100 Strangers : Round 2 : No. 159 : Umberto

We went to Nottingham on Friday, my wife was looking for some shoes for her "mother of the bride" outfit.

When we go shopping, I always take a little time out to look for a stranger.

I was outside the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery when I saw Umberto taking photos of the gallery building with a Pentax DSLR.

I went over to him and asked him what camera he had and whether he had got some good shots.

Umberto is from Bari in Italy and is an Building Engineer student. He was with some other students visiting the city and was just about to go into the gallery with his party of students.

I explained to him about my 100 strangers project and asked if I could photograph him.

Umberto siad "Sure you can photograph me, but it will have to be quick as they were going into the gallery.

I asked Umberto to stand against the side wall of the gallery. If you have visited the gallery you will know it is a lovely shade of green and makes a great backdrop for a photoshoot.

"I have to go now" said Umberto "but please please text me the pics".

I gave Umberto a card, shook his hand, wished him a happy stay in England and told him to email me for the pics.

Thank you for being strangers 159 Umberto, good luck with your studies.

Shot on my Sony A6000 and 50mm f1.8 , edited in Rawtherapee / GIMP

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

https://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/

My own strangers can be seen here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/57144254@N08/albums/72157657822400168

[Loopy-Lou]

Lovely smile, great portrait

[Peter Dulis]

nice

[Beryl Lloyd]

Such a happy chappie in his flat cap ! - you have caught that happy smile not only in his mouth but also in his eyes ! - nice one Phil - fav

[Annie D]

what a happy face!

[Casablanca]

Love this photo - so joyful when a smile reaches the eyes too.

[Dione Giorgio]

Umberto is our neighbour - well almost. I like that you have met him. My son was at Stoke-on-Trent for 4 years and another 2 at Oxford practising and specialising in psychiatry. Umberto has a lovely and friendly smile which you have captured so well.

[Ruth Moucharafieh]

Nice portrait, can't believe that @sangwann knows him!!!! Good 'ol 365!

[Helen Jane]

This doesn't look like a rushed image at all. A fine portrait of Umberto clearly enjoying life.

[Granagringa]

You just get better & better..this one elicited a smile in response

[David]

You are so good at the stranger portrait. You must have a way about you that sets people at ease. With some luck your Mrs didn't get the shoes so you'll get the chance to do another one! :-) Fav

[Phil Howcroft]

@yrhenwr thanks David , I am pleased with Umberto's photo :) No shoes yet !!!

@granagringa Glad you smiled Madeline :)

@helenhall I am pleased you like Umberto's photo , I think he is very photogenic

[Phil Howcroft]

@ruthmouch thanks Ruth , I think Dione is implying the closeness of Malta to Italy in his comment :)

@sangwann thanks Dione, Umberto's smile is indeed fabulous :)

@casablanca good shout re smile to eyes Casa'

@annied He does have that happy look annie :)

@beryl beryl you aare spot on regarding the eyes smiling :)

@pdulis thank you very much peter :)

@bizziebeeme glad you like this Laura

[Alison Hewitt Bailey]

If Umberto's expression is anything to go by it looks as if he's thoroughly enjoying his visit here. A joyous portrait.