Strangers project

This picture is 16 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page Just spending the day wandering around the rural May Fair at Michelago was not to be possible: I soon found myself called in to assist my daughter with a food stall. There I met Ingrid who also was a volunteer worker for the day and who has lived in the nearby Tinderry Mountains for the past twelve months. Needless to say, between customers, I told Ingrid about my involvement in the “100 Strangers” project and, as she still was listening to the end, I proceeded to seek her involvement. Equally needless to say, she agreed and (between customers) I was able to grab the photos you see here. I was glad we did this fairly early in the day, as the stall became very busy later and it would have been much more difficult. I'm also pleased to say the many satisfied customers helped to raise much-needed funds for the local Community Association. I would suggest viewing on black (press Z).

I'd been thinking about taking up the "100 strangers" project challenge, but hadn't managed to overcome my discomfort about initiating the process of approaching strangers for photos. Then I found myself down at the local marina, admiring the visiting Russian Viking boat and chatting to a pleasant young woman who also was showing an interest in it. She called up another of her friends who she thought also would be interested, and together we talked to an Australian crewman from the boat. It was all so relaxed and pleasant that when my photographic urges took over I found that I wasn't just taking photos of the boat, but that I'd also asked my companions if I could take their photos for this project. After that we exchanged names. Should you see this, thanks Kayla, you helped to get me started. This picture is 01 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

I found myself down at the local marina, admiring the visiting Russian Viking boat and chatting to a pleasant young woman, Kayla (01:100) who also was showing an interest in it. She called her friend who she was sure would be interested, and he arrived shortly afterward. His name is John and he claims Viking links back to the time of Eric the Red. Together we talked as a group to an Australian crewman from the boat. It was all so relaxed and pleasant that when my photographic urges took over I found that I wasn't just taking photos of the boat, but that I'd also asked my companions if I could take their photos for this project. We exchanged names and John very obligingly allowed me to take his photo. Isn't that just the perfect shirt to wear in front of a Viking boat! This picture is 02 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

Probably because he is an English speaker, the "local PR" for the visiting Russian Viking boat appeared to have been left to crew member Andy, who seemed happy to chat with an endless stream of visitors to the wharf. I could have spent ages talking with him as he was a mine of interesting information. He is an Australian who joined the boat only in Brisbane as radio operator (language again). Many of the Russian crew have undertaken previous adventure tours around the world including a motorcycle run through outback Australia. He met them at that time as he is a motorcycle enthusiast and owner of Russian bikes. That also explains how he came to be aboard the boat, and this is his first small boat voyage: what a way to start! The boat's next port of call is Hobart, where it will participate in the Wooden Boat Festival. In reply to my question, Andy told me that the boat does have a diesel engine as reserve if needed (though there is a traditional set of oars, in best Viking style). This picture is best viewed at Large/Original size and is 03 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

I had uploaded this previously, I'm now moving it forward in my photo stream as it belongs with the "Stranger portrait 04:100" of Vicki which I have just uploaded. I wandered down the foreshore at the Bay and eventually I found myself on one of the jetties, where I met some people enjoying an evening's fishing. One of them was Steven who promptly caught a flathead. After chatting to him for a while, I asked about taking his portrait. I had proposed to add it to a F****r portrait group, but found on my return home that the photo failed to meet that group's rules (because he still is a minor, his Dad also needed to be in the shot - and although approval was obtained, that wasn't considered adequate ). I added the shot to my photo stream regardless and, in any case, we're now on a different site. Thanks anyway Steven, and I hope you caught more fish after I left.

I've realised I should upload the previous images from my "100 Strangers" series, originally loaded to the 'other site'. What follows are my original comments: I wandered down the foreshore at the Bay as the sunset faded and eventually found myself on one of the jetties, where I met Vicki. She was visiting from Victoria and was fishing with a friend and his teenage son Steven. After some yarning about photography and fishing, Vicki kindly allowed me to interrupt her fishing, even though the flathead were biting ... Thank you Vicki, and I hope you pulled out several more. This also was my first chance to test the new fold-up mini softbox I'd fitted to my flash. Although I was fairly happy with the result, I feel I need more practice using it. I also photographed Steven, but then found he still is a minor. When I mentioned this, his Dad gave his approval to take Steven's photo: only after returning home have I found that for Steven to be included in the "100 Strangers" group, the rule is that his Dad would also need to have been in the shot. So the photo is uploaded, but just not in the F****r group pool: and I've made a mental note to 'get it right' next time. This picture is 04 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

While I'm away, I'll add another of the earlier images from my "100 Strangers" series, originally loaded to the 'other site'. The following are my original comments there: I took the little red 1958 Renault 4CV to the Canberra "Wheels" heritage vehicle display. As usual, it created quite a bit of interest. Sally was one of the many viewers and happily agreed to participate in my 100 Strangers photo project. She smiled even more broadly when I suggested she have her photo taken in the little car. Best viewed on black (just click on the photo). Apart from being a photo of Sally, this shows well how the "suicide" (front opening) doors give great access - even if their safety is questionable. I took a set of photos of Sally, who is a graphic designer in Canberra and who happily waited while I changed lenses for a wider angle. I gather that, in the course of her work, she is accustomed to working with photographers. My first photos (see shot below) were taken with a Pentax A 35-105 lens and gave great close-up portrait results, but I wanted the wider shot - so changed to the the Sigma 17-70. When it came to putting the photos on here I was uncertain which to make the main shot, but finally decided to go with the 'environmental portrait' : your thoughts would be welcome. And Sally, thank you so much for your cooperation. This picture is 05 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

It must be said that, in Australia at least, there are few job vacancies for Town Criers. But about two years ago, Alan found himself cast in that role. And I'd say it's one he thoroughly relishes. After seeing the position advertised he went for auditions and was an instant hit. So he was appointed by the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory as the official ACT Town Crier. He is a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers and also of the Australian Society for Creative Anachronism. Being probably the only Town Crier in the region, Alan told me that he is in demand most weekends for community events, not only in the ACT but also in neighbouring towns and villages such as Braidwood and Michelago, where I found him at the May Fair. For a fee, he also provides his services at weddings. It was great seeing you and work and meeting you Alan, thank you for your time and I hope you like the photos. This picture is 15 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

There's nothing like a good dose of amazement. I had mine today when I drove across our local bridge and found myself looking at a 15th century Portuguese caravel sailing ship. It rated about 9.99 on a scale of ten! So I hurtled home for camera gear, then back to the wharf where I found a crowd of people waiting to board and inspect the ship. It is a replica of the type used in 1492 by Columbus to cross the Atlantic and (almost certainly) by Cristóvão de Mendonça to sail down Australia's east coast in the early 1500s. You can read more about it here: www. facebook.com/notorioustheship At the top of the ship's ladder I met Felicite, the wife of the Captain and builder, collecting a very modest visiting fee and finding a seemingly endless tolerance to chat with all who came aboard (most asking much the same questions). I ran past her the idea of being in my "100 Strangers" project and she happily agreed. Thank you very much for being so friendly and interesting, Felicite: I hope you like your portrait. This picture is 21 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page NB that, for manual lenses, the FL needs to be entered directly on the Pentax - I forgot to change it (EXIF shows 85mm) but this was taken with the SMC Pentax 50/1.4.