I needed to make some space on my computer so went through my picture files and pressed the delete key again and again. I was amazed how many shots I had of the same subject and most of them rubbish. I used delete on anything that I wouldn't want on display and there were a tremendous amount that qualified for the Recycle Bin.
However, I came across various Stranger photos in my purge and couldn't bring myself to wave goodbye to them without making this picture first. They are not fantastic shots by any means but they represent a huge step outside of my comfort zone. The first was taken quite a few years ago and I can still remember each and every one of them, where they were taken, and how nervous I was when I first broached the subject of my taking their picture. And most of all, how kind they were and how they increased my confidence. I am still nervous of asking for a Stranger shot, even after this amount.
There are six or so more ready to add to this project so that means only another forty four to find, and it will be complete.
I don't know if I could take on the 100 stranger photo as I don't enjoy taking pictures of people.
I need to do a major purge of unwanted/unneeded pictures. I don't store many on my computer but have two external hard drives that are almost full.
@salza Oh Sally, this for me was so nervewracking. I much prefer landscapes and dogs. I hoped by putting this up that I might not have any more Get Pushed challenges for stranger shots!
I love your portraits - congrats. I really enjoy taking candid portraits, and especially in b&w. I really like your idea and my just carry on with In the Tube series. I try and delete every day as many photos as I take, but it’s hard. Well done you
I'm stuck in photo number 1. I can't talk to strangers, and people here are very distrustful. (I think it's the fault of the war in Ukraine). You have a wonderful collection of portraits of strangers. I've lost track of my photos a long time ago. But I have a system: I only have photos from the last month on my computer. After the end of the month, I do a thorough review of the photos taken. I remove bad and repetitive ones. What is left (about 30% of the entire file), I copy to an external drive.
@rensala I love your candid shots, I wish I could do the same but I have to ask first. And when I get a refusal I feel crushed! Luckily that has been rare. Would love to see more of your 'strangers' - do carry on!
@randystreat Thanks Kathy but I cheat somewhat. The first two pics were Get Pushed challenges and each time they had a dog. I always go out with mine so conversations are easy. I always chat for a bit before asking for a shot. I then say something like 'Would you mind doing me a huge favour - I've started this 100 Strangers Project but am really struggling walking up to people and asking for their picture. Could I possibly have a shot of you and your dog/husband?' I have been surprised at how willing people have been to help. I guess my dog has proved a great ice breaker on every case. If it wasn't for Get Pushed I would never have done this!
@haskar Thank you, amd very useful advice re photo storage. I have explained my 'broach the subject' line to Kathy above but I strongly believe having a dog with me has helped enormously. I still worry about appearing 'creepy' or 'weird'. I'm going to try the challenge of taking people with ICM as the 'how to' accompanying video of disguising a camera in a bag looked v appealing! Take a look at the Artist Challenge Olga Karlovac.
I need to do a major purge of unwanted/unneeded pictures. I don't store many on my computer but have two external hard drives that are almost full.