Perfect Strangers

[Alpha_7]

During the Ferry Hop last weekend Geoff, Matt (Rokkstar) and myself had been commenting on how none of us had approached a total stranger and asked to take there photo, a number of member seem to use this method a lot we great sucess, so we made the challenge to get atleast one consenting photo from a perfect stranger before the had was out.

My first attempt was a young girl who happily agree to shoot a cheeky grin to the camera. While I was sucessful I felt the image wasn't up to scratch and it was kind of cheating asking a kid, as they are always happy to pose.


Have just taken the shot of the girl I was scoping out another target when I saw my next subject and I just knew I had to get a shot. I polite walked up and ask if I could take a photo, he happily agree, perhaps a little suprised that someone would want he photograph. The timing for this shot just appeared right, as without getting him to move I managed to get a tall ship and a lighthouse in the background. I thanked him and quickly ran off to chimp with Matt and Geoff. An altenate shot can be found here, in colour and a different crop



With my confidence high, the Ferry pulled into Pyrmont were I notice two pretty girls waiting on the wharf, after snapping a few candids, I thought why not ask them for a shoot too. So I took off and again politely asked for their photograph, again they were happy to oblige, so I ended the day with a 3 from 3 record, and looking forward to the next chance to put the method into pratice.



In Summation I'd love some feedback on the shots and post processing particularlly the second shot, but I encourage everyone to give it a try, you might be surprised by the reaction, I certainly was.

[wendellt]

the first and second one are great
you could improve it by adding some contrast
but the moment captured is excellent

3rd one is technically good but somehow lacks the mystique of the 1st two, a bit too obvious

it's great to see you gettign enough confidence to go up to people
some people lie but the best way is to tell the truth your a photographer
and you want to photograph them in a flattering manner for artistic purposes, most people wont have a problem with that if you come of genuine

i started off approaching skatebaorders when i was young they were ruff and tough i got through to them so now everything is somewhat easier

[PiroStitch]

Craig some great candid shots there mate. You certainly have a way with people Did you get their contact details to send them the prints? Always a great way to keep in touch with the people you meet.

[stubbsy]

Craig

Shot #2 is an awesome image and one of the best I've seen from you. It's a really strong story shot which makes this an above average candid. We don't just see the man, but the other elements you've composed into the shot evoke in me the concept that this is the sailor home from the sea yearning for more adventure (or maybe my cold drugs have kicked in )

I do think a better B & W conversion is needed to really make this shot pop. More contrast on the face.

Almost forgot #1 is pretty good too.

[Glen]

Craig, I am with Stubbsy, what a story 2 tells. The old sea dog, really like it but might play with lightness and contrast to get the best out of it. Love the DOF, in fact everything about it.

Shot 3 combined with Piro's idea seems like a great way to meet people.

[ABG]

Craig,

The second shot is a great photo. Talk about great timing. The guy looks like a salty old sea dog and you've got the nautical elements enhancing that feel in the beackground.

The other two are okay, but not in the same league.

[Alpha_7]

Thanks everyone for the comments, out of all of them I'm most happy with #2 if I can just nail the PP (having 3 different displays here non calibrated is driving me nuts). Sadly I didn't get any of their details, but I think in future I'll keep a pen and paper in my camera bag and get down a name and email address (if the person is willing), that would help to if I nail a shot and need a model release later on. (Heath told me he uses the D2x voice recording for this function, which is handy for the lucky ones like you Peter.

I've attempted to PP the shot again, is it any better ?

[stubbsy]

Craig

That's a decided improvement, but you can do better still.

[greencardigan]

I've attempted to PP the shot again, is it any better ?

Craig, the contrast on your subject looks better but there seems to be a slight halo around him. Most noticable at the beard/water interface.

[wendellt]

i craig

also on the rightr eyeglass piece seems liek you didn't compensate for the section here
it's very bright should be toned down to match the sky

but looking great!!

[PiroStitch]

Love the rework Craig. Maybe try a bit of vignetting as well, which some people may poo poo me for, but meh

[mark]

They are all good. However the story you tell with the second one is simply brilliant.

Good on you for having the confidence to approach these strangers and ask them to pose. I have tried this myself on a few occasions and have not yet been refused. I always ask for an email address and send a copy of each photo I took asking them to let me know which one if any they want to print and I'll supply the full res images for them to have printed.

Well done Craig.

[Alpha_7]

I'm still working on this, every time I get it look ok on one machine it looks like crap on another. BTW I've had a close look at the original and it appears like the glasses section is just lighter as shot.. rather then a result of my dodgey PP.

Version 1

Version 2

[wendellt]

I'm still working on this, every time I get it look ok on one machine it looks like crap on another. BTW I've had a close look at the original and it appears like the glasses section is just lighter as shot.. rather then a result of my dodgey PP.

Version 1

Version 2

yup version 2 sweet bananas
now you have a great image that sparkles, love it

[avkomp]

like the others, I particularly like the 2nd image and bw particularly suits the subject

well done.

steve

[Geoff]

Nice shots here Craig, I knew when we were chimping the dude on the ferry with the lighthouse and boat in the background this was a sure winner.

What Craig hasn't gone on to say, is that the two girls in the last shot got a little bit more 'friendly' as the ferry pulled away...much to the pleasure of the male crowd on the boat tehehehehehe.