#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!

#57 Cyclist

I saw this beautiful girl walk her bike down Brick Lane while munching on her popsicle, which was matching the colour of her bike. She kindly agreed to block the road with her bike for a moment for me. I had to help her with setting up her bike since manoeuvring it with one hand was a little difficult. 

Despite being initially attracted to the matching colours, I decided to process the shot in B&W. It simply worked better for me. Fewer distractions.

#15 Another day, another lesson

Yesterday was a day of a lot of walking and not much shooting with a very inspiring conversation about lighting.

I find setting up lights in a studio fairly easy. I usually shoot because I have a photograph in mind and set up the shot with the idea in mind. Street is different. You shoot where and when you stop someone. All you have at your disposal is the natural light and a strobe or two, if you are lucky. And just like with everything else my mind goes blank when I am faced with a stranger. 

Is beautifully lit photography down to talent or training? I believe it's a bit of both. I get ideas, I can appreciate a beautifully lit photograph but I need to train my eyes and I need to get my brain to be more aware of the light, angles and possibilities. To be honest, most of my strobe work is pure guesswork or relying on safe, well-tested set-ups. Sometimes a fellow photographer will point to a photograph saying 'We need more light here.' and I stare blankly not seeing anything. I guess it's time for some eye training.

I am planning on spending the next few weeks going over my favourite strobist books and photographs as well as a few fashion mags too and working out how the light falls, how it works trying to improve my awareness of it so that next time I am on the street before I shoot, I will notice where the light is coming from, I will know what I want to achieve lightwise and I will be able to give light directions to whoever is assisting me to ensure that strobe bring my idea to life.

Yesterday I photographed the eldest of three brothers. I enjoyed meeting them. I saw them outside Old Spitafields Market. It turns out when they are not working, they spend their Saturdays cycling around London. How cool is that?!

The first two pictures are shot with ambient lighting alone while I used a strobe at 5 o'clock for the third one. I like the ones lit by ambient lighting as much as the one lit by the strobe hence the whole lighting entry today.

#13 Two for the price of one

Top tip: 'Want to boost your street confidence? Bring a friend.'

I headed out for the streets with the lovely Lady Velo today. After delicious dinner at our favourite dim sum place, we strolled down the Carnaby Street. I stopped this lovely lady below then encouraged Lady Velo to pick someone to go up to. First there was a gentleman with a hat but she was a little shy about asking someone who wasn't alone. Then we spotted the second lady battling with her bike and I suggested she asks her for a photo for her blog and she did! The lady said 'yes' and you can see her picture below. I fixed her bike so really at the end of it everyone was very happy. I hope Lady Velo uses the picture for her blog as I took the shot but she was the one who asked. 

Stopping strangers is so easy when you are not alone.

Lady #1

Lady #2

#9 "Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet."

Absolutely fantastic day out yesterday. Despite the rain, I managed to get a few really fab street portraits and plenty of 'yes' responses. Rejection blues truly over and forgotten.

This is Gemma from South Africa. She has now lived in London for 11 years. She was standing by Truman Brewery waiting for her friend. I really liked her look. Stylish girls on bikes rate highly in my books.

I spent the afternoon wandering around Brick Lane with Emil, who as always was kind enough to share his expertise. I mentioned a couple of entries before that when I am faced with a stranger, I simply forget what I know about photography and rush into snapping. 'You need a method', said Emil. 'I need a list.', I replied.

Here it is then written down so I don't forget:

1. Set the camera exposure to match the ambient light.

2. Take a test shot.

3. Review the test shot and direct the strobe (choose the ideal angle, power and distance from the subject)

4. Take another test shot and adjust the strobe not the camera settings.

5. Take three or four photographs varying the angles and composition each time.

6. Remember to breathe!

Thank you Emil.