The 100 Strangers ProjectI'm beginning another photo project! This one is called The 100 Strangers Project. The idea comes from Digital Photography School, an online source of photography tips and instruction.
Why would I want to photograph 100 strangers? If you've been following my work, you know that I've been re-exploring my native St. Louis and photographing its neighborhoods in a project called #MyCitySTL. I hope to give viewers a "feel" for each neighborhood. With a few exceptions, I've focused on buildings, attractions and every day scenes, but I've realized that what truly gives a neighborhood its character is its people. So, on recent outings, I've tried to incorporate more people into my collections. It takes some courage though. Some days I still feel too introverted to approach strangers. I recently stumbled upon a Digital Photography School article. It was just the incentive I needed to take on that "stranger challenge" on a regular basis. I'm beginning my 100 Strangers Project with a few photos that I've collected around St. Louis. I plan to follow DPS’ suggestions as I continue both projects, and hope to become more comfortable photographing strangers.
To begin, DPS recommends actually speaking with strangers. You don't have to hide behind a tree with a long lens! In fact, for this particular project, DPS recommends asking permission for all photos of people. Be honest and direct. Tell the stranger what your project is about and why you would like to take their picture. Tell them what caught your eye and why you think their photograph will be appealing. They will likely be flattered and want to help you out. They may even ask for posing suggestions.
How should a street photograph be posed? DPS recommends making the same suggestions you would make for any sort of outdoor photography. You just have to figure it out more quickly. Perhaps just say, “Ok, let’s get a few straight-faced shots—no smile.” And then after a few frames, warm them up with a joke or two, or just ask them to smile. You might want to show them exactly how you want them to pose, or you might want to tell them “however your body feels comfortable”. The gentleman that follows was pleased to have his photo taken, but asked for some direction. I suggested that he place his hand on the railing and his smile followed naturally.
Others need no instruction. I spotted the young man below and asked if I could take his picture. Of course, I mentioned how great his tattoos would look in a photo. He nodded in approval and immediately struck a confident pose, looking off into the distance.
It is easy to catch people in a good mood at street festivals. They are often happy to have their photo taken.
The gentleman below was in such a good mood that he asked me to take his picture!
If the person seems interested, really take the time to talk to that person. I met the stranger below while taking a picture of the building across the street. He started the conversation and was quite interesting. I'm glad I took the time to listen, as it turns out that our St. Louis roots began in the same neighborhood. We chatted for about 20 minutes. Then, it occurred to me, why not ask for a photo? He was happy to oblige. I now have more than a photo. I have his story and I smile each time I see his photo.
It can be helpful to look for an appealing background for your photos. Scope out your background and consider the lighting. Sit and wait for a subject that catches your eye. Or, take the approach that photographers like Brandon Stanton, the Humans of New York photographer, prefer. Photograph your subjects exactly where you find them. Either way, be polite, but keep an air of confidence about you as you approach a stranger. Don’t act as if you are doing something wrong. Remember, that as a photographer, you are trying to capture appealing qualities about your subjects. Approach strangers with that goal in mind. So far, I've been taking Stanton's approach. The women below were perfect just where they sat and really gave a feel for their neighborhoods.
To practice approaching strangers, DPS recommends doing so without a camera for a few days. Set a goal for yourself to make small talk at the grocery store or at the coffee shop. Next, ease into the photography by taking pictures of a street performer. If you don't live in a city where street performers are common, consider attending a holiday festival and take pictures of festival performers. Take a friend along for encouragement and support, even if that friend isn’t a photographer. Use a smaller lens, as it will be less intimidating to the stranger. Speak confidently and take your time. Once you ask for permission, it is your responsibility to do a good job! Be sure you thank your subjects. Offer to email them your best picture and share the photos on a blog or social media. Once you make a project public, you will be more likely to keep the project going! I hope to keep my project going by posting photos on Twitter and/or Facebook. So, follow me on Twitter and/or "like" my Facebook page to follow along!
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Note: I originally called the #MyCitySTL photo project, "Around Town STL". I subsequently changed the name of the project in an attempt to personalize the project, and have edited this blog to reflect the name change. Comments
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