The "Post your portraits here of random strangers" thread (only for the brave!).

Stranger-portrait-project0424.jpg
 
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I got myself a canon kiss 4(japanese version) 18-55mm kit. So far, I got myself a canon 50mm f1.8 and canon 55-250mm f4-5.6. I've been busy with work and looking after my 2 daughters and not enough time for myself to go out and shoot.
 
Ejizz said:
"Excuse me... I'm doing a project where I'm taking a portrait of 100 random people, do you mind if I take a portrait of you?"

Tbh, it doesn't really matter what you say (within reason), what matters is how you say it.
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Sorry did not see this reply when you posted it. Yes, I suspected there was some 'higher order' of skill here. The use of the camera appeals in the sense that it almost acts as a prop to allow one to practice opening and rapport etc..
 
whitecrook said:
Sorry did not see this reply when you posted it. Yes, I suspected there was some 'higher order' of skill here. The use of the camera appeals in the sense that it almost acts as a prop to allow one to practice opening and rapport etc..
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Yep, that's exactly it, you could use pretty much anything as a prop/reason to talk to people or even nothing if your confident enough, for example just asking a simple question will do, as long as it isn't "excuse me, what's the time?" "terrible weather" "hi, I'm XXXX what's your name"...
 
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Gave this a go today in London. Asked 7 people and got 2 that said yes. Lesson learnt; don't do it on peoples lunch breaks and don't do it in crap weather lol.


Employee #1 (Stranger 1/100) by Callum Sullivan, on Flickr


Employee #2 (Stranger 2/100) by Callum Sullivan, on Flickr


For future I'll aim to get some business style cards done with email and flickr address on so they can get the pictures easily, aim to stop for more of a chat and do it in better weather lol.


Ejizz - Out of curiosity what sort of things do you say to them as you are taking their portrait? Found myself running a bit low on things to say at times.
 
Voxination said:
Gave this a go today in London. Asked 7 people and got 2 that said yes. Lesson learnt; don't do it on peoples lunch breaks and don't do it in crap weather lol.

For future I'll aim to get some business style cards done with email and flickr address on so they can get the pictures easily, aim to stop for more of a chat and do it in better weather lol.
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Tbh, good job for having the gut's to give it a go, a little bit more finesse, and your success rate will be the opposite it is now.
They arn't bad portraits either!

Voxination said:
Ejizz - Out of curiosity what sort of things do you say to them as you are taking their portrait? Found myself running a bit low on things to say at times.
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Anything really, it just depends on the subject.
If they are giving a fake smile, I shout, teeth, show me TEETH! If done non-aggressively or submissively, they will usually start laughing.

I sometimes suggest that they do a big star jump, a catwalk down the high street, anything as long as I feel there is a strong chance I will be able to get away with it.

If it's a group, I'll address the group, maybe ask who in the group is seeing each other etc. if a girl or boy happen to be standing close together, I'll ask if they are going out, if they say "oh, we are just friends" I usually reply, "oh, I see your 'just friends'!" in a slightly sarcastic voice, If they fancy each other, they usually don't actually say anything other than giggle, if they do, "click" "click" "click".



Sometimes I don't say anything...
 
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Loving the Oxford shots Ejizz :)

Thanks for the comments, and the tips are greatly appreciated, shall put them into practice next time I go out, really appreciated :)
 
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