?

"My struggle right now is to find a career path. I am between jobs and I am trying to decide what to do next."

I asked Kate what makes her happy?

"Family and friends make me most happy"

Just at that point, a man walked past wearing a motorcycle crash helmet towards his bike which was parked nearby. Buster started to bark towards this biker.

To this Kate said.

"Hats & helmets freak Buster out, he is a good dog really!"

Thank you for being part of my project Kate. Good luck in finding your career path too!
 

#89:100 Strangers - Kate by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I noticed Kate and her striking hair walking along near Old Spitalfields Market.

Kate is a fashion student studying in London. I should've guessed by her stylish and striking appearance.

Kate happily agreed to be part of my project.

"My happiest moment is yet to come."

Thank you Kate!
 

#90:100 Strangers - Rachel by Iain Blake, on Flickr

Rachel was walking along near Old Spitalfields Market carrying her luggage towards Liverpool Street Station when I noticed her.

I liked her style, her hat and wonderful dark hair. Rachel appeared a little bemused by my asking her to be part of my project but happily agreed, saying it would have to be quick as she had to be somewhere. I asked Rachel where she was headed and she said "Wales!"

I enquired about Rachel's destination and she replied.

"Yes, I'm a Rhondda Valley Girl" with a big smile on her face.

Rachel is a teacher and had worked in London for about 8 years but was now back in Wales.

"When I'm not teaching I'm a jewellery designer. I own a company I built all by myself called Pieces of Eight. I work with healing crystals and making jewellery for beautiful souled people really. I'm a huge fan of the outdoors too and spend a lot of time with my dog Lola on little adventures around Wales. Scoping out incredible places."

"I'm a pretty simple person, just love nature and being at one with it.... I have an inner hippy ready to escape I think!"

I asked Rachel what, if anything she was struggling with right now?

"I am finding myself again, I partied too much, socialised too much and generally had such a good time that I needed to have a break. Thats why I returned to Wales. I had to come back and concentrate on finding a balance. I do wish to return to London, I miss it!"

Thank you Rachel and good luck!
 
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#91:100 Strangers - Ruthie by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I found a background that I thought would work for a stranger portrait and didn't have to wait too long before i noticed Ruthie walking briskly along. Ruth had a friendly face and thought she would be perfect for the background. Happily ruthie agreed to be part of my project but said it would have to be quick as she was heading for a shop to catch it before it closed.

I asked Ruthie what she wishes for in life?

"I want to be abundantly happy. I am not there yet but I am working on it!"

What would get you there?

"Change all the s*** that doesn't work!" Ruthie said with a laugh and a smile!


Thank you Ruthie, good luck and keep smiling!
 
During my engagement and interaction with Ruthie, I couldn't help but think that her wish to be abundantly happy could easily come true judging by her portrait below.


Ruthie by Iain Blake, on Flickr
 

#92:100 Strangers - Hazel by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I saw Hazel crossing Bishopsgate London and in particular I noticed her hat and tee shirt with "Whiskey Makes Me Happy" on the front of it. I crossed and approached Hazel who happily agreed to be part of my project. Hazel and her friend (sorry didn't catch your name!) were in a really happy mood. I asked them where they were off to today and Hazel replied "A raw food immersion course!" I must admit, I had no idea what that was and on return home had to Google search 'Raw Food Immersion'. Everyday is a school day as they say!

I had actually finished shooting Hazel's portrait when I was approached by a security guard for the Broadgate area beside where I stopped Hazel. He informed me that no photography was allowed on the Broadgate premises. I enquired with him where the boundary was and he pointed to a demarcation line on the pavement about 2metres from where I was standing!! Rules are rules I suppose. Both hazel and I laughed at that and we moved along. As hazel and her friend were on their way to the course, I walked with them, chatting to find out a little more about her. We hadn't gone a couple of paces when Hazel noticed a $20 note on the ground. On picking it up Hazel commented on how so many things were happening to her today, saying "Thank you Sheba!"

I asked Hazel what made her happy.

"Serving people!"

"I am a firefighter, and helping people when in trouble makes me happy!"

"Whiskey makes me happy too. Don't give me Jack Daniels, it has to be whiskey!"

Thank you Hazel.
 

#93:100 Strangers - Megan by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I noticed Megan walking along near Old Spitalfields Market carrying what looked like dry cleaning. She looked busy but I thought I would ask her to be part of my project by standing pretty much where I stopped Megan. I explained it was a head & shoulders shot and Megan happily agreed. Megan is from South London and worked in Galvin, a restaurant/bar nearby.

My boyfriend, friends and family make me happy!"

"I love dancing and taking selfies!" Megan said with a smile.

Thank you Megan.
 

