Challenge Next Week - Take A Portrait Of A Stranger

[clickaway]

I admit I am having trouble with this as I hate approaching people I don't know unless I've had a few beers.

Well, why not take along a beer for them too.

Then you should have no trouble

[bish0p]

I admit I am having trouble with this as I hate approaching people I don't know unless I've had a few beers.

I was reluctant to ask people before this challenge as well, thats why I have a 400mm lens...

Since I have started however I must say peope have been very nice and love to have people think they are beautiful enough to get choosen to have their pictures taken.

Yes we all hate rejection, I know I do, but what is the worst that can happen "no" Then move on and try someone else.. Heck on my first day out this one guy said no, but talked his girlfriends into it for me, with this result:



James

[camera0bug]

Shorter lenses = less intimidating?

I use a short zoom (18-55) for most of my portraits
and rarely have a problem.
Walking around with a
long telephoto and asking people to pose can be a tough
sell, especially if you are new to asking strangers the question.

40mm to 105mm provides ample focal length for portraits
of strangers except when they're carrying a knife or weapon of
mass destruction.



I also avoid flash as much as possible. Causes "blink-eye"
and ugly shadows among other things.

[clickaway]

Here's Anna Maria whom I met today. Full story provided with the link!



http://www.pbase.com/image/45821500

Ray

[1designguy]

.. Heck on my first day out this one guy said no, but talked his girlfriends into it for me, with this result:

I would say you got the better end of that deal

One with a touch of color:



http://www.pbase.com/1designguy/image/45829690

[donna_lear]

Here's #3 - http://www.pbase.com/donna_lear/image/45837655

I'm going to admit here that I went out actively searching for a young or youngish and cute female to photograph just because, well, they get more hits. Paul, a wine grape grower and wine maker, was an interesting story and, hits or no, I think he was a good subject, in spite of being very uncomfortable with having his photo taken. It took forever to get him to look at the camera instead of staying in profile. I like the results.

[kleaf]

I added a couple more from today, and 1 from Saturday. I wish the weather would let up so wandering around would be an option. This is going to take alot longer than a week for me to feel comfortable doing this.

http://www.pbase.com/kleaf/image/45838354

[camera0bug]

I turned around in my bus seat and...



http://www.pbase.com/camera0bug/image/45848236

[adalberto_tiburzi]

Alice is the daughter of my wife's brother.
Does she count as a stranger?


http://www.pbase.com/adalberto_tiburzi/alice

[jude_53]

This is 4 year old Taylor .. found her (and her mom) at a local nursery hiding amongst the flowers.



http://www.pbase.com/image/45871311

[clickaway]

I took a few 'Engaging Strangers' photos up in town yesterday. Alas, more than I could have ever got today....

My Korean isn't too good, but she did say 'Yes'!



http://www.pbase.com/clickaway/image/45871925

Ray

[kleaf]

After getting a rounding "NO PHOTOS" from a gas station guy, I went out to the farmer's market and had a ball. Two locals are here:
http://www.pbase.com/kleaf/image/45881393
http://www.pbase.com/kleaf/image/45881403

I couldn't figure out what the yellow was in the 2nd guy's face, realized it was the squash reflecting from the table below him. Whew!

[camera0bug]

[Whoops...redundant post deleted]

[camera0bug]

I abandoned my friends when I saw this young woman walk by with her male companion.
I knew there was a photo in the making...


http://www.pbase.com/image/45885104

[nomadicdragon]

Sorry guys. I've been home sick with sinus trouble for a few days and haven't been able to really get out and take pictures of strangers..

http://www.pbase.com/nomadicdragon/image/45876358

but that's the shot I got yesterday, its not of a stranger but.. well.. I'll try to get back to the challenge today.