#161 Danilo Di Giulio Cesare

Meet Danilo Di Giulio Cesare, a man who brings you music events with a difference. Check out his webpage, meltmusic.co.uk. I spotted him sitting on the bench with his friend. Guess what I noticed first. 

Go on! Guess! 

His tashe! So classy indeed.

#160 Explicit lyrics boy

My apologies for the blog going a little quiet lately but as much as I love street photography sometimes other things take priority. I finally found some time to stalk some strangers yesterday so I headed out with 'We shoot people' street photography group for a bit of a wander around Portobello. Fab times!

Meet Sky i, a grime artist, handing out his single in Portobello. He was a lovely chap who was happy to pose as he seeks fame in the music industry. I'd add a link to his mixed tape on hoodtapes.co.uk but I am afraid some might find a little offensive. I think I am getting old.

#147 Barbican Explorer

Another stranger from the series of ideas for the weekend.

Meet one of The Barbican Explorers. He was our guide on Architecture Tour of Barbican. Fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Now I thought I knew Barbican and its walkways but turns out there is so much more to this fantastic complex. I could tell you all about it but you'll be much better off booking the tour and exploring the complex yourself. 

Some facts get you thinking:

1. It took them 20 years to build the complex.

2. There is something special about the texture of the concrete walls in Barbican.

3. Barbican has the second biggest Conservatory in London. It's open to the public on Sundays.

Enjoy!

#145 PopUp Barbados

I saw him sitting on the kerb waiting. Quick request and he was happy to pose. Turns out he was waiting for his girlfriend who was getting some pots for the plants they just bought. 

He was an interesting character and I walked away with his business card as he runs monthly PopUp Barbados restaurant. Food? Did someone mention food?

#144 Nikon Man

There he was sitting on a box watching the world or Brick Lane to be exact and smoking. Friendly smile and I got the shot. He was happy to oblige smoking as required. Only just as I was leaving him, I noticed he was carrying a camera. Nikon to be exact. Am I allowed to shoot boys of a different brand? 

#143 One man band

We had such a giggle yesterday wandering around Columbia Road. We convinced this gentleman that we were on a day out from a very special institution, which only allowed us out for one day a week. He usually performs with his band outside the Spanish restaurant in Columbia Road. A lovely chap.

#142 Second Prize

Once in a while you see someone and you know you just found a real gem. This wonderful gent was walking down Brick Lane when I stopped him. Turns out the last time someone asked him for a photo, his face ended up being displayed in Barbican. The photographer won the second prize. I am not surprised.

#141 Lycra Chic

I have been missing the strangers project but I am hoping as the weather warms up, we will be back out on the streets with strobes stopping interesting peeps again. In recent weeks, every time I had time to head out to stalk some strangers, the heavens would open up and rain would start pouring. It's difficult to ask for a shot when everyone is running off indoors.

Yesterday I got lucky with the weather for a change and while out and about with a bunch of photographers, I stopped this lycra-cladded gent. Super friendly smile. Thank you for letting me take your photo!

#138 Red Head

One from a week ago. She was chatting to her friends discussing something so passionately her fringe was swaying from side to side. Fascinating so I asked for a quick portrait.

#137 Peter

A lovely gentleman from Ireland. Very chatty and very friendly. He couldn't quite believe it I wanted to take a photo and gave me a peck on the cheek in all this excitement.

#136 Cycle Chic

I noticed this lady as she was leaving her house with her bike. I liked her style.

#135 Bike Girl

I was almost gone. Packing my camera away when this girl lined up waiting to take my bike spot. I liked her sleek look so I thought why not?! Putting my bike aside, I asked if I could snap a quick portrait before I gave my spot away and she kindly agreed. Thank you!

#134 Suspicious Mind

I spotted this gent's hat from afar and decided to stop him. He was quite formally dressed for Columbia Road although it was Sunday to be fair. He responded with a quick 'yes' at first but as I began to photograph him, he proceeded to ask me questions why I was stopping people, if I was going to ask for something in return and finally sounding slightly distressed he asked me if I would be expecting something in return in a very meaningful tone of voice. I laughed and assured him I wasn't expecting anything and walked on. It was almost endearing.

#129 Alex The Pearly King of St. Pancras

There he was raising money for charity. Charitable activities are a key part of  Pearly King and Queen tradition. He was happy to pose for me and his friend another Pearly King was keen to adjust his collar to ensure he looked presentable. Pure class!

#128 Street Photographer

Yet another tog. What can I say? There are plenty of us to go around. I saw him watching the street and waiting for THE shot. Rude as I am, I interrupted him and asked if I could shoot him. He laughed but agreed. Thanks!

#127 Another smoker

I spotted this chap taking a break from his work getting ready to smoke his pipe. He was quite happy to pose for me only inquiring if I myself was a local on the street full of tourists.

#126 Smoker

I spotted this chap waiting for a friend and asked for a snap. He kindly agreed. Not entirely happy with the way I captured smoke here but it's the best I could do with three shots.

#125 Frozen Blonde

This lovely lady was braving freezing cold last Sunday to enjoy Columbia Road Flower Market. I liked her style so asked her to pose for me. Her friend was quite happy to snap photos of me snapping her.

#123 Adam

Meet Adam. I saw him walking across a road at Portobello Market and was immediately drawn to his hair. Isn't it just awesome?!

#122 Happy New Year!

Hey everyone,

Happy New Year everyone! Sorry for being away for a while but my mojo had a bit of holidays.

Headed out to Portobello Road today to test my new camera and stop some strangers. I ended up by the same wall I started street portraits almost a year ago. Waited for quite a while for someone to come by who would interest me. A couple of men passed by and I wasn't quick enough to approach them. I guess I need to brush up my street skills but in the end stopped this lovely lady who politely obliged.