#94:100 Strangers - Elam by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I saw Elam taking photographs of some trade stalls set up near Old Spitalfields Market. I liked her style and she had a friendly face so I asked if she would be part of my project. Elam happily agreed and we crossed towards my chosen background.

Elam is a photographer/filmmaker from London. Recently having had an exhibition of her work "Stories of El Salvador'

www.storiesofelsalvador.com

To quote from Elam's page,

"A film & photographic exhibition
documenting the challenges of living in the Central American country of El Salvador & their nation’s fight to overcome them."

I asked Elam what makes her happy?

"Speaking Spanish makes me happy. I have been learning the language since i was 12 years old. Whenever I meet someone who speaks Spanish, I love to talk."

"I would love to take my exhibition back to El Salvador"

See more of Elam's work at:

www.elamforrester.co.uk


Thank you Elam and good luck!
 
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Hi, Iain, missed a few and just got back from visiting Robbie, so a little tired, but good to see him Lynne and Mark. Looking forwards to seeing you at the mega meet (y)

Of the one's I've missed, Emily, James and Kate stand out for me.

Emily, love the red braces ?, big glasses, but most of all the cheeky grin. As usual, lovely creamy and muted BG.

James, what a beard! Great eye contact and he must have been a little talk as they perspective looks like you are photographing from lower :thinking:

Kate, eyes don't look as sharp as usual, but oh, boy that's one intense expression. Red lipstick works well with the blue jacket. Yup, this is one of my favourites.

Good show and #86 :clap: (edit #94)

Hope your ears weren't burning today as we were commenting on your creativeness and your ability to get strangers to open up to you via their facial expressions and comments.

Cheers.
 
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@posiview
Thanks Andy (y)
Sorry I missed the visit to @Robbi, but I had a silly early start this morning for work.
Emily's portrait is a particular favourite of mine, such a confident young woman, with bags of attitude too which I did enjoy.
James was quite a bit taller than me so I was shooting up haha. All shot on a 50mm lens so I was quite close, otherwise I could have perhaps minimised the effect of the height difference by stepping back.
Yes, Kate does have an intense look, I do like her style, very striking!

Thanks for such kind comments Andy, I do enjoy this project, I am glad it shows in the images and write up.
 
Pookeyhead said:
Dunno.. if developed, it may be a book, gallery show etc. That kind of market, when you start heading into contemporary practice, publishing and art based photography doesn't really do the whole watermarked to death, don't steal my images kind of thing, as let's be honest... these are not the kind of images that get used commercially without your consent. The logo is just a distraction that ruins the image.
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Nonsense, I haven't been distracted by it once.

This is a wonderful project with such high quality work. I am am envious of your balls to ask strangers in the street for their photo coupled with your ability at putting them at ease for their photo. This is superb work.
 
James Wheeler said:
Nonsense, I haven't been distracted by it once.

This is a wonderful project with such high quality work. I am am envious of your balls to ask strangers in the street for their photo coupled with your ability at putting them at ease for their photo. This is superb work.
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Thanks James.
I will admit that it was a little daunting at first but once you get into the project, knowing the approach works, it does get easier.
I shoot mainly in London, and perhaps it's just me but I thought it wouldn't be a friendly place. How wrong I was!
People are very friendly in my experience through this project. Having an initial chat, taking their photo as I go really seems to work. Once I've got the shots, we have a lot more dialogue (usually) and I try to get the subject to open up more. It doesn't always work.
Thanks again James for your kind comments.
 
James Wheeler said:
Nonsense, I haven't been distracted by it once.
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Just an opinion. I find them distracting, which is why you'd never see a watermarked image in a book or a gallery. If you read my other posts in the thread, you'll realise I have a great deal of praise and respect for this work.

..just that watermarks suck the big one.
 
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I agree^^
The watermarks won't be making their way into the book I intend to print when my project is complete nor any individual prints.
Your previous posts in my thread were gratefully received David, hence why I made no comment on the first part of James's message. We are all entitled to our opinion and they often differ. Cheers!
 

#95:100 Strangers - Rachel by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I first noticed Rachel sitting on a wall looking deep in thought. She had a musical instrument in a case by her feet. I thought she may be preparing for a performance or suchlike as the sound of music could be heard from a nearby building on the grounds of University of Greenwich. I approached Rachel and asked if she would be part of my project. Happily she agreed and moved across to this entrance which was opposite to where she had been sitting.

Rachel lives in Greenwich and is a Mum to a young son who was happily speeding around on his scooter. Rachel's son plays the cello and she was killing a little time whilst she waited to take him to his next lesson.
Rachel thought she didn't look her best as she was a little hungover. I thought she looked great.
I asked Rachel if she would tell me a little about herself.

