tiabunna's photos with the keyword: stranger

The "100 Strangers" project is about asking complete strangers to agree to a portrait and learning a little about them. It can be a challenge. Fortunately that was not the case with Annette, who I met at our local "Peoples' Climate March" and who had organised the event the previous year. She now is involved with a group working to facilitate solar power for low income people. Thank you so much for agreeing to be part of my project, Annette, and best wishes with yours. Second image in note.

This picture is 24 in my "100 Strangers" project. I saw Martin and Jock walking around the Michelago May Fair and thought they would make great subjects for a portrait. When I approached Martin, he very kindly agreed on their behalf. Martin told me that he is a Councillor on the Cooma-Monaro Shire Council and that he lives in Michelago. He is very enthusiastic about the area, which he moved into from overseas, after retiring from the RAF. Clearly though, flying is in his blood and he now runs a flying school when not involved in Council activities. I forgot to ask Jock about his background, but he certainly looked very impressive through the lens. Many thanks for your cooperation, Martin, I hope you like your image.

This picture is 23 in my "100 Strangers" project. It's far too long since my previous posting for this! I really enjoy visiting the Michelago May Fair though, so that seemed a great venue to seek some suitable subjects. Pam was very busy running the curry stand in the food area, so when she took a well-earned break for lunch I interrupted her meal with a dopey request for a photo for my project. Although she would have been justified in tipping lukewarm curry over my lens, Pam kindly spared the time to tell me a little about herself. She moved to the area some years ago, believing that a rural lifestyle is the best for raising her boys. She considers the community important and appreciates the greater feeling of community spirit in the country. Thank you very much for your willing cooperation, Pam. I hope you like the image - and I do apologise for making your lunch go cold. :)

This is CC Hall, who I met as a photographic subject for my F****r "Portrait of a Stranger" project when at the Michelago Show. He is lead guitarist and singer for the Canberra band "The Bridge Between" . I'd describe their style as R&B (not sure if that's the term they'd use), but you can make up your own mind by listening here: www.thebridgebetween.com.au/Listen.html *EDIT* See below, the musical genre has now been ID'd as Blues/Rock. Uploaded for the January 2014 monthly comp for the Prime lenses (fixed focal length) group.

See note at top left for a photo of the "Notorious" I met Graeme while inspecting the replica 15th century Portuguese caravel visiting Batemans Bay. Ships to this design were used by Columbus in 1492 and (almost certainly) by Cristóvão de Mendonça to sail down Australia's east coast in the early 1500s. The ship itself is (to use a much over-used term) truly awesome. Three hundred tonnes of reclaimed timber were used in the project: the ship is 17 M long, with a beam of 5.5M and a draft of 2.1M. Its displacement is 55 tonnes. Everywhere there are huge hand adzed logs and other interesting details. It is about as authentic as would be possible. And here's the part that totally impressed me: Captain Graeme researched, designed and built it himself! The project took ten years and the ship was launched in early 2011. What a colossal project, one has to be staggered at that kind of commitment, though when I mentioned that to Graeme he modestly said that he'd had the assistance of several friends. Well, I take my hat off to you! Graeme kindly agreed to be 22 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 You can read more about the 'Notorious' and its doings here: www. facebook.com/notorioustheship

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

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

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

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 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

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

(Suggest view on black - press 'L') As we set up the food stall, a band were setting themselves up nearby. Well, there are “bands” and “Bands”: I'm very pleased to report that this group was good. So I took some shots of them playing then later managed to catch up with their Co-Leader, “Just call me CC Hall”. CC told me that the band is called “The Bridge Between” and they specialise in “Blues roots”. They are based in Canberra where they are well known and also have done some touring, sometimes also as a supporting group for overseas entertainers. They also have released a recent album ”Hope Street” . I have since done a quick internet search and find they have a website www.thebridgebetween.com.au where you can read more about them and purchase their album. CC very obligingly posed for a portrait for me (second photo), though I think the “action” portrait of him with the microphone is more relevant. I also have included another shot of the band. Thank you for your time and cooperation CC, I hope that you and the group go on to international fame (and that you will make me your official photographer when you do :) ). The main technical consideration here was the extreme contrast of the band wearing dark clothing in the shade and the bright outside sunshine (see 3rd shot): working in RAW helped. This picture is 19 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

Jeremy was working on the Information Stall at the Michelago May Fair and, with his bright yellow Rural Fire Service outfit was an instant and obvious choice for a portrait shot. He told me he has been a member of the nearby Colinton Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade since 2002. He was very interested in the “100 Strangers” project and entirely willing to be a subject. And that was where the problem began, when I took the portrait shot you see here under the bright orange marquee, then tried for a wider shot of him in his “yellows”. Because my camera usually has very good auto white balance, I use that as my default setting. But the combination of orange/yellow clothing, an orange tent over the top and a purple tent in the background was obviously too extreme for the system and led to some very unlikely (over-blue) results. At that stage, Jeremy had several people waiting for his time and I was called away, so I agreed to chat with him again later. Several hours later we again caught up and I found that not only is he also a keen photographer himself but that he also is a self-employed graphic designer. Just my luck, when I demonstrate my errors in front of a subject, that they should turn out to be an expert! Anyway, we had another crack at the full length shot and again found a very blue cast: but I was shooting in RAW, so correcting the colour balance was not too difficult and gave the second shot. It was a useful lesson for me on unexpected colour casts. I greatly appreciate your patience with these shots Jeremy, and hope you approve of the results. This picture is 17 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

See note on main shot for second photo. 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

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).