About the Book
On the 20th February 2011 I kicked off my own 100 Strangers project where I approached complete strangers in the street and asked to take their photograph. The project was inspired by the Flickr "100 Strangers" group which can be found at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers.
I tried to stay quite true to a simple portrait shot as I wanted to maintain consistency throughout the project. Starting off asking complete strangers to have their photograph taken, is as one can imagine, not an easy thing to do.
I think for the first dozen or so people I approached, I was probably more nervous than they were. However I soon learned to overcome that nervousness and embarked on a very rewarding journey, both photographic and personal.
As for rejections I didn't take them in a negative way at all. I've had some great conversations with people that have made them and myself feel good, but they still haven't agreed to the shot.
One time I approached two stunning looking older women and tried my hardest to convince them to let me take their shots - but in the end they explained they were frightened as if their husbands found out "they would beat them".
Was I sad I didn't get the shot - of course. But not half as sad as I was thinking about those women's lives having such horrible husbands.
It was also frustrating thinking of all the missed opportunities I had every day. That's just the way it goes but it didn't make me feel any less frustrated if I spotted a really interesting looking person.
If I go anywhere without my camera it's a missed opportunity, as there is always someone or something to photograph.
This book is a record of my 100 Strangers project. Shot entirely around the inner city streets of Melbourne - except #48 taken in sunny Perth. I hope that you enjoy it and can be inspired to venture out and maybe try your own.
Cheers Neil
I tried to stay quite true to a simple portrait shot as I wanted to maintain consistency throughout the project. Starting off asking complete strangers to have their photograph taken, is as one can imagine, not an easy thing to do.
I think for the first dozen or so people I approached, I was probably more nervous than they were. However I soon learned to overcome that nervousness and embarked on a very rewarding journey, both photographic and personal.
As for rejections I didn't take them in a negative way at all. I've had some great conversations with people that have made them and myself feel good, but they still haven't agreed to the shot.
One time I approached two stunning looking older women and tried my hardest to convince them to let me take their shots - but in the end they explained they were frightened as if their husbands found out "they would beat them".
Was I sad I didn't get the shot - of course. But not half as sad as I was thinking about those women's lives having such horrible husbands.
It was also frustrating thinking of all the missed opportunities I had every day. That's just the way it goes but it didn't make me feel any less frustrated if I spotted a really interesting looking person.
If I go anywhere without my camera it's a missed opportunity, as there is always someone or something to photograph.
This book is a record of my 100 Strangers project. Shot entirely around the inner city streets of Melbourne - except #48 taken in sunny Perth. I hope that you enjoy it and can be inspired to venture out and maybe try your own.
Cheers Neil
Features & Details
- Primary Category: Portfolios
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Project Option: Large Format Landscape, 13×11 in, 33×28 cm
# of Pages: 206 - Publish Date: May 31, 2011
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