"I would love to find the time to write my own music, I am a Jazz singer, still working at weddings and corporate events but I have kinda given up hope of really making it.

What makes me happy is loving, loving people, loving life, and being loved. Oh and the sunshine!"

Advice to younger self?

"Life really is so short, you must appreciate every moment and everyone around you!"

I would love to come up with something more profound but I can't. I would also say believe in yourself but I think I am saying that to me right now, so thank you for getting me thinking."



Thank you Rachel and good luck!
 

#96:100 Strangers - Nikki by Iain Blake, on Flickr

I had selected a background which i hoped to use for my next stranger and waited a while for someone to come along.

I noticed Nikki walking along and thought the background colour tones would suit her style and look. I approached Nikki and introduced my project, to ask if she would be part of it.

"I have been asked before to be part of someones 100 stranger project" she said and happily agreed to be part of mine.

Nikki is from Tooting, London and was on her way to a children's arts & crafts workshop at the book festival which was taking place in University of Greenwich.

"I am a nanny, well thats the cash job, I would love someone to pay me to be a sculptor!"

I asked Nikki if she had a motto or saying which carried her through life?

"I like to say yes!"

Thank you Nikki and good luck.
 

#97:100 Strangers - Mick by Iain Blake, on Flickr

Again with Mick's portrait, I had chosen the background first and waited for a suitable stranger to come along. I noticed Mick walking along, particularly his colourful top and his stylish hat.
I approached Mick and asked if he would be part of my project. He did take a little convincing and encouragement but eventually agreed.

Mick is 70 years old, retired and living in Brixton, London.
Mick is not from London originally, he told me.

"I am a country man, I came up to London for the day 30 years ago and never went back."

"I like to read a book, I like being 70 and can do what I like, as I want!"

I asked Mick what he did before he retired?

"I have been about a bit but I won't go into detail" he said!

Mick had a lot of character and I think he has been a bit of a rascal in his day.
He asked me where he could see his photograph. I gave him my card with all my details on it but on asking Mick if he had an email address, he told me no. he has an address where he lives. I promised Mick I would send a print to his home.

It was a wonderful encounter. I don't think Mick will see this but if by chance he does, I would like to say thank you Mick!
 

#98:100 Strangers - Sarah by Iain Blake, on Flickr

Someone within the 100 strangers Flickr group once said that if you see a stranger twice, you should ask that stranger for a portrait. This was very much the case with Sarah. I had noticed her earlier with her partner walking around Greenwich and thought they both had such a great style about them. I missed my first opportunity to ask Sarah to be part of my project but on seeing her a second time later, I made my approach to ask if she would agree to my making her portrait. Happily she agreed and we had just so happened to be standing next to this alleyway which led towards Greenwich Market.

Sarah was visiting Greenwich for the day with her husband.

" I have two happiest moments in my life, getting married and having my child!"

Advice to younger self?

"Don't worry so much!"



Thank you Sarah!
 
Evening, Iain.

Your BGs are getting better and better.

Rachel is nicely framed in the BG. Not as sharp as usual.

Nikki, wonderful; a very fresh looking photograph with very nice complimentary colours and cracking, intense eye contact.

Mick, "I have been about a bit but I won't go into detail" he said!", yeah, I wouldn't have pressed him on the matter :) Belting background and a very confident look on his face.

Sarah, as with Rachel, looks a little OOF, at least the eyes do. Again, the BG provides a frame within a frame.

Good show...#98, where has the time gone :)

Cheers.
 
@posiview
Thanks Andy(y)
Re sharpness, I'm not sure how that's coming about, they are sharp on the actual images.
Not an excuse but whether Flickr is doing something with them or it's what they are viewed on is causing that effect. :thinking:

Yes, Mick was quite a character and I got the impression quite the rascal in his day :D

Yes, nearly finished but this is round 1, I intend to continue with the project but mix things up a bit for the next 100.

Thanks again Andy!
 
@posiview
Thanks again Andy!
I have really enjoyed this project and met so many lovely people along the way. This is only round 1, I will be continuing through to another 100. It's the interaction and engagement that I have particularly enjoyed.
 
I am still on a break visiting family in my hometown in Scotland but have now finished Round 1 of my 100 Strangers project.
I can't post the results until I get back home tomorrow (Friday) evening and can get back on my computer.

I captured #99 & #100 strangers in Glasgow.
I was a little apprehensive in taking my project to Glasgow, not for any other reason than I just wasn't sure if I could 'sell' the project to the people of Glasgow.
Of the three people I asked, the first declined saying "no thanks, I'm shy!"
I couldn't convince her otherwise, I didn't think she was shy, she told me her and her friend were just about to go in for a sound check at the pub they were sitting outside. I thought this may be the shape of things to come for my 100 strangers project in Glasgow.

I had already chosen the backgrounds for my last two strangers, I had to patiently wait for them to walk along.
I had to wait over an hour before I saw anyone that I wished to ask to be #99 stranger. Happily, Gemma agreed.

Then onto my next background which was just around the corner. I had actually seen Gill #100 earlier and missed my opportunity to ask to make her portrait. I couldn't miss another opportunity when she again walked towards me. Someone in the 100 strangers group on Flickr said that if you see a stranger twice, it's a sign telling you you've got to ask that person to be part of your project. With that in mind, I asked Gill and she happily agreed.

I am looking forward to my finished 100 strangers project (round 1) and equally for starting round 2.
 

#99:100 Strangers - Gemma by Iain Blake, on Flickr

Once again, I had chosen a background and waited for a suitable stranger to come along. I had been waiting over an hour when I noticed Gemma walking along. Particularly her style and fantastic piercings.

I introduced myself and the project to Gemma and she happily agreed saying she thought it a great project.

Gemma is from Glasgow. She told me that she had just returned from Thailand 3 days previously where she had been teaching English for about a year.

"I am going back to Strathclyde University to complete my studies and a PGDE (Post Graduate Diploma) in Primary Education."

"My happiest moment was my first day teaching Cambodian refugee children. They are excluded from mainstream education as they are refugees but it was so fulfilling teaching them."

"The rewards far outweighed the challenges!"


Thank you Gemma and good luck!
 

#100:100 Strangers - Gill by Iain Blake, on Flickr

Again, I had chosen a background and waited for a suitable stranger to come along. I had actually seen Gill earlier but missed the opportunity to ask her if she would be part of my project. On seeing Gill for a second time a little later, I didn't want to miss a second opportunity so made my approach and introduced myself and my project. A little taken aback, Gill happily agreed to be part of my project and as we were standing beside my chosen background, I was able to work quickly so as not to delay Gill.

Gill is from Balloch which is beside Loch Lomond but now living and working as a hairdresser in Jersey.

Gill asked if she should smile or not. I asked Gill if she was a happy person, to which she replied with a definite Yes! So I invited her to smile away as that is certainly how she came across during our brief interaction. Gill had such a happy and smiley disposition.

Gill would love to have her own hairdressing salon one day. I asked her if she had any struggles in life at the moment and again with conviction.

"No, everything is good!"


Thank you Gill and good luck!
 
sirch said:
Like the bokeh balls behind Jill, makes a really happy photo for a happy person
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Thanks Chris, I feel Gill really suited this background. I am glad I took the second opportunity to ask her and she agreed!
 
Iain ... may I be the first to congratulate you on reaching 100 ... super stuff. :clap:

I know you don't want to make a big deal out of it as you're now totally addicted and will never stop ...

but thanks anyway.
 
d00d said:
Iain ... may I be the first to congratulate you on reaching 100 ... super stuff. :clap:

I know you don't want to make a big deal out of it as you're now totally addicted and will never stop ...

but thanks anyway.
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:D Thanks David.
Yes, i intend to continue with the project into another 100, its quite the addiction for me ;)
 
Not only an addiction for you but also for those of us viewing too.

Would I ever have the balls to do something similar? Probably not but your lead has set me thinking.

Thanks and look forward to the next 100..,,
 
shreds said:
Not only an addiction for you but also for those of us viewing too.

Would I ever have the balls to do something similar? Probably not but your lead has set me thinking.

Thanks and look forward to the next 100..,,
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Thanks Ian (y)
It really doesn't take balls, believe me. Once you get beyond the initial portraits, it does become easier.
People are so amenable and friendly, find the right pitch/approach and you are up and running.

Cheers :D
 
:clap::clap::clap:

Cracking fininsh, Iain. Two quit different photographs. #1 is quite moody and dark, whist #2 is a very fresh and cheerful photograph. Gill is one of my favourites, she looks sssoooo happy.

Great project Iain. I've really enjoyed wasting it and your skills develop.

Next??!!!

Cheers.
 
posiview said:
:clap::clap::clap:

Cracking fininsh, Iain. Two quit different photographs. #1 is quite moody and dark, whist #2 is a very fresh and cheerful photograph. Gill is one of my favourites, she looks sssoooo happy.

Great project Iain. I've really enjoyed wasting it and your skills develop.

Next??!!!

Cheers.
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Thanks Andy (y)
Gill was such a happy and smiley young woman, and I thought a perfect stranger for that background.

Next? Well another 100 strangers project, this time mixing things up (hopefully).
I was out today in Cambridge to kick off round 2 but the weather was a bit grim and I never got started.
I didn't manage to speak to one person let alone make any portraits but thats the way it goes sometimes with this project.

Cheers(y)
 
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